The 8-Piece Capsule Wardrobe French Women Rely On in the Summer

by Kristen Nichols

You know this already—we have a thing for French style. This probably doesn’t come as a big surprise, as we’ve investigated everything from the pieces Parisians fill their homes with to their favourite style of dress. In other words, we’ve done our research narrowing in on how they achieve that je ne sais quoi, and now we’re diving into their summer wardrobes.

French fashion people like Jeanne Damas, Sabina Socol and Anne-Laure Mais seem to line their closets (and suitcases) with many of the same items and follow a few of the same rules. The guidelines are pretty straightforward. First, keep your palette neutral. Stick to classic shades like navy, white, and red, as well as earthy tones like tan and rust. You’ll have a hard time finding French women wearing anything too jarring like neon. Next, when wearing prints, go for seasonless patterns. Much like an It bag that’s associated with the time it debuted, prints can look tired after a few months. You can avoid making your outfit look dated by wearing prints like polka dots, gingham and simple florals, which will never date. Last, you can never go wrong by following the lead of late icon Jane Birkin. Whether it’s emulating her basket bag, cropped hemlines, or layered necklaces, her decades of quintessentially Parisian style serve as an eternal source of inspiration for us all.

Keep reading to see the eight pieces that define French summer style.

Photo:

@adenorah

Style Notes: Cat-eye sunglasses are an effortless way to nail a vintage look. Match a pair of retro white sunnies with a timeless statement blouse.

Photo:

@pomelokiwie

Style Notes: And clearly, there's a penchant for white frames…

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Celine Eyewear

Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses

£300

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These will elevate any outfit.

Mango

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

£20

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Mango makes great affordable sunnies.

Photo:

@lenafarl

Style Notes: If it's printed, it's a dress and it has a slightly retro lilt to it, then you'll definitely tap into that French summer look.

Photo:

@emmanuellek_

Style Notes: Best worn with gold jewellery and simple flats or sandals.

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& Other Stories

Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

£120

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A day-to-night style.

Reformation

Nadira Dress Es

£298

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I love this micro-floral print.

Photo:

@camillecharriere

Style Notes: Puff sleeves, broderie anglaise and cropped lengths are all popular takes on a classic idea in Paris.

Photo:

@melodiebance

Style Notes: Milkmaid blouses make up for 90% of the white tops we see on French girls right now.

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Staud

Finley Twist-Front Cotton-Blend Top

£235

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This classic style will always feel modern.

Sézane

Celestia Blouse

£105

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The details on this blouse are stunning.

Photo:

@sabinasocol

Style Notes: The French-woman one-piece is modest, but it must be more than your average wear-it-for-lengths kind of sporty silhouette. Think cute prints, low necklines or cut-out details.

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Style Notes: In case you hadn't guessed, gingham is a winner among the Gallic style set.

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Tory Burch

Checked Seersucker Swimsuit

£132

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A not-so-basic one piece.

Photo:

@claire_most

Style Notes: It's a combination that works universally: Straight-leg jeans, a white tee and shoes of your choice.

Photo:

@leasy_inparis

Style Notes: And there's no better partner for the aforementioned white blouses.

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Arket

Dahlia Straight Stretch Jeans

£79

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Editors love Arket's denim and this straight style is a personal favourite.

Photo:

@ariadibari

Style Notes: When in France, wear espadrilles. They may be a Spanish shoe, but the French have wholeheartedly adopted them into their classic summer repertoires.