I Asked a French Fashion Designer What to Wear in Paris in the Summer—Here Are the 15 Styles She Recommends

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Thanks to a new direct Air France flight added to my home airport, Orlando (MCO), I'm planning my first summer trip to Paris. Orlando and the City of Lights haven't been directly connected in over 10 years, but now that the nonstop flights are running four days a week, I'll be visiting my favorite European city a lot more often, especially during Florida's hottest months. I travel to Paris often and thought I had mastered the art of the ultimate Paris packing list filled with effortlessly stylish pieces, until I realized I'll need an entirely new ensemble for the hot and sometimes unpredictable summer weather.
So, to help me pack, I turned to a Paris-based fashion and style expert: Morgane Sézalory, the founder of the French fashion brand Sézane. I always look to Sézane when I need to add versatile basics to my closet because the garments are well-tailored, crafted from high-quality fabrics, and designed specifically to pair together. The styles are timeless and feminine; they transcend fleeting, cheap trends and are instead designed to last. Using her best summer fashion tips, I created a Paris packing list that's comfortable, functional, and fashionable.
'What defines quintessential Parisian summer style?' is my first question for Sézalory. Thoughtful and unfussy, she tells me. 'It's less about trends and more about trusting your instincts.' She gives the example of this white embroidered blouse from Sezane paired with worn-in sandals. Your best accessory will be minimalist makeup, she adds, saying, 'A touch of blush goes a long way.' The easiest way to get that coveted French flush is with Ilia Beauty's Multi Stick, plus a swipe of Typology's Tinted Balm on the lips. I found similar tops perfect for summer, including a cotton poplin blouse from J.Crew and a boatneck tee from Madewell.
Unlike a white blouse, a white button-down adds movement to an outfit and is just the right weight on your shoulders, especially as an evening layer. 'Pack light, breathable staples,' Sézalory says. 'I always go for a crisp shirt like our Max Shirt.' The designer also advises paying attention to fabric, saying that it's best to stick to light materials like cotton and linen. 'They keep you cool and comfortable, no matter where the day takes you,' she says. Given this advice, I'm eyeing these polished button-down shirts to add to my suitcase, whether it's the silky cotton top from Everlane or Quince's breathable linen option.
Dresses should feel effortless but not lazy, and easy to wear all day. When choosing a dress to pack for summer in Paris, make it something you can slip on in the morning and still feel beautiful wearing to dinner, especially if you run out of time to head back to your hotel to change. 'What I love about Paris is its versatility—what you wear by day you can easily wear by night,' Sézalory says. She recommends the versatile Sezane Dorotha chambray dress, and I'm also looking at similar easy-to-throw-on cotton dresses, like this Mango white midi style or this fit and flare number from Gap.
When I think of summers in the south of France, I think of creamy linen sets. Turns out a linen set is popular in Paris, too. Sézalory says she likes to pair a matching set with a big woven tote bag, like the Justine basket bag, a look which brings to mind visions of style icon Jane Birkin. Linen sets are such a summer travel staple that I know I'll wear these items over and over again, whether it's this Abercrombie wide-leg pant and matching vest or a striped number from Gap.
Americans might live in casual cut-offs and cargo shorts for a summer spent by the lake, but frayed shorts are not a common style choice in Paris, or even Europe in general. Instead of denim, pack tailored shorts with pleats, a high waist, and room around the leg. 'You want to feel free but still pulled together,' Sézalory says, pointing to Sézane cuts like the cotton Rome style. Other options that will keep you cool yet still looking polished this summer are a pair of pleated shorts from Quince or a linen-blend pair of Bermuda shorts from Mango.
Jeans might seem like a surprising addition to a summer packing list, but a loose, wide-leg pair makes sense. Paris in August is at its hottest and might reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of the day. But after dusk, the temperature is dropping back into the 60s. A comfortable pair of jeans that don't trap heat against the legs and still allow you to move is a versatile bottom to pack; it'll pair well with the white blouse and white button-down from above. Sézalory mentioned a pair of classic blue denim trousers in particular, but I'm eyeing them in ecru and this faded light blue denim too. I'm also loving this high-waisted pick at J.Crew and a stylish split-hem style at Banana Republic.
