Parisian-Inspired Summer Fashion: Chic & Easy Styles for Women Over 50
On my latest trip to Paris, I caught an early glimpse of what chic Parisians will be wearing this summer—thanks to an unexpected stretch of warm, sunny weather. Now, as Memorial Day sales start popping up, I’ve been on the lookout for similar pieces you can find closer to home. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway to Paris or simply want to add a touch of French je ne sais quoi to your warm-weather wardrobe, I’ve rounded up some effortless, Parisian-inspired looks to keep you feeling cool and looking polished all season long.
Parisian summer style inspiration: get the look at home (& on sale!)
(For a Parisian look, roll up the sleeves on the shirt, and leave the bottom few buttons undone, or half-tuck…)
The shops in Paris were full of breezy, relaxed styles in linen and cotton fabrics. On the streets: lots of wide leg pants, longer skirts, tops that allowed for some air flow. (Read my full Parisian summer style report here.)
These sale styles would be right at home on the streets of Paris…
Stripe linen pants – $89.50
Vertical stripes were everywhere in Paris! These linen pants have a polished look with some ease in the leg. In Classic and Tall sizes.
Here’s a similar style with a more relaxed fit, also in stripe. (And yes, I did see Parisians wearing pants with a front drawstring.)
Eyelet detail linen shirt – $109.50
Eyelet and broderie Anglaise styles are a summer perennial, and seem to be very much on trend in Paris. I purchased this shirt last year (in brown). It’s a more structured linen fabric but still cool in the heat.
Cotton maxi dress – $55.65
Breezy, but not too voluminous, thanks to a shirred elastic back waistband. This cotton dress is also available in a bright green that’s great for you Springs. Sizes X-Small to X-Large. Also in Plus.
Textured satin pants – $89.50
Pink or peach pants were another micro-trend I spotted on several women in Paris. Usually worn with a white or off-white shirt or tee. These are available in Classic, Petite, and Tall lengths. (They do run a bit long.)
Wide strap sandals – $64.50
I saw loads of sandals in styles similar to these in Paris! I love the texture, and the adjustable straps. (Also offered in leopard print!)
Striped cotton dress – $49.22
Vertical stripes are another (big) Parisian fashion trend this season! Wear this dress with or without the belt, or add your own. Also in blue/white stripes, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large. Similar in Plus here.
Woven leather tote – $178.33
I noticed a lot of Parisian women carrying woven leather bags of various shapes and sizes. The woven texture lightens up the look of a leather bag for summer.
Linen-blend shirt – $48.65
Stripes again! One of the hallmarks of French style is that it marries basic, timeless shapes with little interesting details (like the directional stripes here on the pocket and sleeves). Other colors available, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large.
Bringing Paris home
Paris is always such a feast for the senses! Channeling Parisian style feels like keeping a bit of Paris with me, and I’m already thinking about how to incorporate some of these looks into my summer wardrobe.
What about you…do your travels tend to influence your style at home?
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I love the idea of Susan as fashion reporter. You have a keen eye for detail and how ti make trends wearable. I hope you lean i to this more, both in your travels and at home! I feel the same about bringing a piece of your travels home with you. For me it’s New York! I know you mentioned this but it’s key to get out of tourist areas to see what people are really wearing.
Love those peach satin pants… but they’re out of my size. I requested they notify me if they restock!
I really love those striped linen pants! I’m free today, so …. need to get shopping!
Thank you Susan! This is exactly what I needed! I’m going to try a few of these pieces that you’ve shown us here and see if I can incorporate that into my July-August trip. I’m not sure if you’re home again but if you are, I hope your trip back was comfortable. Looks like you had a wonderful time and pretty good weather!
Classic, simple, chic and lots of confidence……..is how I sum up Parisian style in my head….I love it there (and pretty much every European town/country I’ve been to….I’m oh so envious.
p.s. I bought the Navy stratus pants in talls from J.crew……thanks for mentioning them before and I’ve washed and dried them…..so easy.
So glad you enjoyed your time in Paris! Lovely suggestions for that easy stylish Parisian look. I want to comment on J. Crew choices. J. Crew has very few stores anymore. All of the stores in California (and there are about 8 of them) are in SoCal or south of San Francisco. J. Crew charges $7.50 for sending returns. I’m not a fan of paying to try on clothes although I really like J. Crew items but their sizing is not consistent enough to want to take a chance and I am a regular body…nothing odd!
J. Crew, is perhaps, my favorite brand. I have to agree with you on paying for return shipping. I get it. Consumers have taken advantage of retailers’ return policies and they are cracking down. I don’t like online shopping from an environmental standpoint. All that shipping back and forth and a (large?) percentage of returns get disposed of. I’m a picky consumer. I won’t settle on fit, fabric, color. In store shopping works best for me.
I get heavily influenced by the places I visit and the people in those places. Often makes me buy things that are not me or do not suit my lifestyle…alas.
But with this Paris style you cannot go wrong.
Greetje
I just returned from Paris and enjoyed seeing women of all ages look fresh and stylish. Your posts helped me know what to look for.
Pink and orange, separately or in florals, were everywhere. Small cross body leather bags, wide jeans, blue and white stripes, long dresses and skirts all caught my eye. I’m going to shop my closet and do a better job pulling summer outfits together. I bought a quilted, striped light blue denim vest, two striped linen shirts and a mocha quilted jacket. Such fun! Thanks, as always, Susan.
The eyelet linen shirt is very pretty but also very long!
Do you always tuck it in or have you had it shortened?
I love wearing untucked button downs but I’m 5’2″ and it’s only recently dawned on me that shorter untucked button downs look best on me. Unfortunately they are hard to find. And, lately, when I have found a few cropped shirts, they’ve been a boxy style that doesn’t suit me. Some companies don’t even seem to shorten the lengths of their petite sizes even if they shorten the sleeves (looking at you, J. Crew.) Do you know any sources, apart from Talbots, that sell shorter button downs or must I be resigned to getting shirts shortened by a seamstress/tailor? (and yikes how expensive will it be?)
Your best post ever! I love chic French style. I was wondering how to take it into the heat of summer. These pieces look chic and cool and are affordable too! I realized I have a lot of similar pieces in my wardrobe already. I even remembered a pair of pink/peach pants I had forgotten about.
I can definitely shop my closet & pull a reasonable facsimile of that green pants outfit together.