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Effortlessly cool and perennially chic, French women are often admired for their timeless approach to fashion. They don’t follow trends, instead opting for a wardrobe full of everyday basics in neutral colours (mostly blacks, blues and whites, and the occasional pop of red) that can be worn for years to come.
Below, we’ve listed nine wardrobe staples you’ll see every French woman wearing come summer. And the best part? They’re all from H&M.
A linen shirt
French women wear this breezier take on the classic button-down with everything from matching linen trousers to jeans and midi skirts. On those crisp mornings, just throw a knit over your shoulders and you’re good to go.
A striped tee
It’s a bit of a cliché but no French-girl capsule wardrobe is complete without a Breton top. Whether it’s a long-sleeve or short-sleeve iteration, tuck the tee into jeans and pair the outfit with some ballet pumps and a straw tote.
A lightweight blazer
Another summer wardrobe staple, a lightweight blazer can be dressed up with a white tank top and a poplin midi skirt, or dressed down with some jeans and a white tee.
A midi skirt
@frannfyne
Speaking of white midi skirts – they’re everywhere this summer. Let the volume do the talking and either neatly tuck a shirt into the waistband, or go for the more casual look with an oversized T-shirt.
A slim straight jean
A timeless favourite in the wardrobes of Parisian influencers, the key here is to go for high-rise and ankle-grazing silhouettes in shades of blue or white.
A lightweight knit
@melodiebanfield
Even French summers can be a little unpredictable, so a lightweight knit is the ultimate layering piece. You can wear it over a tee on chillier days – or thrown over the shoulder à la Parisians.
A ballet flat
Perfect for running around town (or the farmer’s market), ballet pumps are the footwear of choice for French women thanks to those ever so popular two-tone Chanel flats.
A minimalist sandal
Once the weather turns hot, swap the ballet flats for a pair of minimalist sandals. Leather flip-flops offer a chic alternative, as do leather slides.
A basket bag
@juliesfi
Of course, no list of summer wardrobe staples would be complete without a basket bag. Be it a shopper or a crossbody, it can be worn to the office, out to dinner and elsewhere.
