I'm an American in Paris, and These Are My Ultimate French-inspired Wardrobe Must-haves for Summer—From $14

Travel + Leisure

09-07-2025

As I'm typing this, Paris is sweltering with temperatures spiking at nearly 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in a canicule (French for 'heat wave,' which you'll hear a lot this summer), Parisians never lose their sense of style—they adapt, and they do it fashionably. While travelers may be sporting an Emily in Paris-inspired wardrobe that's heavy on heels and miniskirts, Parisians go the opposite direction—comfortable sneakers and structured shirt dresses.
As much as I love accessorizing, I often think of the famous Coco Chanel quote: 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.' Minimalism is key, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. With the right tailoring and silhouette, a simple sundress could easily look like an expensive designer piece—and in France, where clothing labels are practically taboo, no one would know the difference.
To help streamline your summer packing list, I've scoured some of my favorite retailers, like Madewell, Everlane, and Amazon, for the best pieces to complete your wardrobe. From sailor-striped shirts and tanks to a breezy chambray dress and playful jelly sandals, here are 15 of my top finds to add to your suitcase for a French-inspired summer wardrobe.
Everlane Oxford Short-sleeve Shirt Dress
Everlane
I love a simple dress I can throw on without thinking too much about styling. With its A-line silhouette and relaxed fit, this dress from Everlane has the perfect shape to drape (and not drown) my petite figure. Easy to roll up in a suitcase or fold in a packing cube, this is my favorite day-to-day style whether I'm going to a morning market or lunch on a terrace with friends, in which case I'd wear thick-strap leather sandals or elegant espadrilles, a bikini in my straw tote in case I find myself down at the beach later.
Reebok Princess Sneakers
Amazon
As a Florida girl, I naturally gravitate toward sandals, but I've come to understand why the French are such big fans of sneakers in summer. Whether you're clocking 10,000 steps sightseeing or planning a day of shopping around Le Marais, these super comfy sneakers with their removable memory foam insole and minimalist-chic design will ensure you won't need to break because of blisters or sore feet while still looking every bit as stylish as a true Parisian. I have a similar style that I've worn everywhere, from sailing on the west coast of Sweden to a music festival, and island hopping around Montenegro.
Free-est Tropics Sweater Pant Set
Free People
A two-piece set is the easiest travel hack to look instantly put together. This billowy cotton knit is the definition of summer in the South of France with its cropped wide-leg flares and side-slit racerback tank. This is a set I can see myself living in while visiting Nice and Monaco this summer, wearing the top as a cover-up over a bathing suit or the pants over a bikini bottom with a bandeau and button-down linen top. Depending on how you style it, this set can even transition into evening wear with a bright micro purse and gold hardware-accented sandals.
Quince Silk Strapless Midi Dress
Quince
Even though I'm trying to travel as light as possible in summer, one piece I always pack is an evening dress for the handful of nights I find myself at the casino in Monaco or a nicer restaurant like the new Il Grande Palm Beach in Cannes. Since I'm often donning more formal flats or sandals, I've been searching for a dress with the right length that looks elevated without needing heels.
This silk strapless midi dress is a timeless staple that ticks all the boxes. Even better, it's washable, making it all the easier to travel with and wear on repeat. On cooler evenings, I'd throw on an oversized pearl-colored blazer, or for a more formal event, a gauzy silk scarf.
Iristide Linen Shawl
Amazon
In France, scarves are a year-round staple, and summer is no exception. An oversized shawl like this one at Amazon can be knotted and tied in several different ways, serving as a cover-up or beach dress, as well as a wrap for the plane. The soft, lightweight fabric is breathable and can offer a layer of sun protection when draped over your shoulders at the beach—or even double as a blanket for an impromptu picnic by the shore.
Farm Rio Sicily Linen Romper
Nordstrom
Linen is the unofficial fabric of choice in the South of France, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with simple neutrals like bone white and beige. A timeless print like this one will instantly transport you to the winding streets of Taormina and exudes the same effortlessly stylish vibes as the characters in season two of The White Lotus. The matching belt, with its bamboo buckle, is reminiscent of Gucci, and while still a splurge, this look won't tire if you wear it season after season.
Billabong Feel the Heat Tully Swimsuit
Nordstrom
This poppy bikini takes a cue from the South of France's legendary painters like Chagall with its geometric patterned print. I practically live in tube tops all summer long, and this suit with its removable straps is the ideal compromise—plus, it pairs nicely with denim shorts and linen pants. This one-piece also has a flattering fit thanks to the cheeky back coverage, which, if you're like me, will gently accentuate your curves.
