15 Colorful Summer Outfits Inspired By French Fashion

If you’re anything like me, you might be tempted to add different colors and pieces into your wardrobe with no clear purpose. I often look at my closet and wonder what my mindset was when I purchased a bright top or 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 any of my clothes? What was I thinking???

The easiest way around this dilemma is to shop intentionally based on inspo pics that you want to recreate. For me, French summer fashion is easily attainable with a few colorful pieces that already fit within my existing neutral wardrobe. Ready to see how to make this work? 

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

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Patterned Pants & Embroidered Vest

Don’t tuck your vests away this summer! A pair of patterned pants and an embroidered vest is a cute way to integrate color into your summer wardrobe. Layer your vest with a cropped tee or tank underneath to show off your tan. 

Want to style this look for summer? Grab these pieces! 

Free People Remy Embroidered Vest, $98

Vintage Embroidered Sleeveless Fashion Cardigan, $24

White Tee & Mini Skirt

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

Here’s my favorite white tee and a few new skirts for the summer: 

Abercrombie Essential Body Skimming Tee, $19

More to Come Helena Mini Skirt, $60

Free People Wildest Dreams Mini Skirt, $98 

Patterned Knit Sets

Need a go-to travel look this summer? A patterned matching set is an easy transition piece for long airport days or summer road trips. Add a lip gloss and a cute shoe for your upon-arrival plans.

Here are a couple of similar sets to add to your packing list: 

Free People Malibu Surf Sweater Set, $88 

Tankoano Short Sleeve Striped Set, $51 

Crochet Mini Dress & 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 Crochet Mini Dress in Multi Zig Zag Print, $58

AQUA Crochet Mini Dress, $118

Knit Top & Silk Maxi Skirt

The warmest months of the year call for breezy materials and silhouettes. A simple silk maxi skirt pairs beautifully with a fun knit tank 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 swimwear! From patterned one pieces to colorful bikini sets, this French coastal look is easy to recreate at your local beach or pool! 

Check out these cute swimwear options! 

Charlie Holiday Amelia One Piece Swimsuit, $114

Toast Signature Cinch Tube Bikini Top, $60

Toast Signature Cinch Bikini Bottoms, $60

Linen Pants & Colorful Tank

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

Add these to your cart! 

Abercrombie Asymmetrical Glossy Rib Knotted Top, $40

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

Solid Sundresses

We’ve established that sundresses are the vibe of the summer, and there is something extra special about a solid sundress in a favorite hue. Take a hint from the Parisian girlies, and add tons of jewelry to complete your look! 

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

Free People Josephine Mini Dress, $88

Abercrombie Tie-Front Mini Dress, $80

Eyelet Blouse & Patterned Pants 

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

Loft Eyelet Oversized Shirt, $75

BDG Charlie Gingham Wide Leg Pant, $75

Pink Pants & White Top & Hair Scarf

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

Grab a few of these pretty scarves for all of your summer looks! 

Free People Souvenir Embroidered Bandana, $30 

Terrain Watercolor Violets Gauze Bandana, $22 

Terrain Plaid Gauze Bandana, $22 

Graphic Tee & Boxer Shorts

Boxer shorts have taken over casual fashion this season, and these comfortable, 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 a few pieces to add to your collection! 

Abercrombie Polished California Graphic Tee, $35

We The Free Day To Day Solid Boxers, $38

Maxi Dress 

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

Take this as your 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 & Colorful Sneakers 

Summer weather calls for white dresses! Dress down your cutest white dresses with a trendy pair of sneakers. Colorful sneakers are likely 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 & Denim

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

Shop this look! 

Diosun Women’s Blouses Striped, $27

J.Crew Ruffle Trim Button-Up Shirt, $90

Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean, $90

Tie-Front Blouse & Knit Shorts 

The coquette trend may have left us for now, but that doesn’t mean that bows are gone from our hearts and our closets! This tie-front blouse is adorably feminine and looks lovely with a simple pair of striped shorts. 

Immediately add to cart!

FP One Matilda Tie Tank, $78

Vero Moda Mix & Match Tie Front Blouse, $64

Lovers And Friends Shelly Short, $158

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