The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now

Forbes

5 days ago

The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now Courtesy of With Jéan
Summer '25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket. This season's French girl aesthetic has everyone reaching for clean cotton, polka dots, and effortlessly chic pieces that work from café to coastline. Here are 20 summer essentials that capture that je ne sais quoi, with the most flattering silhouettes for every lazy afternoon and sunset apéritif.
The ultimate cool-girl bikini for summer 2025, the Fifi set in the refreshing shade of mint channels French vintage vibe. Inspired by seventies glamour, the set is crafted from quick-drying, natural Italian cotton and elevated with custom hardware finishes designed in collaboration with Jessica McCormack.
Nounou Fifi Mint Bikini Courtesy of nounou
Polka dots reign supreme this summer, but With Jéan elevates the classic print with oversized proportions in its Penny Skirt — a favorite among fashion insiders currently making waves from Saint-Tropez to Ibiza.
With Jéan Penny Skirt Yellow Dot Courtesy of With Jéan
No French girl's jewelry box is complete without a pair of sculptural statement earrings, and these Daphne earrings strike the perfect balance between artistic and effortless. Light enough for all-day wear yet bold enough to elevate a simple white tee, they embody the French philosophy that one exquisite piece is worth a dozen trends.
YSSO Daphne Earrings Courtesy of YSSO
Nothing captures the French approach to beach dressing quite like an oversized shirt that doubles as a dress. This airy piece by Wiggy Kit, with its subtle folk-inspired print lining the edges, embodies that Riviera ease — voluminous enough to feel unstructured, yet elevated enough for a beachfront restaurant.
Wiggy Kit Montauk Shirt Dress Courtesy of Wiggy Kit Heaven Mayhem Carino Watch
With its minimalist rectangular face and refined proportions, the Carino watch by Heaven Mayhem adds just enough polish to bare wrists peeking from oversized shirt cuffs. The dual strap option (black and brown leather included) means one watch works for every occasion, from beach picnics to gallery openings.
Heaven Mayhem Carino Watch in silver Courtesy of Heaven Mayhem Salty Little Things Linea Rosa Underwire Top
The Linea Rosa piece with its whisper-soft pink stripes and vintage-inspired lace trim is the kind of piece that transitions seamlessly from Saint-Tropez beach clubs to under an unbuttoned linen shirt at dinner — quintessentially French in its ability to be both practical and pretty.
Salty Little Things Linea Rosa Underwire Top Courtesy of Salty Little Things Boteh Sirenuse Peplem Top
A cool serenade to the south of France, Boteh's Sirenuse top will get you ready for Euro summer romance in an instance. With yarn-dyed linen in sleek French stripes embroidered with indigo florals, the chic little number can be mixed and matched for all your vacation needs.
Boteh Sirenuse Peplem Top Courtesy of Boteh Stringys Nude Invisible Underwear
Go carefree this summer without worrying about VPL ruining your perfect outfit. Stringys' viral undies (they come in nude as well as deep lush brown) promise to disappear completely under silk skirts and linen trousers — no lines, no bunching, just smooth confidence and a whole lotta fun.
Stringys Nude Invisible Underwear Courtesy of Stringys If Only If Clover Organic Cotton Voile
This cotton voile nightdress with hand-smocked sleeves does double duty as the ultimate summer day dress. Pair with espadrilles and a straw basket for instant Provence vibes.
If Only If Clover Organic Cotton Voile Courtesy of If Only If Lorna Murray Luxe Capri Hat
There's something irresistibly addictive about these Lorna Murray hats that no one can quite explain — but it's simply not a hot girl summer in 2025 without one of these lampshade beauties. Functional, playful, and just a touch unhinged, these Luxe Capri hats are flattering and fun while offering total sun protection.
Lorna Murray Luxe Capri Hat Courtesy of Lorna Murray tbco. Cotton Short Set in Flora Sun
The matching set is having a moment in French summer style, and this cotton co-ord in coral florals strikes the perfect balance between polish and ease. It's the kind of outfit you can throw on for morning market runs or afternoon rosé sessions — no styling required.
tbco. Cotton Short Set in Flora Sun Courtesy of tbco. VRG GRL Remi Satin Pants Stripe
Bias-cut trousers in an abstract stripe print solve the eternal French girl dilemma: how to look polished without trying. The fluid drape and elastic waistband offer that coveted combination of structure and ease — perfect for long lunches that turn into evening adventures.
VRG GRL Remi Satin Pants Stripe Courtesy of VRG GRL Freja New York The Jane Bag Butter
The Jane bag in buttery pale yellow captures the French cool girl mantra: simple, elevated and effortlessly chic. The sculptural handle attachments and precise seam detailing elevate it beyond basic, while the compact size forces that enviable French discipline of traveling light.
Freja New York The Jane Bag Butter courtesy of Freja New York With Nothing Underneath The Palazzo Chocolate
The palazzo trouser in rich chocolate hemp embodies the French philosophy of investment dressing — one perfect piece worn endlessly. The wide-leg silhouette moves like liquid through summer streets, while the sustainable hemp fabric only gets better with wear.
WNU The Palazzo Chocolate Courtesy of With Nothing Underneath Hope and May Palma Tiered Dress
Hope and May has that lazy summer aesthetic nailed to a T. This tiered cotton voile dress masters the art of looking undone in the most deliberate way, with the voluminous sleeves add a touch of romantic drama without trying too hard.
Hope and May Palma Tiered Dress Courtesy of Hope and May ELLEME Trousse Woven Leather Olive Green
The Trousse bag's boxy silhouette in buttery woven leather holds just enough for summer's essential moments without weighing you down. It's the kind of understated piece that elevates everything from knit tanks to slip dresses — proof that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact.
ELLEME Trousse Woven Leather Olive Green Courtesy of ELLEME MAKSU Lulu Cotton Tie Front Top
Broderie anglaise is summer's answer to looking dressed up without trying — and this Lulu top perfects the formula. The tie-front closure steals the show by adding that undone quality essential to French dressing.
MAKSU Lulu Ecru Broderie Anglaise Cotton Tie Front Top Courtesy of MAKSU Linda Farrow x Jacquemus Aviador Sunglasses in Silver
These Linda Farrow x Jacquemus aviators with their distinctive yellow lenses capture the golden hour glow of the Côte d'Azur at any time of day. Never too retro, never too futuristic — these perfect day-to-night shades will add a touch of French nonchalance to any outfit.
Linda Farrow x Jacquemus Aviador Sunglasses in Silver Courtesy of Linda Farrow Campbell and Kramer Psyche Capri in Black Polka Dot
Capri pants are the viral must-have of summer 2025, and in classic polka dots, they're your hot girl summer gold. The halter-and-capri set by Campbell and Kramer taps into the playful side of French dressing — think Bardot on the Riviera but make it TikTok-ready.
Campbell and Kramer Psyche Capri in Black Polka Dot Courtesy of Campbell and Kramer Tilly Sveaas Medium Gold T-Bar on Mahogany Leather Necklace
After maximum impact with minimal effort? Tilly Sveaas' leather cord necklace with its sculptural gold T-bar closure is the quintessential accessory of the summer: wrapped twice around the wrist for morning markets, worn long and loose over bare skin at the beach, or tied as an anklet for evening drinks.
Tilly Sveaas Medium Gold T-Bar on Mahogany Leather Necklace Courtesy of Tilly Sveaas