Choklids Bucket Hat
Amazon
France is not a place known to follow trends, but as soon as designers hopped on the bucket hat bandwagon, the '90s throwback was all over the streets of Paris. In summer, the look is practical since it's easier to fold and carry in a tote (no need to worry about forgetting it on a plane!) and offers enough coverage to protect your face and neck from UV rays at the beach. While Parisians may gravitate toward pricey versions like this one from Jacquemus, the lookalikes at Amazon are every bit as stylish—and will only set you back $15.
Grapent High-waisted Barrel Jeans
Amazon
There's nothing more stylish than a white-on-white ensemble in summer, and one wardrobe staple you should instantly scoop up is a pair of cream-colored, ankle-grazing barrel jeans. The perfect alternative to blue denim in balmy temps, these look great with a cropped tank and sandals while traveling by train throughout Provence or island-hopping in Greece via ferry. All you need to elevate the look is a pair of patent mules and a silky camisole, and voilà—you're ready for a nice lunch somewhere in Paris, like Langosteria or Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris.
Madewell Mini Basket Bag
Madewell
The French are huge fans of bucket bags, but in summer, you'll see leather swapped out for something more casual like raffia—a nod to the Provençal baskets that cart everything from produce at the market to beach towels and sandals. This more structured find from Madewell is a great day-to-night option that can be worn hands-free as a crossbody if you're strolling through a city or cycling along the shore. Or, you can remove the strap, and it becomes an elegant evening top-handle bag. The canvas pouch is also a great feature that keeps all of your essentials from slipping out—and can help prevent pickpockets, too.
Quince Chambray Tencel Tiered Long-sleeve Mini Dress
Quince
Anything wrinkle-resistant is a winner in my books, especially while traveling, and you don't want to worry about ironing everything in your suitcase as soon as you land. This flouncy, tiered chambray mini dress has beautiful movement, but it's also practical for summer, since the fabric is more breathable than cotton. Pair it with leather or jelly fisherman sandal, or dress it up with a pair of wedges or strappy block heel sandals, and this dress will take you from sightseeing in the South of France's perched medieval towns like Saint-Paul-de-Vence to dining at coveted La Colombe d'Or.
Sojos Square Sunglasses
Amazon
My outfits often dictate the sunnies I'm sporting, so I like to have a range to choose from. As a travel writer, the designer versions are far out of my budget, but luckily, there are plenty of stylish lookalikes that I find get as many compliments as the real deal. Case in point: this retro pair of shades at Amazon that feature polarized lenses and ultra-light frames, so you won't have to worry about the sunnies leaving a long-lasting mark on your nose. These stylish shades are perfect for festivals like Tomorrowland in Amsterdam or Rock en Seine in Paris—especially with a structured, wide-brimmed hat and floral sundress.
J.Crew Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck Striped T-shirt
J.Crew
I recently spent a few days on Brittany's Pink Granite Coast, and the cliché is true—everyone does wear a classic striped sailor tee. The century-old style started as the official French Navy uniform, but it's gone through numerous makeovers over the years. Go simple with a staple like this cloth boatneck T-shirt from J.Crew, which you can tuck into a pair of denim or structured white shorts or pair with flowy linen pants for a boat day. It'll also seamlessly transition into fall with a pair of sailor jeans, lug-sole loafers, and a trench.
Hee grand Jelly Sandals
Amazon
Fisherman-style jellies from the '80s and '90s are back in full force in France, which I'm glad about since they're a much more stylish alternative to buckled Birkenstock sandals. This look at Amazon comes in dozens of different colors, but neutral black makes it feel just as appropriate for a city like Paris or Bordeaux as well as somewhere coastal like Biarritz. 'I grew up wearing these jellies and I loved them,' one shopper reminisces. 'I looked for them one day because I was thinking about them, and I found them in adult sizes and got so excited! I would order every color if I could!'
Sézane Francisco Top
Sezane
The French know how to subtly make a look sexy with something as simple as a few undone buttons. In summer, a patterned knit is an easy go-to with shorts, over a bikini top, or with a flowing midi skirt. I've seen women throughout Paris sporting variations of this effortlessly chic crochet camisole, but this striped version from Sézane is my favorite yet. I plan to wear it well into early fall with high-waisted, flared jeans and an oversized camel suede jacket, like the label's iconic staple Will Jacket, for a look reminiscent of 1970s Jane Birkin.
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