I may be an honorary French woman, but due to my love of the city, I’m yet to embody that famous je ne sais quoi when it comes to the subtle art of holiday dressing. That distinguishable French chicness transcends to holiday wear, too, and just like with their city looks, French women evoke a certain nonchalance when dressing for hot weather holidays. The wardrobe components and simplicity remain, but there are a few tweaks in accordance with the forecast and some skin-bearing styles woven in amongst practical basics.
I’ve perused a fair few feeds of my favourite fashion people and noticed that come summer, many French women retire to the Côte d'Azur and neighbouring destinations to lean into a slower pace of life and soak up the sun. The aforementioned holidays consist of windswept hair, picnics and restful beach days, reflected in the casual and pared-back wardrobes.
French women have favoured basket bags, two-piece sets and crochet maxi dresses for decades. They’re also accustomed to outfits that appear effortless, although very much in an intentional way, like a scarf worn as a bandeau or a swimsuit in place of a tank top with shorts thrown over the top.
Although French women have a strong sense of individuality in their style, there are universal themes many women adhere to whilst holidaying. Crisp shirts are swapped for linen and this practical style of dressing is extended to the beach. Typically, daytime outfits are casual and activity-friendly. Come evening, all the stops are pulled out and accessories are piled high after a day spent in the sun.
I’ve studied many outfit recipes throughout the years and deduced the formula for pared-back outfits you’re likely to see French women wearing on holiday. Keep scrolling for six timeless outfits loved by French women if you’re looking for inspiration for what to wear this summer.
1. Linen Shirt and Shorts Set + Basket Bag + Swimwear
Style Notes: The shorts-and-swimsuit pairing is a combination I frequently see on the feeds of French women. I adore the ingenuity of using a swimsuit as a style element and building an outfit to encompass it. Adding overstated jewels and a raffia hat can elevate this look further. Lean into the rich colour pallete and match cocoa accents across all your accessories.
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No holiday outfit is complete without a wide-brim hat, and Lack of Colours is one of the most renowned headwear brands on the market.
With Nothing Underneath is fast becoming a frontrunner for women's shirts because the quality is truly exceptional.
A glossy brown swimsuit with concealed underwear for added lift.
You'll keep these shorts in your holiday capsule and re-wear them every summer.
This year, bold earrings are dominating summer accessory trends. What better style for beachy days than one reminiscent of a seashell?
Wrap this around the nook of your bag handle, just like French women do.
Woven leather accessories are a welcome break from rattan totes. They're also easy to transition throughout the seasons.
Porte and Paire masters sandals with barely-there straps. This pair features an ankle-tie strap, which you can style high or low on the leg.
2. Sundress + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: You can't dispute the elegance of a classic sundress, and for summer 2023 bandeau dresses are in the spotlight. This silhouette speaks volumes. Pair it with flats, pearl accents and the same basket bag you wear during the day.
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I can't stop thinking about this beautiful silhouette.
A pop of gold will round off an evening look.
Loewe continues to dominate the basket bag category years on with its iconic and timeless styles.
It's no wonder Gallic women have swiftly inherited this mesh mary-jane iteration.
3. Crochet Dress + Oversized Bag
Style Notes: French women were fans of crochet knits long before their resurgence in 2022. Granted, it's a flirty style, but it's also weather-wicking. Crochet dresses can be styled in many ways, from a beach cover-up to an evening dress worn with a slip underneath. For the day, simply add a basket bag and slides.
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For the second year running, this & Other Stories piece has been a big hit on the high street.
Demellier expertly crafts a range of bags you can wear both to the office and the beach.
These are one of my favourite pairs of sandals on the high street this season.
4. A Relaxed Shirt + Linen Skirt
Style Notes: Celebrate natural fabrics and tease proportions with this classic look. Although the separate components feel smart, the organic textures and fuss-free footwear loan this an easy-wear appeal. Wear the shirt buttoned, opened or tied to create three different looks.
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This indie brand specialises in core staples that constitute a capsule wardrobe. You'll find linen shorts, trousers, relaxed shirts and subtle prints.
Tona produces some of my favourite bikinis. The styles are designed with bigger busts in mind, providing support without compromising on classic designs, like the balcony cut. Wear this in place of a bra when journeying to the beach.
Linen skirts make up the majority of my summer looks.
A rustic alternative to Loewe's raffia basket bag. It's perfect for summer days.
Don't sleep on classic flip-flops. They're streamlined and perfect for all eventualities, even relaxed evening looks.
5. A-Line Mini + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: A simple yet effective outfit that's guaranteed to never date. The barely-there accessories tie this minimalist look together.
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Wear a floaty A-line dress with slip-on sandals for a fuss-free holiday look.
Nine times out of ten my hair is in a claw clip, especially on holiday.
The deep brown trim sets this basket bag apart from other styles that often boast an orangey-tan hue.
A dainty chain with the sweetest nod to the ocean.
These may be trend led, but I'd keep and wear them for many summers to come.
6. Bandana Top + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Scarf accessories are so underrated—you can use them in so many ways. Get one with big enough proportions and you can actually wear it as a top or a sarong.
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A truly hardworking accessory.
Everyone needs a pair of throw-on linen trousers, and the cut and quality of this pair is second to none.
This bag is even more special in real life. Handcrafted in Morocco, each is ever-so-slightly unique.
Thong sandals are a quick way to elevate this otherwise laid-back outfit—with one swap you can go from beach to dinner.
Shop More French-Inspired Holiday Pieces:
Pair this top with a vintage-hued pelmet skirt for the ultimate Parisian-inspired summer look.
No French woman's holiday wardrobe is complete without classic espadrilles.
A chic beach or market companion.
Just a slight touch of floral.
An organic jute bag big enough to house all your essentials and more. It's considerably easier to pack than the structured alternatives, too.
These macrame sandals remind me of a market find I regularly used to wear in the noughties.
A tailored linen dress with a deep V-neck.
Stripe & Stare x Eveliina is a capsule collection that doesn't compromise on sustainability. It includes playful prints and classic motifs that are often celebrated by French women. Although the brand focuses on underwear, this style is far too pretty to be hidden indoors. Pair it with A-line shorts after a day spent in the sun.
This print is a permanent part of Reformation's summer collection and it's clear to see why. It's a true classic.
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