15 French Summer Styles I'm Shopping During Memorial Day Sales, as a Writer in Paris

Travel + Leisure

20-05-2025

Summer in Paris can be unpredictable and tricky to pack for. This is my sixth summer living in the city, and I've finally learned how to mimic the French to curate a wardrobe that looks pulled together yet is weather-appropriate for when temperatures unexpectedly dip—or a heat wave hovers over the capital. When I lived in the South of France, my style centered around breezy separates and flowy dresses. In Paris, however, summer staples aren't quite the same. The key to everyday dressing is structured linen and versatile separates you can mix and match without anyone guessing you repeated a look.
True Parisians opt for sophisticated neutrals, poppy prints, and footwear you can stroll miles in during the warmer months. There's no secret to the je ne sais quoi that's associated with France's iconic style other than embracing a few simple staples—this way, you'll capture the Parisian look and fool everyone into thinking you're a local.
From tailored striped tops to structured linen shift dresses, I've narrowed down the 15 best Memorial Day deals that'll have you summer-ready in an instant—and prices start at $13.
If there's one staple to pack for a summer trip to Paris, it's linen pants. These lightweight, breathable trousers from J.Crew are wide enough without looking baggy—usually the issue I struggle with since I'm only 5'1'—and the high waist and belt loops give them a more sophisticated look. Even better, you can choose classic, petite, or tall size, so no need to worry about getting them hemmed. I'd pair the trousers with a camel-colored leather belt and casual white ribbed tank, bodysuit, or a structured linen crop top. On the French Riviera, I'll often wear raffia wedges and a matching shoulder bag to add a resort-like spin. Don't be afraid to throw in a pop of color in the form of a knit, Missoni-like tank or patterned linen button-down.
A knit midi dress is the easiest way to look instantly pulled together, especially in a neutral shade like bone. This is a style that gets me through shoulder season and into the height of summer. Plus, it's a travel go-to for trips throughout Europe, whether it's a weekend getaway in Copenhagen paired with leather sneakers and an oversized camel suede jacket or an island-hopping escape in Greece, where I'd wear it with espadrilles or leather slide sandals (more on that, next).
Leather slide sandals are my summer go-tos, but I'm picky about which ones make the cut. A soft footbed is key for strolling cobbled streets in tiny towns in Greece or Mallorca and still feeling my feet at the end of the day. A non-slip sole is also important so you won't have any unfortunate accidents on stone streets or slick stairs (I unfortunately learned the hard way last summer, slipping in sandals on my staircase at home in Paris). This style looks like the popular pair from Hermès—and is a fraction of the price. On sale at Amazon for less than $30, you can splurge on a few different pairs and keep switching up your look all summer long. $118 $100 at Madewell.com
A linen dress is a summer staple, but skip the boxy, breezy looks and opt for something more tailored that can transition from day to night, like this A-line silhouette. The mod look is always in, and this style exudes Jane Birkin in the 1970s in the South of France. The bright flame shade is the perfect summer red, matching with everything from retro white sneakers to strappy leather sandals or wedges.
While I'm a huge fan of my metal-framed circular sunnies, I switch them out in the summer for a more versatile style that can go from the city to the South of France. You can't go wrong with a classic like aviators—especially in timeless tortoise—and this look is one of the few that flatter practically every face shape. On sale for just $15 at Amazon, nearly 4,000 shoppers have given these sunnies five stars. 'The quality of these sunglasses for their price is 10/10,' says one reviewer, while another calls them 'perfect, modern, and trendy.' As someone who has invested in designer counterparts, this dupe is one I'm scooping up so I won't have to worry about losing or breaking them, yet I'll still look just as stylish while sipping rosé at a beach club like Club 55 in Saint-Tropez this summer.
Stripes are practically a symbol of summer, and while a marinière is the epitome of French seaside fashion, this boatneck number from J.Crew feels more appropriate for the city. The button details on the side and removable tie waist allow you to play with the silhouette to suit your body shape. You can even cinch it with a leather belt over a lingerie-like silk skirt or pair of jean shorts for the perfect daytime ensemble to go gallery- or museum-hopping. $148 $50 at Freepeople.com
Suede? In summer? Absolument! Throw on this vegan version and you'll instantly look put together in the effortlessly chic way Parisians are so famous for. This piece is perfect for warmer weather since it's a relaxed shift fit with an open back, but it's also a staple that can transition into fall with knee-high boots and an oversized trench. For summer, I'd wear it with a pair of white sneakers or strappy sandals with a hobo bag to complete the retro '70s look.
