A Paris-Inspired Spring Outfit (And a Little News!)
Confession: a few unseasonably warm days recently have me fixated on spring outfits. After spotting the most charming scalloped tops in Paris last year, I came home on a mission — and I think I found something worth sharing. So whether you’re already in full sunshine mode or still willing winter away, consider this your sneak peek at easy spring dressing done right.
Paris-Inspired Spring Outfits: What I Learned from the Streets (and Shop Windows)
I find warm seasons to be the most challenging to dress for, so am always inspired by the looks I see in Paris during the (late) spring and summer. Parisians manage to look cool and unbothered while still keeping it chic. In my Paris Style Report from last spring, I’d made note of several common themes, including eyelet details and scalloped hems, like the one in this shop window:
I loved the look of that top with the scalloped hem and eyelet detail, but never made it back to the store during open hours. So you can imagine my reaction when I spotted a very similar piece at J.Crew recently.
My J.Crew Find: A Scalloped Tee That Channels French Style
My sizes: Tee – Small, Pants – Petite Small
I just love this tee! It’s feminine but not fussy, and the “premium weight” cotton fabric is structured but not stiff. And it hits that “simple, but with interesting details” sweet spot that’s one of the hallmarks of French style. It’s available in 3 colors, but I wouldn’t snooze on this ivory one—I predict it will sell quickly.
I’ve styled here with navy linen lantern pants from Eileen Fisher. Pro tip: if linen’s tendency to crease drives you crazy, go dark — the wrinkles practically disappear on navy. (Note, the color looks more purplish in this photo than IRL.) For a budget-friendly alternative, I really like these linen pants from Quince.
And speaking of Paris, I have some exciting news to share…
Join Me in Paris: Fall 2026 Fashion Tour Now Open!
I’m so excited to announce that due to an amazing response, we’ve added a second Paris Fashion Tour from September 8-14, 2026! This 7 day, 6 night tour will cover a variety of fashion- and style-related venues and activities. Along with exploring some of my favorite spots in Paris (and discovering new ones) in a small-group atmosphere, it will be an opportunity to connect with like-minded women, and share laughter and experiences.
September is a LOVELY time to visit Paris, with fewer tourists and gorgeous weather. There are only 8 spots and they will go quickly, so if you’re interested, please contact Emma at Tour With Absolutely to secure your place. I hope to see you there!
Whether it’s through a scalloped tee that channels the magic of a Paris shop window, or an actual week in the city itself, I hope you find little ways to bring that effortless French spirit into your everyday style this spring. As always, I’d love to hear what you think — drop a comment below and let me know if you’d wear this look!
More Eyelet & Scalloped Tops
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I love eyelet—such a fresh, warm-weather look for spring and summer. Wish it didn’t usually require ironing.
Love the eyelet / scallop trend. It looks so fresh and crisp.
The J Crew shirt comes in a darling Navy where the white trim really stands out and a nice Olive color, which would be a good color on me. Lands End has quite a selection of eyelet or cutwork pieces including skirts.
Thank you!!!! I just ordered the t-shirt. You always have a great way of finding great pieces!
You are so right that such a top is on trend. My friend Marita is wearing one too in my blog post this week. Alas, although I see the beauty of it, it is not my style. You however, look gorgeous in it.
Have a lovely week in Paris in September. We just cancelled our short Paris trip this coming April. Again. I don’t think I will ever travel again.
Greetje
Sounds like a fantastic trip you’re planning. I still enjoy ‘style watching’ in Paris which I think of as the people equivalent of bird watching! Though these days I often find London style just as interesting.
September is indeed a very lovely time to visit Paris. I lived there in my late teens and visit most years via the Eurostar. I think it had a big influence on how I dress but not to the exclusion of all else, particularly in relation to colour, where I think they can be rather unadventurous.
I have also been visiting Marseille with greater frequency in recent years both for work and to stay with friends. I love Marseille too, though the accent can be hard work.
I do think much of what people see as ‘French style’ relates Parisian style and perhaps also the wealthier women in the Côte d’Azur. Marseille is’t a stylish place at all when I was there last week I wondered if it has been made illegal to wear anything but black track pants and black down puffer coats. In most smaller French towns most older women’s clothes are at the frumpy end of conservative ‘classic’.
Hi Maureen,
I do agree with your last paragraph.
As a french woman of a certain age, living in the suburb of Paris, it is somewhat quite difficult to really find women with real style, although they do exist, even in my suburbs.
But you have to keep in mind that, as in the US and many other countries unfortunately, most of people have less money, many brands have disappeared and instead fast fashion, and cheap fashion have taken the position. And unfortunately most french do believe that black is the everything.
But all is not so dark: there are also a lot of people with style and you don’t always need money for that. Only confidence and the right mindset.
I apologise for my english.
Your English is great and I’m sure you are one of those stylish women in the suburbs! We have them in the suburbs here in England too.
The description on JCrew’s website says, “Hits above waist”, which would not be a good look on me. Could you please provide the length of your size small?
Hi Erica, the shoulder-to-hem length is 21″. I think you’d have to be pretty tall or very long-waisted for this top to hit above the waist. The model on the website is 5’10” and it seems to cover her waist.
I happened to find an extremely similar top to the Paris inspiration last summer at Madewell: the same sleeves, neckline and cropped shape, but it was an all-over eyelet in a very firm cotton knit — it was a real find, as I love it, and it hardly requires ironing, ie, a very nice quality fabric. Perhaps they will repeat it.
BTW, Madewell has the same parent Co. as J. Crew.
I ordered the scalloped tee in ivory and navy.
They arrived today and I very pleased!!!!!!! I have the navy with white jeans on now. It is a great combo. I am sure I will be wearing it often this spring and summer. Good look for south Louisiana. Thank you Susan for the heads up.