No One Does Summer Dressing Like French Women—5 Chic Outfit Trends to Copy This Summer 2026 | Who What Wear
By Andrew Patterson
Jump to category:
Share
- Copy link
Share this article Join the conversation Add us as a preferred source on Google
Despite the downpours and sudden drop in temperature (in true British form), blue skies and warmer weather will make their return again. As such, I refuse to revert back to and my are firmly staying as a part of my everyday uniform, so when summer does kick things up a notch, I'll be ready for anything.
Elevating all of my usual is my top priority this year, and gone are the days of buying endless fast fashion pieces that won't even last the year. As I get older I’m taking a more conscious approach to shopping, and I'm looking to really fine tune my wardrobe to maximise the hardest working pieces, and my first stop for inspiration was of course, the fashion set.
possess the ability to make even the simplest of looks feel fresh, polished and considered. Everything they wear just looks so effortlessly chic which is why I often turn to them when I’m in somewhat of a styling rut.
From statement printed dresses to a classic, these are the five Parisian-approved summer outfit trends for 2026.
Latest Videos From
1. Statement Printed Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Summer is the prime season for people to start getting experimental with their wardrobes. Once reserved for neutrals and minimalistic pieces, the sunniest season is now the time we start injecting prints and colours into our looks, and this pairing from Ellie Delphine is a masterclass in balancing fashion with function.
Shop the Look:
Alémais x MLAK Tangible Love Printed Silk Midi Dress £840
Such a beautiful print.
ZARA Pack of 3 Rigid Metallic Bracelets £20
Chunky bangles are enjoying a comeback right now.
LE MONDE BERYL Mary Jane Knotted Leather Ballet Flats £455
Le Monde Beryl do such chic ballet flats.
DeMellier The Small Stockholm £395
The Stockholm is one of my favourite styles from DeMellier.
2. Striped Shirt + White Trousers + Flats
Style Notes: Summer whites are a beloved favourite for a reason, and whether it's a plain cotton, light linen or, like Anne-Laure, a broderie anglaise embroidered pair, there’s no going wrong with white trousers. Pair with a timeless striped shirt and a mule, and it’s a failsafe summer look.
Shop the Look:
With Nothing Underneath The Classic: Fine Poplin, Royal Blue Stripe £95
A blue striped shirt is such a classic style.
BHOĒM White Broderie Wide Leg Pull on Trousers £55
I own these and have got so much wear out of them already.
Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Ballet Flats - Limited Edition £139
So chic.
Le Specs Work It! £65
Le Specs have nailed affordable sunnies that look so much more expensive than they are.
3. Strapless Dress + Mesh Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A strapless dress perfectly balances elegance and ease for a chic summer look, and the mesh ballet flats give this a more daytime appropriate finish, perfect for those balmy days spent lounging al fresco.
Shop the Look:
MANGO 100% Ramie Dress With Pleated Body £140
I can't believe this is from the high-street.
H&M Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Pumps £23
I recently bought these and have got so much wear out of them already.
Charles & Keith Hazel Bow Shoulder Bag £85
This looks much more expensive than it is.
Missoma Molten Ripple Bangle £225
A simple gold bangle is so sleek.
4. Broderie Anglaise Mini Dress + Woven Bag
Style Notes: A Broderie anglaise mini dress is a style I’ll always have in my wardrobe and revert back to year on year. Paired with and a woven bag, whether it’s raffia, leather or suede, it’s an instantly effortless look that is made all the more interesting by adding a pop of colour.
Shop the Look:
Kiss The Sky Sweetest Days Broderie Mini Dress £35
A summer wardrobe staple.
DRAGON DIFFUSION Rosanna Woven Leather Shoulder Bag £315
A fashion editor favourite.
AEYDE Melody Leather Flip Flops £280
Aeyde are known for their sleek minimalistic styles.
Carolina De Barros Velo Earrings £200
I recently found this jewellery brand and instantly fell in love.
5. Linen Top + Light Shorts + Heeled Mules
Style Notes: When it comes to peak summer, light, airy fabrics are key—think linen, hemp, or cotton. I love how Julie has opted for a brighter pair of shorts paired with a neutral toned top and a contrasting mule for a colourful combo that's sure to invite compliments.
Shop the Look:
M&S Patchwork Tie Side Vest With Linen £40
This went straight in my basket, along with the matching skirt.
With Nothing Underneath The Boxer: Hemp, Green £70
Hemp is a great fabric to opt for in summer.
Bobbies June - Frosted Lemon £185
Butter yellow is such a big trend for summer.
Mejuri Dôme Figure Hoop Earrings £278
Mejuri is a go-to brand for me when I'm looking for new jewellery that will last.
Explore More: 
Chloe Gallacher is a freelance fashion editor based in Essex. After graduating from university with a degree in Journalism, she worked for print publications including Hello! Fashion and You Magazine and has ten years of experience within the fashion industry. She was responsible for trend forecasting, runway reports, curating elevated and engaging shopping pages and articles, travel features, producing still-life shoots and working on the set of editorial and cover shoots, alongside commercial shoots for brands such as Next, Radley, Wyse and Wacoal.
Read more By By
SPONSORED_LABEL SPONSORED_HEADLINE SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER SPONSORED_STRAPLINE By By
SPONSORED_LABEL SPONSORED_HEADLINE SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER SPONSORED_STRAPLINE Latest in Trends
SPONSORED_LABEL SPONSORED_HEADLINE SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER SPONSORED_STRAPLINE
SPONSORED_LABEL SPONSORED_HEADLINE SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER SPONSORED_STRAPLINE
Related Archive
More in trends 