French style has always inspired me. However, I’ve realized that in summer it has something special. It is natural, elegant and effortless at the same time. The French rarely follow all the season’s trends, but they manage to keep their looks current year after year. That’s why I set out to notice which clothes really repeated in their wardrobes, and I discovered that, beyond brands (or budget), they all shared a single way of understanding fashion.
The secret is, nothing less than, to build a solid base of versatile basics. I’m talking about those quality pieces, with natural fabrics, colors easy to mix, and silhouettes that flatter without being too tight. A good example would be linen shirts, simple dresses, wide-leg pants, raffia totes, or minimalist sandals that appear again and again in the street style of Paris, the Côte d’Azur, or Bordeaux.
They are basics that work season after season because they don’t depend on a specific trend, but on a much more timeless pattern of sophistication. After analyzing dozens of looks, I understood that I didn’t have to dress exactly like them, but to adopt that philosophy of buying less and choosing better. That’s what I’ve done.
Six staples for a French summer wardrobe
Pantalón estampado burdeos de Cortefiel, 29,99 euros.
Bordeaux-printed trousers from Cortefiel, 29.99 euros. You can wear them with tank tops for pool days, with linen shirts for an office meeting, or with lace tops if you’re after a more sophisticated option. They enhance the tan, are comfortable and very fresh.
Vestido floral verde de Mango Outlet, 17,99 euros.
Green floral dress from Mango Outlet, 17,99 euros. Simple dresses are part of the summer uniform of any Parisian. This design is one of the prettiest. It is feminine, comfortable and very easy to wear. You’ll reach for it at all hours, whether heading to the office, a laid-back afternoon with friends, or a sunset date.
Vestido rojo de Kiabi, 20 euros.
Red dress from Kiabi, 20 euros. It’s minimalist, loose, and ultra comfortable. Since it doesn’t cling to the silhouette, it will give you plenty of freedom of movement. And the best part is you’ll only need a pair of leather sandals, a handbag, and discreet jewelry for a ten-out-of-ten look.
Camisa de lino azul de Zara, 22,95 euros.
Blue linen shirt from Zara, 22,95 euros. Its silhouette updates a timeless staple and achieves a fresh, flattering and very easy-to-mix result. Moreover, its pastel blue tone provides an irresistible touch that pairs (and very well) with whites, beiges or denim.
Capazo de rafia de Zahati, 145 euros.
Capazo de rafia de Zahati, 145 euros. It was love at first sight. It’s one of the prettiest, most delicate, and timeless bags you’ll be able to pair with practically any look you have in mind, from the simplest to the most special.
Sandalias minimalistas de Ulanka, 39,95 euros.
Sandals minimalistas de Ulanka, 39,95 euros. Finally, this type of sandals are a must-have. Their simple design makes them pair with practically any dress, skirt, or pants you have in mind. They are comfortable, timeless and elegant. You can’t ask for more.
