7 French Summer Outfits That Always Look Chic

A heatwave is expected across much of Europe this week, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). And as I write these lines from Amsterdam, the air already feels heavy with summer; tomorrow, the forecast is 32°C. I am not complaining in the least, although sleeping through a European heatwave is its own quiet adventure :). Most homes and apartments here are not equipped with air conditioning, and in places like the historic centre of Amsterdam, where so many buildings are centuries old, installing it can be rather complicated.

Still, there is something I love about these very warm days. They give us permission to bring out all the beautiful things that spend most of the year folded away: embroidered white tops, linen trousers, cotton dresses, flat leather sandals, raffia bags, and all those light, easy pieces that suddenly feel exactly right.

So, naturally, this week’s weather inspired this article. Whether you are currently living through a heatwave, preparing for a holiday somewhere warm, or simply trying to dress more elegantly when the temperature rises, I wanted to share a few French summer outfit formulas you can recreate easily, wherever you are. The idea is not to make you feel that you need an entirely new wardrobe. Quite the opposite. Most of these looks can be put together with pieces you may already own: a white blouse, a pair of linen trousers, a simple dress, a basket bag, a pair of sandals. And if something is missing, I have also included a few pieces that recently caught my eye.

Before we move into the outfits, I wanted to begin with a few pieces, colours, and details I particularly love this season, the kind of small choices that can make a summer wardrobe feel more current, more feminine, and more personal.

• First, soft colours. I have been drawn to pale, flattering shades, especially on fair complexions like mine: vanilla yellow, cream, soft white, pastel pink, pale blue, light grey with an almost silvery quality, and touches of gold.
• Then, embroidered white tops. I wrote about this bohemian-chic mood on Léonce Chenal two years ago, around Chemena Kamali’s first Chloé show, and I still love it just as much. There is something very 1970s, very feminine, very effortless about a white cotton blouse with embroidery, lace, ruffles, volume, or a hint of transparency. It is the kind of piece that does most of the work for you. Wear it with high-rise wide-leg jeans and leather sandals, or with espadrille wedges for a more holiday mood.
• I am also very fond of beautiful summer textures: linen, of course, but also cotton, satin, silkier fabrics, leather, raffia, and even suede when used lightly. A leather skirt, a soft suede jacket, or a beautiful leather accessory can bring that subtle Hermès-like polish to an otherwise very simple summer outfit.
• Light jackets are another piece I love for summer mornings and cooler evenings: a cropped suede jacket, a small pastel jacket with that soft Chloé spirit, a leather blazer, or a casual short jacket worn over a light dress. In summer, when outfits are often very bare and simple, the right jacket can add just enough structure.
• Tailored shorts and linen Bermuda shorts are also worth considering. They can be incredibly chic when the proportions are right, especially with a crisp shirt, a feminine blouse, or a simple tank top and elegant flat sandals.
• And instead of always reaching for a summer dress, I love the idea of a skirt: perhaps a leather midi skirt, a mini skirt, or even a satin skirt adorned with pearls, worn simply with a classic T-shirt. It brings a slightly unexpected note to summer dressing, something effortless but considered.
• Finally, of course, summer dresses. Linen, cotton, long, short, white, black, pastel, printed, the most important thing is that you feel beautiful and at ease in them.

With that in mind, here are 7 French summer outfit formulas to wear all season long.

---

Some links in this article are shared with compensation from Reformation. It’s not sponsored, all writing and choices are my own. If you choose to buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you. Merci.

1. The White Shirt With Sequined Shorts

I absolutely adore this summer outfit! To recreate this look, just pair your favorite sequined shorts (like this superb cut from tulle) with a tucked-in white cotton-poplin shirt (I love ) with buttoned cuffs that you can roll up for a more relaxed take. Add a pair of flat sandals with coiled straps inspired by classic gladiator styles like these (handmade on the beautiful island of Crete) and your favorite raffia tote.

2. The Maxi Floral Dress

This chic yet comfortable summer look is perfect for any of your beach gateways and city adventures. Wear your favorite floral maxi dress ( makes luxe floral dresses sure to evoke wanderlust) with slide sandals like these .

3. The All-White Outfit

I really adore how she put together this white and gold outfit, combining tweed and satin fabrics. To recreate this look, wear a très chic white or ecru tweed jacket with white wide-leg silk pants. Consider opting for this chic and timeless that you can wair with or this elegant and structured with gold buttons.

4. The Suit Jacket With Wide-Leg Silk Pants

Here’s a stylish summer office look that I love! The combination of a black (or navy blue?) suit jacket with wide-leg silk pants in a beige hue is simply perfect. The pairing of beige with navy blue or black is a great combination.

To re-create this look, consider opting for this with a double-breasted button fastening and a wide velvet collar or this with gold-tone buttons. Wear it with made from tan silk satin that have a casual yet refined appearance. And add a pair of chic flat sandals like these embellished with crystals and pearls.

5. The Oversized Shirt With Straight-Leg Jeans

This outfit perfectly embodies the Parisian summer style —simple yet refined. If you’re a faithful reader of Leonce Chenal, chances are you probably already own all the necessary items to replicate this look.

You’ll need a white oversized shirt (this summer, I wear Sézane’s Max Shirt on repeat) and cropped straight-leg jeans like these . Add a pair of ballet flats from the Parisian brand , which features sumptuous fabrics crafted into delicate feminine designs.

6. The Black Maxi Dress

This outfit is perfect for a chic summer soirée. Wear your favorite black maxi dress (I love made from smooth stretch jersey and hits to a maxi length) with chic ballet flats like these made in Italy from velvety black suede. The gorgeous lady in the photo is wearing the timeless , crafted from buttery leather.

7. The Knit Midi Dress With a Basket Bag

It’s one of these très chic French summer outfits suitable for any occasion. The beautiful lady in the photo is wearing this from the French luxury clothing brand Patou, with the handmade in Spain from Wicker. She has a pair of made from shiny patent leather, which fastens with the label’s signature crystal-embellished square buckle.

8. The White Oversized Shirt With Beige Linen Pants

I really love this elegant summer outfit; perfect for the office! Pair your favorite white oversized shirt (my ultimate favorite is the Sézane’s Max Shirt) with chic yet comfortable linen pants and chic slide sandals like these . This summer, I love the effortlessly chic . Inspired by the most classic tailoring, they’ve been made in Italy from linen and wool-blend in versatile brown.

9. The Peplum Top With Cropped Pants

The peplum top is undeniably chic! Characterized by a flared, gathered, or pleated piece of fabric at the waistline, it gained popularity in the early 2010s and has recently made a comeback in the past years. These new peplums feel less over the top and have a more subtle flare. Consider wearing this with these .

10. The White Maxi Dress

A white dress is a summer staple that can be worn for any occasion, be it a casual beach barbecue or an all-white party. It offers both comfort and chic style throughout the season, making it the ideal dress for sunny days ahead. This summer, I love this cut from an organic cotton blend that is detailed with broderie anglaise. This dress requires nothing more than a chic raffia bag or a stylish pair of sandals.