Ever since the calendar struck June, Paris has seen a shocking number of days well above 80 degrees. And since the city has about as many air conditioners as it does brands of sparkling flavored water (approximately zero), the only way to survive the heat is to wear as light (and as little clothing) as possible. So what does one wear in Paris when it sizzles? For that, look to the cool French girls.
There are a few pieces that I’ve spotted on repeat this year while people-watching in the trendy 11th arrondissement: White dresses come in every length, style, and level of primness. Tops have gotten itty-bitty, with French girls wearing ones with spaghetti straps, peek-a-boo lace, and cropped hems, all paired with long denim shorts or slinky skirts. What’s on their feet, you ask? When it’s too hot for cowboy boots, French girls are reaching for their dainty kitten-heeled mules that are cool enough for Carrie Bradshaw (circa SATC, not AJLT) and comfortable enough to trot from a rendezvous in Oberkampf to an apéro by the Seine.
Below are the five trends French girls are wearing this summer, from $10.
Flowy White Dresses
Anrabess Spaghetti Strap Sundress
Amazon
- Anrabess Spaghetti Strap Sundress, $40, amazon.com
- Btfbm Womens Lightweight Maxi Dresses, $54, amazon.com
- Wafg Selene Lace Trim Cotton Midi Dress, $99, nordstrom.com
- Petal & Pup Alisha Floral Jacquard Maxi Dress, $109, nordstrom.com
- Fisoew Cut-Out Boho Maxi Dress, $44, amazon.com
In Paris, you can spot white flowy dresses in every style flavour. Think: Loose maxi ones (like the Anrabess Spaghetti Strap Sundress) for the boho-chic tribe, pintucked ones (like the Btfbm Lightweight Maxi Dresses) for the prairiecore crowd, and fit-and-flare ones (like the Wayf Selene Lace Trim Cotton Midi Dress) for those whose style leans sweet. For the ultimate French girl styling trick, team them, no matter its style, with an unexpected bag, such as one in a loud print or color) and unexpected shoe, like a cowboy boot or clog.
Itty Bitty Tanks
Pinkmstyle Square Neck Lace Cami
Amazon
- miduo Satin V Neck Lace Trim Cami, $24, amazon.com
- Pinkmstyle Square Neck Lace Cami, $27, amazon.com
- Free People Sofia Embroidered Mesh Tank Top, $78, nordstrom.com
- Treasure & Bond Lace Trim Pointelle Tank Top, $30, nordstrom.com
- Trendy Queen Tank Top, $18, amazon.com
This trend may have gotten started by the French high schoolers who wear what seems to be a cool kid uniform—baggy sweatpants or knee-length boy shorts with a teeny tiny tank—and now everyone’s doing it, no matter their style. Do like a traditional French girl and wear a boudoir-inspired one such as the miduo Satin V Neck Lace Trim Cami. Fan of Chloé? Opt for Free People Sofia Embroidered Mesh Tank Top, which will pair perfectly with a long chunky gold necklace and shorts. If your style skews ’90s, choose a tank with a straight neck and cropped silhouette, like Trendy Queen’s Tank Top, and team it with a slinky skirt (more on that below).
Jorts
Levi’s Women’s 94 Baggy Shorts
Amazon
- Levi’s Women’s 94 Baggy Shorts, $50 (Originally $60), amazon.com
- IWD Bermuda Cargo Denim Shorts, $34, amazon.com
- Wit & Wisdom High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts, $68, nordstrom.com
- Plnotme High Waisted Denim Shorts, $40, amazon.com
- Daze Cruiser Distressed Denim Shorts, $56 (Originally $78), nordstrom.com
Jean shorts prove to be one of the most popular garments for French girls in the hot, hot heat, but one particular style is reigning supreme this year: long-hemmed jorts. Try the all-around favourite Levi’s Women’s 94 Baggy Shorts, or a white version like Wit & Wisdom High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts. But no matter the style you choose, style them the same French way: With a delicate top and either clunky boots or a dainty sandal. Do like the teens and team the look with an oversized mushy leather bag, or like the older ’90s-inspired crown with a tiny shoulder bag.
Slinky Skirts
Zeagoo High Waist Skirt Midi Skirt
Amazon
- Zeagoo High Waist Skirt Midi Skirt, $10 (Originally $15), amazon.com
- Verdusa Mesh Y2K Skirt, $30, amazon.com
- Topshop Lace Trim Satin Miniskirt, $65, nordstrom.com
- Dôen Elowena Silk Skirt, $328, nordstrom.com
- Reformation Flounce Skirt, $98, nordstrom.com
Speaking of the ’90s, the slinky skirt, which is also a French girl classic, is still trending hard this summer. French girls are wearing it with everything from boots and sweatshirts to delicate blouses and dainty heels. There are endless great picks coming in any print or colour you desire. Prefer one in a midi length? Try Zeagoo High Waist Skirt Midi Skirt, which comes in a pretty daisy print or a rosegold tonal print. Prefer a classic French girl pick? Try the Verdusa Mesh Y2K Skirt, which comes in a range of florals and colour combos. Prefer boudoir-inspired style? You’ll love Topshop’s Lace Trim Satin Miniskirt.
Dainty Kitten Heels
Femflame Black Kitten Heels
Amazon
- Femflame Black Kitten Heels, $40 (Originally $50), amazon.com
- Loopcharm Strappy Square Open Toe Kitten Heels, $36, amazon.com
- Steve Madden Carly Heeled Sandals, $80, nordstrom.com
- Coutgo Kitten Heel Mules, $30 (Originally $60), amazon.com
- Kate Spade New York carolina kitten heel slide, $198, nordstrom.com
Although cowboy boots are still going strong and tend to make any outfit a little bit cooler, a little more current, they quickly lose their appeal in the middle of an AC-less heatwave. When temps get high, French girls kick off the heavy boots and slip on easy, airy kitten heels. For a classic black pair, try Femflame’s Black Kitten Heels. For a pair in a fun colour, try Steve Madden’s Carly Heeled Sandals, which comes in a powder blue. Alternatively, you could opt for a closed-toe option like Coutgo’s Kitten Heel Mules, which is giving The Row energy.
