When They're Not Wearing Jeans, People in Paris Wear These 5 Staples
We study French-girl style in depth here at Who What Wear, and if there is one thing I've learned, it's that jeans—predominantly vintage-inspired, straight-leg pairs—are practically a second skin to Parisians. While they still wear jeans extensively in the summer, the French also gravitate toward a handful of stylish staples to keep them looking effortlessly cool as the temps rise.
If you love Parisian style as much as we do, take a peek below to see the jean alternatives French people rely on throughout the summer. Plus, get inspired on how to style these staples. Of course, I also included plenty of shopping picks to help you get the look.
Floral Dresses
The French love pretty floral dresses. Once temperatures warm up, you'll likely spot a stylish Parisian sporting a slip-style silhouette or a short-sleeve minidress with a pair of flat sandals, wedges, or mules.
Shop:
Minimalist Miniskirts
Whether styled with a tank, tee, or button-down, the French fashion set has an affinity for sleek, minimalist miniskirts. They'll wear them throughout the summer and tend to style them with ballet flats, flat sandals, or kitten heels.
Shop:
Denim Shorts
Okay, so the French won't get rid of their denim that easily. In the summer, they'll swap their straight-leg jeans for a pair of high-waisted vintage-inspired denim shorts, which they may style with a button-down shirt or blazer in the city to add a polished touch.
Shop:
Silky Slip Dresses
Simple silky slip dresses are a dress style practically every French woman wears in summer. They're easy to style for both day and night. Whether you opt for a vintage-inspired one with lace trim or a simple midi silhouette, the versatile dress always looks chic.
Shop:
Loose Tailored Trousers
Loose or relaxed tailored trousers are a year-round favorite for the French fashion set. In summer, you'll see lighter tones and fabrics paired with tees, tank tops, and sandals.
Shop:
Next, 8 Dress Trends French Women Always Reach for in Summer
Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
I'm Sad Too, But According to Parisians, These 7 Trends Aren't Making the Cut in 2025
Plus, the seven that are.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
People in Paris Wear These 4 Elegant Items, and They'll Be Essentials in 2025
Chic staples ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
IG Has Billions of Accounts, But These 6 French Creators Will You Teach You Everything to Know About Style
Let them transport you straight to Paris.
By Emma Spedding
-
5 Affordable Wardrobe Investments French Women Are Making in 2025
On y va!
By Ana Escalante
-
This French Brand Has the Perfect Anti-Canvas Tote—and It's Already Trending
It's time to say goodbye to that scruffy old canvas shopper.
By Emma Spedding
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes
"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
By Anna LaPlaca
-
6 Winter Accessory Trends All the Chic French Women Are Suddenly Into
The easiest outfit upgrades.
By Natalie Cantell
-
If a Chic Parisian Shopped the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale, These 38 Items Would Be the Standouts
Elevated silhouettes ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler