5 Stylish Ways French Women Are Wearing Shorts This Summer

Here is how French women style shorts in summer and look sophisticated. A great pair of shorts is the item that probably gets the most use throughout the summer months. And if chosen well, nice tailored shorts paired with blouses, blazers, and chic sandals can look chic and elegant.

In Paris, I think it’s considered acceptable to wear shorts in the city when the weather gets warm (from 25°C or 77°F) and especially during “la canicule” (heat wave). Being French, I feel more comfortable (and safer) wearing bermuda shorts with a tailored finish than skirts or dresses in Paris. And despite still being “shorts,” I think the longer length makes them feel more elevated, less casual, and perfectly work-appropriate.

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Which style of shorts to shop for?

Shorts can be the perfect summer wardrobe staple for staying cool, comfortable, and chic in the heat. However, here, I’m not talking about any kind of shorts. Forget about too-short shorts, baggy, running, cyclist, biker, or distressed denim shorts (and maybe even denim shorts in general, except white ones).

Instead, consider opting for long and tailored shorts or bermuda in high-quality, breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen, or silk) that hit the knee or fall just above. They can be close-fitting but not too tight.

If you’re after office-appropriate shorts, consider opting for these Loulou Studio twill shorts (cut in twill blended with linen, it also exists in color sand). Or, if you’re looking for perfect tailored shorts, check out these très chic Totême belted cotton-twill shorts. For linen, opt for these beautiful polished Tod’s linen shorts or these Anine Bing Carrie shorts. I also love these beautiful Khaite Rillo pleated twill shorts, perfect to wear with a tucked-in blouse.

How do French women style shorts?

French women definitely know how to make this casual item look chic and sophisticated: they keep it dressy. Give your favorite tailored shorts a sophisticated spin by pairing them with a nice pair of espadrilles (I love these Castaner Chiara 80 espadrilles) or chic flat sandals like these ATP Atelier Aquara sandals or Chloé Rebecca leather sandals. Add an oversized white or blue shirt (in cotton-poplin or linen) cinched at the waist and a statement belt. Et voilà!

Keep scrolling below for more outfit inspiration and to find out how French women style shorts and look effortlessly chic.

1. Matching Set + Leather Sandals

For the perfect office-appropriate outfit to wear during the hottest days, consider opting for these Sandro tailored bermudas with the matching jacket. Elevate this look with a crisp cotton blouse and these chic Chloé Rebecca leather sandals.

2. Blue Shirt + Strappy Sandals

I love the simplicity of the look! Just pair your favorite white shorts with a blue tucked-in cotton-poplin shirt like this beautiful Matteau striped shirt and chic strappy sandals (I love these ATP Atelier Aquara sandals).

3. Breton Stripes + Espadrilles

This is the perfect summer look to wander the cobblestone streets of the South of France. Wear your favorite marinière (mine is the Sézane Colette marinière) with chic white Anine Bing Carrie shorts and Castaner Chiara 80 espadrilles. If you prefer the comfort of flats I recommend these beautiful K Jacques St Tropez Epicure sandals.

4. Lavallière Blouse + Two-tone Pumps

This chic outfit is perfect for a summer soirée! Wear these fabulous Khaite Rillo pleated twill shorts with a chic pussy-bow silk-chiffon blouse and these Porte & Paire two-tone pumps. Très chic!

5. Linen Blazer + Suede Slippers

I absolutely adore this look, which is perfectly work-appropriate! Pair these Tod’s linen shorts with this beautiful linen blazer. Add a white t-shirt underneath like this Totême linen-jersey T-shirt and these Gucci Princetown suede slippers.