There is no season like summer. Beach vacations, al fresco Aperol spritzes, what’s not to love? As we head towards warmer, sunnier days, I find myself looking for wardrobe inspiration, and if there’s one source I return to every year, it’s the streets of Paris.
No one embodies warm weather style like French women. They somehow manage to create the simplest outfit combinations improbably Chic. With her unique way of crafting timeless classics or vintage pieces and mixing them with modern trends, her outfits always look effortless.
And as for summer classics like broderie anglaise dresses, polka dot skirts, bohemian tops, and mini dresses, take inspiration from these women on how to reimagine them in ways that make them feel relevant and new again.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe, I’ve compiled an edit of five French-inspired outfit combinations that you’ll be copying this season. Read on to find out more.
5 French Girl Summer Outfits for 2026
1. Broderie Anglaise Dress + Jelly Sandals + Straw Bag
Style Notes: Broderie Anglaise dresses are a classic that appears every summer. Their intricate details and subtle textures make them a minimum effort, maximum impact piece that requires just a few accessories. Straw bags and broderie are a winning combination, but if you want to add a touch of interest, don’t sleep on jelly shoes. Iterations of The Row from 2024 are the inspiration behind the current knitted styles we’re seeing everywhere, and they feel more adult and serious than our childhood versions. Choose red for a burst of colour.
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DOEN
Almadia Crochet-Trimmed Remy Mini Dress
kurt geiger
Nauru Ballet Flat
Jelly shoes are very popular this season.
An essential accessory for summer.
Linda Farrow
jessica sunglasses
Tilly Sivas Jewelry
gold torque bangle
2. Cropped Vest + Polkadot Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Anyone who tells you that polkadots are dead this season clearly has their eyes closed. Not only are they everywhere, as is customary for this time of year, but they have expanded far beyond the standard monochrome. Butter yellow and brown or brown and cobalt blue are trending color combinations for summer, and as skirts they give a vintage look. Keep everything else really simple and streamlined so it doesn’t overwhelm you. A simple vest top and ballet flats will help let the skirt take center stage.
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anthropology
Lyrebird Square-Neck Shelf-Bra Tank Top
just a little
Asymmetrical Polka Dot Midi Skirt
Keep quiet
Lumen Leather Weave Ballet Flat
A softer alternative to black.
Daisy London Jewelry
Red Jasper Organic Double Drop Earrings 18K Gold Plate
A lovely addition to any outfit.
MS
Metallic Braided Cross Body Bag
3. Broderie Blouse + Straight Jeans + Heeled Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Another broderie option for summer Blouse. They come in a variety of silhouettes, from cropped and puff sleeve to vest-like and flared, but all have a bohemian charm. Lean into that and pair with a maxi skirt or ground the femininity with a pair of vintage wash straight-leg jeans for a contrast that feels cool and chic.
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inserted
Calla Straight Ankle Jeans – Pacific
My all-time favorite pair of jeans.
damelier
sienna bucket
An attractive look on the bucket bag.
and other stories
freshwater pearl necklace
Great for layering with fine gold chains.
4. Cardigan + Lace Shorts + Slingback
Style Notes: Lace-hem satin shorts are the latest product The trend of lingerie as outerwear is something we see rearing its head as the temperatures rise, but it seems to be sticking around more than most people realize. It’s still sensual and feminine, but feels less risque than corsets and see-through slip dresses and has the versatility to be used in your current wardrobe. A less-is-more approach is best when styling these. A thin cashmere cardigan maintains softness but contrasts the texture, while slingback heels keep the look from falling into loungewear territory.
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rise fall
silk-cotton cardigan
Improvement
fern satin short
valentino garavani
Leather Pointe Slingback Heels
massimo datti
braided textured ring
5. Mini Dress + Ballet Flats + Pillbox Hat
Shop the look:
Deji Studio
Tie-Detailed Linen Mini Dress
A great outfit for day or night.
le monde beryl
Stella Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Ballet flats don’t have to be boring.
massimo datti
100% raffia skullcap hat
Straw hats have just become more attractive.
Gunther
Black leather bag with passement detail
The brand loved by Parisians.
le specifications
Outta Love Oval-Frame Polycarbonate Sunglasses
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