18 French style outfit ideas
Take inspiration from stylish Parsiain girls to create summer outfits that will give you that French “je ne sais quoi.”
There is no need to go to the south of France. These outfit ideas will have you channeling Riviera style wherever your summer holiday takes you.
French style asseccories
As you can see in my mood boards, these French ladies absolutely love to complete their looks with a straw bag. Many of them are also wearing gold coin necklaces. So don’t forget to buy these essential accessories for recreating French summer outfits.
And while you are shopping, get a pair of espadrilles; they will give your different outfits an effortless and chic feeling.
Outfit nr 1: Brown high-wasted pants + White camisole
I love how earthy this outfit is, thanks to the brown pants. Just tuck in a white top and you are ready for adventure.
This outfit is suitable for meeting friends for brunch, as well as having a late-night al fresco dinner with a lover.
French girls love their camisoles, so make sure you get one in your favorite color. Sex appeal is included.
Outfit nr 2: Flower printed dress + Gladiator sandals
Keep it simple by combining a printed dress with a pair of neutral gladiator sandals. You will look feminine and carefree. This look is perfect for exploring a new city.
If you want even more outfit ideas, perfect for summer, read my article The best cute and casual summer outfits.
Outfit nr 3: Black waistcoat + Black pants
Sit and read at your favorite cafe or take a sightseeing tour around a new city; this outfit will give you the nonchalance of a French heroine. Waistcoats are trending for summer 2023. The patent leather accessories tie the outfit together.
Outfit nr 4: A printed v-neck top + Flared ankle length jeans
Wearing this outfit, you will look both modern and timeless. This outfit flatters many different body types. Just like Jeanne Damas, wear this when visiting a garden. Or why not explore a museum? The top and jeans will protect against the aircon.
Outfit nr 5: White flowy top + White wide-leg jeans
Take a trip to the marina, go for a stroll and look the part thanks to this brilliant French summer outfit.
French It-girls love their white romantic blouses.
Combined yours with white denim. The look becomes sweet and innocent and incredibly chic.
Outfit nr 6: A blue shirtdress + White sneakers
When you are wondering how to create French summer outfits, don’t overlook a simple shirtdress. French girls also love their white sneakers, so this combination is perfect when you want to channel Parisian style.
Have a coffee and enjoy the warm summer sunshine.
Outfit nr 7: Breton top + White denim shorts
For visiting the local market, I recommend white denim shorts and a Breton top. Pick up newly harvested vegetables and French cheese and you can pretend to be in Saint Tropez.
If you want even more French style inspiration, make sure you read my article on How to dress like a French woman over 50. The tips and tricks work regardless of your age.
Outfit nr 8: Gingham dress + Matching sneakers
Match your favorite dress with a pair of new sneakers.
If you want to wear one of the best French summer outfits, I recommend trying anything gingham. If not a dress, it can be a top or a pair of shorts. Gingham has been a French girl staple since Brigitte Bardot made the print famous.
Outfit nr 9: Red printed top + Denim skirt
If you want to look Parisian, a denim skirt is always a good idea. This kind of skirt works particularly well with a feminine top. French girls also love to add red to their outfits.
Outfit nr 10: Black top + Black short skirt
Some summer nights call for an all-black outfit. Once again, this Parisian-born girl is wearing her neutral gladiator sandals. The combination of a long-sleeved top and a short skirt is brilliant if you ask me. She also didn’t forget her gold coin necklace.
Choosing clothes from your favorite in this article will result in an excellent capsule wardrobe. If you wanna know how to pack like a French girl for your next trip, read my article The ultimate French summer capsule wardrobe.
Outfit nr 11: White T-shirt + Printed midi skirt
Here is another epic outfit, thanks to the impact of the red skirt. This time the French girl combined her printed skirt with a white T-shirt. This is a smart styling trick you can start using right away.
French girls are all about that sweet combination of neutral clothes and eye-catching clothes.
Outfit nr 12: White shirt + Blue denim shorts
Yet another example of a perfect French summer outfit. You probably already have a pair of denim shorts and a white shirt in your closet. What makes this outfit work is the fact that she elevates the simple shorts with her shirt, but also with her ladylike shoes and bags.
The result has cool-girl written all over it.
Outfit nr 13: Black top + Linen Blazer + Blue denim
French girls love to wear their linen blazers in the summertime.
What I love about this outfit is how classic the jeans are. They match perfectly with the beige linen blazer. Her neutral accessories help to give her outfit that French nonchalance.
Outfit nr 14: Navy cashmere sweater + Blue denim skirt
Just because it’s summer, you don’t need to tuck away your cashmere sweaters. A chunky sweater is perfect for chilly summer nights.
The texture of her sweater is divine and the denim skirt is too cute. She is ready to explore the streets of Paris.
Once again, you can study the power of a few well-chosen accessories.
Outfit nr 15: Red T-shirt + Printed midi skirt
French girls also love their midi-length skirts. Take note and order one for yourself.
The length gives these It-girls a ladylike appeal.
The T-shirt keeps this particular outfit fresh and youthful. Do notice the classic black sandals and her red toenails.
Outfit nr 16: White flowy top + Blue jeans
This is such a classic outfit; promise me that you try it once this summer. Take a white top of your liking and combine it with your favorite jeans. Perfect the look with black sandals. This look seems to never go out of style.
This picture could have been from the 90s, or it could have been snapped yesterday.
If someone invites you to dinner at their place, this is how you want to dress.
Outfit nr 17: Linen blazer + Printed midi dress
We already talked about the linen blazer. This is a workhorse when it comes to creating French summer outfits.
Here, I show the same blazer, but this time, throw it over your favorite dress.
The result is that perfect mix of feminine and masculine that makes French style so on-point. Wear this outfit to a date.
Outfit nr 18: Navy cardigan + Printed midi skirt
When you are shopping for groceries, do combine your midiskirt with a cardigan for a feminine French summer outfit.
Picking up milk has never looked this stylish.
Having a coffee date with your mum? This is an equally good outfit for having cake.
A Final Note
Look at these pictures and ask yourself which outfits resonate the most with you. Try to make similar outfits with the clothes you already own.
When you want to create even more French summer outfits, make a shopping list and search for the missing pieces.
Some of the clothes I have shown here are from previous seasons of Realisation Par and Reformation. Search on eBay for the best deals.
The best style is achieved by cool vintage finds.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
