15 Colorful Summer Outfits Inspired by French Fashion

If you’re like me, you might be tempted to add different colors and pieces to your wardrobe without a clear goal. I often look at my wardrobe and wonder what my state of mind was when I bought a bright top or a fun pair of sneakers that don’t work in my existing wardrobe. This is often when the Monday morning panic sets in: what will I wear? Do I even like some of my clothes? What was I thinking???

The easiest way to get around this dilemma is to intentionally buy based on inspired photos you want to recreate. For me, French summer fashion is easily achievable with a few colorful pieces that already fit into my existing neutral wardrobe. Ready to see how to make this work?

Following fashion advice from the most trusted French influencers, here are 15 colorful outfits that you can easily recreate yourself!

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Patterned pants and embroidered vest

Don’t put away your vests this summer! Patterned pants and an embroidered cardigan are a cute way to incorporate color into your summer wardrobe. Layer your vest with a cropped tee or tank top underneath to show off your tan.

Want to wear this look for summer? Take these coins!

Free People Remy Embroidered Vest, $98

Vintage Embroidered Sleeveless Fashion Cardigan, $24

White t-shirt and mini skirt

Play with existing neutral pieces in your wardrobe with this simple style jumpsuit. The white tee is clean and classic, and it looks adorable with any type of colorful mini skirt! What’s not to like?

Here is my favorite white t-shirt and some new skirts for summer:

Abercrombie Essential Body Skimming T-Shirt, $19

More to come Helena Mini Skirt, $60

Free People Wildest Dreams Mini Skirt, $98

Patterned Knit Sets

Need a must-have travel look this summer? A matching patterned set is an easy transitional piece for long airport days or summer road trips. Add lip gloss and a cute shoe to your plans when you arrive.

Here are some similar sets to add to your packing list:

Free People Malibu Surf Sweater Set, $88

Tankoano Short-Sleeve Striped Set, $51

Crochet mini dress and sandals

Crochet pieces are essential for a European summer, especially in bright hues and classic silhouettes. Try a crochet mini dress with tons of summer accessories, like sandals, woven handbags, and coastal-inspired jewelry!

ASOS Vero Moda Multicolor Zigzag Print Crochet Mini Dress, $58

AQUA crochet mini dress, $118

Knit top and long silk skirt

The warmer months of the year call for lightweight materials and silhouettes. A simple silk maxi skirt pairs beautifully with a fun knit tank top or tee, and the combination of these two fabrics adds subtle French sophistication.

Here are the pieces I would use to recreate this look:

Abercrombie Mid-Rise Satin Maxi Skirt, $70

Free People Keiran Sweater Top, $40

Sunny Swimwear

One of our favorite summer trends is bright swimsuits! From patterned pieces to colorful bikini sets, this French coastal look is easy to recreate at your local beach or pool!

Check out these cute swimsuit options!

Charlie Holiday Amelia One-Piece Swimsuit, $114

Toast Signature Cinched Tube Bikini Top, $60

Toast Signature Cinch Bikini Bottom, $60

Linen pants and colorful tank top

Is there anything more comfortable than linen in summer? Pair your favorite white linen pants with a bright tank top for a flattering silhouette. This look can be dressed up or down with a simple swap of shoes!

Add them to your cart!

Abercrombie Shiny Ribbed Asymmetric Tied Top, $40

Abercrombie Linen Blend Pull-On Wide Leg Pants, $80

Solid Summer Dresses

We’ve established that summer dresses are the vibe of summer, and there’s something extra special about a solid summer dress in a favorite shade. Take inspiration from Parisian girlies and add tons of jewelry to complete your look!

There’s always a reason to buy a new dress!

Free People Joséphine Mini Dress, $88

Abercrombie Tie Front Mini Dress, $80

Eyelet blouse and patterned pants

Want to dress up some fun pants for a brunch with the girls? Add a feminine eyelet blouse! The contrast between “lazy girl” Parisian bottoms and a chic summer top makes for a fun and unexpected summer look.

Loft Oversized Eyelet Shirt, $75

BDG Charlie Gingham Wide Leg Pants, $75

Pink pants, white top and hair scarf

Add a pretty pop of color to your head with a simple headband that will bring out the colors in your look. These simple wraps protect your scalp from sun exposure without the bulk of a hat. Perfect for bad hair days, beach days, and every day in between!

Pick up some of these cute scarves for all your summer looks!

Free People Souvenir Embroidered Bandana, $30

Terrain Watercolor Violets Gauze Bandana, $22

Terrain Plaid Gauze Bandana, $22

Graphic t-shirt and boxers

Boxer shorts have taken over casual fashion this season, and these comfy, colorful shorts pair well with a summer graphic tee. Is there anything better than a soft outfit after a day in the sun?

Here are some pieces to add to your collection!

Abercrombie Polished California Graphic Tee, $35

Us Free Everyday Solid Boxers, $38

Maxi dress

Warm weather is the perfect time to break out your flowy maxi dresses for a day at the beach. The vibrant hues and feminine silhouettes are perfect for a summer daytime date!

Take this as an excuse to buy a new dress (or two)!

Free People Taking Sides Maxi Dress, $118

Show Me Your Mumu Hallie Halter Dress, $188

White dress and colorful sneakers

Summer weather calls for white dresses! Dress up your prettiest white dresses with a pair of trendy sneakers. Colorful sneakers are probably all over your social media, which means you should definitely try this European-inspired look!

Recreate this simple look with these adorable pieces!

Adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor Sneakers, $120

Abercrombie Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $80

Red stripes and denim

Is there anything more quintessentially French than red and white stripes? A striped blouse is a great way to incorporate Parisian style into your summer looks, especially with classic denim and a matching shoe.

Shop this look!

Diosun Women’s Striped Blouses, $27

J.Crew Ruffle Button-Down Shirt, $90

Abercrombie Ultra High-Rise Ankle Straight Jeans, $90

Tie Front Blouse and Knit Shorts

The flirty trend may be gone from us for now, but that doesn’t mean the bows are gone from our hearts and our closets! This tie-front blouse is adorably feminine and will pair wonderfully with simple striped shorts.

Add to cart immediately!

FP One Matilda Tie Tank Top, $78

Vero Moda Mix & Match Tie Front Blouse, $64

Lovers and Friends Shelly Short, $158

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