genevieve.malarkey If you’ve ever been to France in the Summer, you may have noticed a few interesting things. There is no air conditioning (despite temperatures often rising well into the eighties), you won’t get anything but dirty looks if you ask for ice in your refreshment (it’s bad for your health, don’t you know), and Paris is basically empty come August. But don’t worry, while you may not get in to see your dentist, or acquire your favorite brioche from the local boulangerie in August, most shops and stores do remain open for locals who stuck around, and to capitalize on the influx of tourists. Even still, there are plenty of inspiring Parisiennes around the city in the Summer, even if many have flocked to the South for a month of beach lounging. And for that we are thankful, because that means if we visit Paris in the Summer, we can be sure to easily shop for and mimic that French girl summer style we see throughout the city.
But if you can’t get to France to experience the relaxed, lazy atmosphere of a hot Parisian afternoon (which sadly none of us can this year), fear not. You can still feel like a chic summery Parisienne in your city with some easy tweaks that you probably have in your closet already.
You heard that right- you might not need to do any shopping at all! This is beneficial both for the sake of saving money for summer travels as well as living more sustainably with what you already have. And to prove it to you, I’ve included photos of all of the below listed items that I’ve found in my own closet (yes, even post-capsule wardrobe cleanout / Pinterest Fail experience). But if you do find inspiration to go shopping for similar items, I’ve got you covered there too.
So what constitutes summer style for the Parisienne? Having visited Paris several times during the summer months, I have pulled together my top 8 easy tips to add instant French girl style to your Summer wardrobe.
Opt for dresses. The summer dress is where the French fashion rules of wearing mostly neutral colors and less prints goes out the window. Summery florals always feel French, and can be bright colors, but make sure they look timeless and classic, as opposed to overly trendy and loud. Maxi dresses add drama as well as comfort, and don’t require much to accentuate them. Pair them with minimal jewelry and leather sandals or espadrilles (see below), and you will look effortless and ready to stroll the city streets looking for une glace au framboise.
Shorts…maybe. When I went to France for the first time in my life, I was told under no uncertain terms that if I wore shorts on my trip I would instantly stand out like a sore thumb, and people would gawk at me, l’americaine. Well, what teenager wants to stand out in an unfashionable way?? I opted for jeans, skirts and dresses to get me through the hot days walking the city, and the advice proved to be accurate: I didn’t see a single Parisian or other French person wearing anything resembling shorts. Though I have heard that this rule is loosening up a bit, I have been back to France in the summertime subsequent times, and have stuck with this fashion advice, and have thankfully not ever been told my “ass is hanging out,” or that I am promiscuous because I showed the bottom length of my thighs in public (quelle horreur). Though the French seem very open to their sexuality, they are quite conservative when it comes to what they wear and how they display said sexuality. Low cut tops revealing cleavage are “typique,” but don’t you dare show off your thighs.
Now, of course you can wear shorts in France. No one will arrest you. But the locals will definitely peg you for some kind of tourist, and if you’re ok with that and would still rather stay cooler in the 90 degree heat than be ridiculed by the French, then by all means wear the shorts. After all: form follows function, unless you’re French.
Flowy Tops are a popular choice among Parisiennes who want to remain stylishy conservative, but cooler when the temperatures climb. A white peasant top evokes casual summer vibes no matter where you live. Pair it with jeans and a red lip to make it feel extra French.
A chic swimsuit– these might not seem like Parisian staples unless you’re one of the Parisiennes vacationing in Nice for the month of August, but au contraire: even those poor souls relegated to their regular Parisian lives all summer have the option to visit the “Paris Plages” on their free days. “Paris plages,” or “Paris beaches” began in 2002 as a way of giving Parisians a way of relaxing like they were at the beach without having to leave the city (not everyone can afford a month away, after all). Every summer from July to September, several parks are transformed with actual sandy beaches, open lawns, lounge chairs, and beach umbrellas for anyone passing by to enjoy some leisure time by the river Seine. And yes, many Parisians don their bathing suits to se bronzer in the summer sun.
So what constitutes a French style swimsuit? The staples of a French wardrobe hold true for swimwear too: black or other neutral colors, simple patterns, classic style (classic triangle bikini or one-piece), and nothing too trendy that may not look good on your own body.
Summer Accessories
For your feet: espadrilles or sandals. When I went to France with my husband one year in July, one thing I noticed was all the amazingly fashionable sandals all the women wore. They were not heeled or stilettos, but generally rather flat, leather, strappy, but most of all, chic. I spent an entire day walking around the shops in Nice looking for some beautiful sandals to take home with me, but alas could not find any in the above description in my size; for some reason most French women don’t wear a size 10 (41) shoe, who knew?
I did however manage to bring home a pair of blue leather espadrilles that I have worn on many a special occasion, and which bring back fond memories of summer nights in Nice with my husband. So if you can’t find a chic strappy sandal, but have some espadrilles in your closet instead, pull those out and wear them around town, as they are equally French in all the best ways. Whichever you choose, never, I repeat: NEVER wear rubber flipflops. See point #2.
Stylish sunnies. You’re not Parisian (or European for that matter) unless you have stylish eyewear to sport when the sun is out. Any kind will do, but cat eye or other retro/vintage style frames are best to evoke that Parisian style. If you want them to especially stand out, wear them with a simple white tank or tee and high waisted jeans. Voilà.
Silky scarves, reinvented. Well, not really. But it gets hot in France like it does anywhere in the summertime, and tying a scarf around your neck may look very French, but it will also cause a lot of perspiration. And even though I said form does not follow function in France, I would not recommend sacrificing a sweaty visage and armpits for the sake of a French scarf around your neck. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to wear them!
So, do buy that Hermes scarf while on your trip (I say sarcastically, because that would not be in my budget either), but try tying it in your hair to keep your mane off your neck while sightseeing, or to your purse to add a pop of color. And if the temperatures drop below 75, you can most certainly get away with that quintessential French foulard hugging your neck.
Straw bags – you may have noticed that straw bags are everywhere right now, and come in everything from boxy cross-body styles to large woven totes. Who What Wear declared straw bags to be the summer bag for Parisiennes, which brings the laidback seaside to the city. And no matter where you are, you will feel like a Parisienne toting your own around town. I found many at my local TJ Maxx last week, but you can find them anywhere and on any budget.
So you see, the French tend to break a few of their strict fashion rules during the summer months. They infuse color and prints into their dresses, a trendy straw bag is a good idea (whereas classic leather is usually de rigeur), a silky scarf is still an outfit staple but repurposed to avoid overheating, and sandals or espadrilles (never flipflops) to keep your feet cool but stylish replace the usual ballet flats or knee length boots. With these style tips in mind, you can feel sure that your chances of blending in to the local crowd will be much higher than if you show up ready to tour Paris in cargo shorts, running shoes, and a fanny pack (unless said fanny pack is designer, of course).
And if you’re not going to Paris this summer (because most of us aren’t)? These eight staples are readily available anywhere, and I bet you even have them in your closet, like I do! Try wearing that scarf in your ponytail next time you go out, and bring a straw tote with you instead of your usual carryall. Add your favorite retro sunglasses and some red lipstick, and you will feel like a true Parisienne in your own town.
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À la prochaine-
geneviève
