5 Tops French Women Always Wear With Denim Shorts

a French woman wears a striped T-shirt with denim shorts

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

In the heat of the summer, the effortlessly chic style of French women shines through. Even though denim shorts are the ultimate laid-back wardrobe staple, Parisian women manage to make them look so dang chic by pairing them with specific types of tops. Cropped cardigans, for instance, are a popular choice, offering a polished option that exudes understated elegance. The French penchant for striped tops also comes into play, with classic Breton shirts making a timeless statement when paired with denim shorts.

They say to dress for the job you want, but I say to dress for the vacation you want. Sadly I don't have a trip to France planned this year, but that doesn't mean I won't be dressing the part and pretending I'm strolling through a Provençal town this summer. When it comes to styling my favorite pair of denim shorts, I'll be looking to French women for inspiration. Scroll down for outfit ideas aplenty.

1. Rugby Shirts

I'm simply obsessed with how Léna Farl styled her rugby shirt with denim shorts and red accessories. It's my ideal sporty-chic look for summer.

a woman wears a red and white striped T-shirt with denim shorts

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

2. Cropped Cardigans

I'll be copying Tamara Mory and wearing a cardigan sans a shirt this summer. Just one button will do.

a woman wears a pink cardigan with denim shorts

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

3. Denim Shirts

Denim on denim may be called a Canadian tuxedo, but French women are also fans. Camille Charrière looks chic wearing the trend with Chanel rain boots.

a woman wears a denim shirt with denim shorts and rain boots

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

4. Baby Tees

I'll always love my baggy tees, but French women are quite partial to fitted short-sleeve T-shirts right now.

two women wear long denim shorts with short-sleeve T-shirts

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

5. Breton Striped T-Shirts

Breton stripe tops are the ultimate classic choice. I feel like I belong on a yacht in Saint-Tropez whenever I wear one.

A french woman wears a striped T-shirt with denim shorts

(Image credit: @juliesfi)
Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.