Everyone has an opinion about the perfect white sneaker. Adidas Sambas or Gazelles? Vionic or Veja? But Sézalory says, 'I've never really been a sneaker girl. For me, it's all about comfort, but never at the expense of style.' Instead of sneakers, she reaches for ballet flats, espadrilles, or a low-heeled shoe. She notes that she can 'still walk all over Paris' in Sézane's Isabelle clogs that add just the right amount of height. Packing comfortable, stylish flats instead of sneakers supports the Parisian principle of outfits that transition seamlessly from day to night. I'm looking at staples like Everlane's understated ballet flat and Quince's Italian leather flat that will be comfortable for all-day wear and match everything in my wardrobe.
'Mix pieces you love, whether new or vintage, in a way that feels personal,' says Sézalory, which had me dreaming of a simple white ensemble paired with my favorite well-worn leather sandals. There's nothing more comfortable than shoes that have worn in exactly to your footbed. Similar sandal options include Everlane's suede fisherman sandals or Quince's platform sandals that will go with anything.
As a big fan of Paris's Velib public bikes, I could relate to Sézalory's suggestion to pack a good crossbody bag for visiting the city. The style will make your life easier when you're on a bike. Paris' weather can be unpredictable, so a water-resistant or waterproof bag is a good choice if you wish the contents to stay dry. Try an option that doubles as a fanny pack or a shoulder bag that can also be worn across your body,
As a mom of three, Sézalory uses a tote or a basket bag for running errands and carrying everything she needs. Even when you're visiting Paris as a tourist, however, a roomy bag will come in handy whether you're keeping essentials close or doing some shopping. Sézalory mentioned the Justine basket bag, which feels summery with its woven raffia construction, and has a drawstring lining so its contents won't jump out while bumping around in a bike basket. A canvas tote bag, like this one from Athleta, provides plenty of security thanks to the zipper, while Quince's puffer bag can also double as your personal item on the plane with an expandable design.
Leave your baseball caps at home when you head to Paris. 'Instead of hats, you'll often see a silk scarf around the neck, in the hair, or tied to a bag—yes, even at the height of summer,' says Sézalory. Silk is a lightweight fabric that feels great on the skin in the summer. I use a silk scarf as a hack to hide humid, frizzy, or sweaty hair. Use this accessory to add pops of color or playful summer prints to your outfit.
My Paris packing list for the fall is full of olives, burgundies, browns, and plaids, but I wasn't sure what color palette and patterns to pack for summer. When choosing colors and prints, Sézalory says to 'think soft shades, the occasional bold accent, and classic prints like florals.' Given this advice, I'm looking at tops and dresses with pretty floral prints and delicate embroidery that have a sense of romantic timelessness (and I'll be looking for them at Paris' huge flea market, Marche du Puce).
France has a reputation for loving a classic stripe, but Sézalory reminded me of another neutral pattern to reach for during the summer—gingham. When choosing prints and colors for summer, she says, 'It's more about timeless touches than making a statement.' Gingham is everywhere this season, whether it's in the form of a tank top, vest, pants—you name it.
Accessories play a big part in Parisian summer style. With just the swap of a silk scarf for jewelry, a piece can go from casual to dressed-up. 'Versatility matters in a city where plans change fast,' Sézalory says. I can attest to the scenario of being 45 minutes from my hotel but needing an outfit change for an impromptu party—having the right jewelry on hand could've easily done the trick. 'Lately, I've loved incorporating bold, playful jewelry—just one fun piece can completely shift the feel of an outfit built on good basics,' adds Sézalory. As for my packing list, I'll be adding some gold earrings, whether it's a pair of globe hoops or gold-plated brass earrings.
There's no garment more versatile than a trench coat, and Sézalory says they come in handy in the summer, too. The key is to reach for a lightweight trench that has water-resistant properties, so you'll be ready for whatever the unpredictable summer weather throws at you. Pack pieces that 'handle heat and a surprise downpour equally well,' Sézalory says. 'Paris weather can be moody. Your clothes shouldn't be.' Whether it's a long belted number or a cropped style for a little less fabric to deal with, this year-round essential will be a welcome addition.
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