For a shoe that matches practically everything, it's hard to go wrong with a classic like Keds, especially in washable white canvas. This sneaker can go straight from the plane to one of the parks or gardens in Paris, like the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. You'll look every bit as Parisian as the women you pass in the street without sacrificing comfort—a huge bonus in my books. More than 28,000 shoppers are also fans, one saying that it's a 'comfortable everyday shoe,' and another reviewer adding this pair is 'cute and comfortable.' They're also lightweight enough to throw in a tote and switch if you're planning to go right to dinner or out that evening after a day of sightseeing.
When I'm traveling, I like to bring a pair of casual cotton shorts that can be worn as loungewear, sleepwear, or even as a cover-up over a bathing suit. This retro-style look at Gap is much more fashionable to wear while popping out to a boulangerie in the morning than any sort of athleisure (leggings are the quickest indicator you're a tourist). The full matching set steps things up a notch, but you could easily pair these shorts with something already hanging in your closet, whether it be a boyfriend-fit linen shirt or loose white tee.
Each summer, I have one big splurge item—typically a dress, swimsuit, or purse that becomes my centerpiece wardrobe staple for the season. This Sandro maxi dress is my dream find. Cinched at the waist with a slightly flared skirt and cutaway sides, it exudes chic summer vibes while feeling appropriate enough to wear in the city. I love the mix of beige and the forest green motif, and that the pattern isn't too busy, so I won't get tired of it. The rounded neckline means you can skip wearing a necklace and focus on playing with other accessories instead, like a thick gold bangle or elegant hoop earrings. The length won't drag on the floor if you're not in heels—a perk for us Parisians who tend to skip the talons and sport flats instead.
The ultimate French girl uniform in summer is a pair of vintage-inspired jeans with a linen top or boatneck white tee. I've started doing the half-tuck, which works best (in my opinion) with a mid-rise style like these Madewell jeans. The stretch denim is comfortable and doesn't lose its shape if you wear it multiple times on a trip. To dress up the look, all you need is a sleek blazer and heels, and voilà, you're ready for dinner anywhere from Le Bistrot Paul Bert to Septime.
When I'm packing for a summer trip, I bring one versatile bag that can go everywhere from the beach club to dinner—and doesn't take up too much space in my carry-on. This straw clutch at Amazon is one of the best deals I've found this season, and it's large enough to hold essentials like a phone and keys. It looks as expensive as designer versions, and it's easy to throw into an oversized beach tote. 'It's the perfect accessory for any summer outfit,' says one shopper, while another calls it 'classic and timeless.' Even in Paris, this would make a great evening bag and match practically any outfit. I'm already envisioning bringing it on date nights to some of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Belleville, like Soces and Le Cheval d'Or.
In a city like Paris, where the weather can shift in mere minutes, I prefer a more structured dress that won't cause a Marilyn Monroe-like scene on a windy day. I'm a huge fan of denim of any variety, but when it comes to a dress, a pop of color like this yellow lemon look from Gap instantly elevates a classic, A-line silhouette. Butter yellow is having its moment this year, but this brighter shade feels more summer-ready. Pair with white sneakers for a day of sightseeing or leather slide sandals for a dressed-up look that will have you blending in with the crowd of locals lingering on Paris's terraces.
French women understand the art of showing enough skin while still leaving everyone wanting more, and this philosophy has translated from streetwear to swimwear. When I was living in Nice, in the South of France, I was surprised to see how popular one-piece swimsuits were on the beach. I've become a convert myself, trading my Brazilian bikinis for flattering one-pieces like this ribbed Beach Riot swimsuit. The adjustable shoulder straps allow the style to mold to your shape, and the bottom offers enough coverage, hugging just the right places. This one-piece can even double as a bodysuit when worn with denim shorts, linen trousers, or A-line midi skirts, making it an easy look to transition from the beach to lunch and shopping in town. $505 $354 at Sandro-paris.com
A bucket bag is a staple that never goes out of style, but in summer, leather can feel too heavy. This leather-lined canvas crossbody from Sandro, however, is the ideal compromise. With the removable, adjustable strap, you can wear it falling at your hip—great for cycling around town or while on the metro—or as a shoulder bag. Spacious enough to fit everything you need for a day strolling around town (sunglasses, water bottle, a book), this is the perfect everyday bag that's just as stylish with a black linen dress and wedges in the evening.
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