While many of us spend the months of July and August dreaming about vacations along the Mediterranean (and the wardrobes that go along with them), I’d argue that some of the best summer style can be found not at the beach clubs and seaside tavernas of the coast, but right in the heart of the world’s fashion capitals, but above all Paris. Despite its recent headline-making heatwave, of perhaps because of it, the style in the French capital is especially good right now.
I just got back from a trip Paris where I strolled along the Left Bank, shopped in Marais, and had nights out in Pigalle. Everywhere I went, I was clocking what the city’s most stylish people were wearing and although the city’s style identities are as vast and diverse as its neighborhoods, I noticed several through lines that were impossible to ignore. Boarding my flight home, I was filled with so much styling inspiration that it was only right I share the warm-weather looks that are most popular among the French right now.
Bandana + Tank Top + Midi Skirt
There’s one single accessory that’s dominating the streets of Paris right now, it’s none other than the bandana. Whether a literal bandana or a printed silk scarf, all the coolest dressers are styling one in their hair to add a trend-forward detail to their summer outfits. I saw so many people styling them as a finishing touch with basic tanks and graphic tees.
Graphic Tee + Printed Bottoms + Flip-Flops
Speaking of graphic tees, I was surprised to see quite as many of them as I did. On the afternoon I spent shopping the Marais, I probably clocked easily 20 of these tees. They came in fun colorways and featured cheeky sayings in both English and French. The above outfit combo featuring the tee with a printed skirt and flip-flops is a perfect example of how I saw people wearing them.
T-Shirt + Drawstring Shorts + Ballet Flats
While some color popped here and there, I definitely spotted a lot of neutral looks, and Parisians are especially favoring all-white combos and using contrasting accessories to anchor them. White jeans and white drawstring shorts were two of the specific bottoms that I saw a lot of.
Caftan + Bold Jewelry + Woven Bag
When the heatwave took hold of the city, the style shifted accordingly, and I saw plenty of flowy caftan dresses—the kind that barely touch the body at all—paired with a singular bold beaded jewelry item like a necklace or bangle to add to the artsy feel.
White Blouse + Colored Shorts + Ballet Flats
Despite whatever the trend cycle may say, French people will always be faithful to the simple but everlasting combo of a pair of shorts (be it denim or something trendier like taffeta) and a pretty white top. It’s all about that playful contrast in energies between the boho top and sporty bottoms.
Matching Skirt Set + Woven Bag
In case you couldn’t tell by now, a romantic bias-cut skirt is somewhat of a style staple for the French and a pretty midi-length skirt is one piece I saw as the base to so many outfits. If they weren’t wearing one with a tee or tank, I spotted matching sets that paired back to a coordinating top like a halter.
Button-Down Shirt + Capri Pants + Baseball Hat
Yes, Capris are still very much a thing and yes, French women are still very much on board with them. Instead of dressing them up, however, I noticed how the styled mood leaned more casual like this combo of an oversized button-down shirt and baseball cap. It’s trendy-driven without trying too hard at all.
Loose Tank + Bermuda Shorts + Flat Sandals
As far as shorts go, it was all about long shorts when I was there. Track shorts, sporty board shorts, or Bermudas—it seemed to me like the “uglier”, the better here. They paired them with flowy tank tops for a relaxed-cool vibe.
Tank Top + Silk Pants + Minimalist Sandals
On the more minimalist side of things, I still noticed a number of elegant staples on French women, especially silk bias-cut pants which have been a favorite all year. For summer, chic people are wearing them with silk tanks and strappy sandals.
