While many of us spend the months of July and August dreaming about vacations along the Mediterranean and the wardrobes that go along with them, I’d argue that some of the best summer style can be found not at the beach clubs and seaside tavernas of the coast but right in the heart of the world’s fashion capitals—particularly Paris. Despite its recent headline-making heat wave, or perhaps because of it, the style in the French capital is especially good right now.

I just got back from a trip to Paris, where I strolled along the Left Bank, shopped in the Marais, and had nights out in Pigalle. Everywhere I went, I was clocking what the city’s most stylish people were wearing, and although the city’s style identities are as vast and diverse as its neighborhoods, I noticed several through lines that were impossible to ignore. Boarding my flight home, I was filled with so much styling inspiration that it was only right that I share the warm-weather looks that are popular among the French right now.

Bandana + Tank Top + Midi Skirt

Woman in Paris wearing a summer outfit.

There’s one accessory that’s dominating the streets of Paris, and it’s none other than the bandana. Whether it’s a literal bandana or a printed silk scarf, all the coolest dressers are styling one in their hair to add a trend-forward detail to their summer outfits. I saw so many people styling them as a finishing touch with basic tanks and graphic tees.

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Graphic Tee + Printed Bottoms + Flip-Flops

Woman in Paris wearing a summer outfit.

Speaking of graphic tees, I was surprised to see as many of them as I did. On the afternoon I spent shopping in the Marais, I probably noted 20 of these tees. They came in fun colorways and featured cheeky sayings in both English and French. The above outfit combo featuring the tee with a printed skirt and flip-flops is a perfect example of how I saw people wearing them.

T-Shirt + Drawstring Shorts + Ballet Flats

Elisabeth Bento wearing an all-white summer outfit in Paris.

While some color popped here and there, I definitely spotted a lot of neutral looks, and Parisians are especially favoring all-white combos and using contrasting accessories to anchor them. White jeans and white drawstring shorts were two of the specific bottoms that I saw a lot of.

Caftan + Bold Jewelry + Woven Bag

Woman in Paris wearing a summer outfit.

When the heat wave took hold of the city, the style shifted accordingly, and I saw plenty of flowy caftan dresses—the kind that barely touch the body at all—paired with a singular bold beaded jewelry item, like a necklace or bangle, to add to the artsy feel.

White Blouse + Colored Shorts + Ballet Flats

Woman in Paris wearing a summer outfit.

Despite whatever the trend cycle may say, French people will always be faithful to the simple but everlasting combo of shorts—be it denim or something trendier like taffeta—and a pretty white top. It’s all about that playful contrast in energies between the boho top and sporty bottoms.