(Fashion)

These 5 French Brands Are Perfect For Summer

by Laura Lajiness Kaupke

We’re never not striving to be French. For summer, even more so—hello, basket bags, boater hats and breezy wrap dresses! As bona fide Francophile’s, we’ve got a few things down pat when it comes to emulating Parisian style, but more than emulate, we’re stepping it up with actual French brands to amplify our look.

Here, we’re spotlighting five fresh French labels with offerings that are perfect for summer—a little enchanté of sorts to help you get familiar. Chances are these brands are responsible for many of the cute tops, flouncy dresses and woven bags you’ve spotted all over your Instagram feed, though many of them have a hard time keeping things in stock. So, when shopping our edit, act fast. Or as they say in French, Vite! vite!

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Très Chic For Summer

MaisonCléo

An Instagram sensation, this mother-daughter brand— Marie and Cléo—is known for voluminous tops and flouncy dresses, all made-to-order by hand in Paris. Every style in the collection is named after a woman in their family as an ode to those who inspire them. Fun fact: a scrunchie is offered with each order as “Cléo” (a nickname given to Marie’s mother), is known to be armed and ready with hers at all times.

In addition to their handmade-to-order business, MaisonCléo puts on small sales on their website with just a few pieces available at a time—aka they sell out fast. Each style we’re featuring is set to be in stock soon, so hang tight. Or put in a personal order!

Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted in this puff-shoulder top.

MaisonCléo, Julie Shirt

We love the exaggerated details on this tie-front silhouette.

MaisonCléo, Agnès Blouse

This dress pairs perfectly with easy sandals and a straw bag.

MaisonCléo, Antoinette II Dress

Réalisation Par

Founded by Alexandra Spencer and Teale Talbot, Réalisation sets out to inspire women of all shapes, styles and backgrounds. Known for wrap-style tops and dresses as well as slinky camisoles and slips, the brand creates individual pieces when adding to their line, rather than seasonal collections. The idea is that every item created will perfectly fit into every woman’s wardrobe and feel unique to her and how she chooses to wear it. Individuality for the win!

Here, the perfect bell-sleeve top to pair with jeans.

It doesn’t get more romantic than this corset-style midi dress.

We’re totally for channeling the 90s in this handkerchief-style top. Or, simply tie it on as an accessory.

Rouje

Designed by French It girl Jeanne Damas, Rouje reinterprets iconic Parisian basics with a bit of nostalgia. Flirty blouses, floral dresses, effortless skirts are signature of this collection—all in fresh colors and poppy prints that ready easy-chic. The brand is a go-to for quintessential French-girl accessories, too. Don’t miss the woven raffia bags and perfectly simple sandals.

We consider this the perfect weekend jumpsuit.

Rouje, Lolo Jumpsuit

A most charming addition to your basket bag collection.

Rouje, Seau Basket Bag

This date-night ready dress give us Pretty Woman vibes.

Rouje, Gina Dress

Sézane

Affordably French is the ticket for buzzy brand Sézane, designed by Morgane Sézalory. Effortlessly feminine staples make up this French label which carefully selects its ateliers for quality work conditions in addition to premier craftsmanship. In addition to frilled blouses, skirts, and dresses (all of read easy as can be), staples like tees, sweaters and trousers are signature—you may be familiar with the 30,000+ person waitlist for Sézane’s famous Barry cardigan. While you can shop online, the brand has set up beautiful shops in New York and LA in addition to stores in Paris.

This ruffled top is quintessentially summer.

Sézane, Abby Blouse

What is Parisian style without a floaty wrap dress?

Sézane, Elana Dress

A flirty frilled mini is a must-have in the heat.

Sézane, Cassi Skirt

ba&sh

Best friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief created ba&sh as a way to bring their dream wardrobe to life and share it with other women. A brand truly made by women for women, the aesthetic is distinctly Parisian as easy, joyful silhouettes exude a bohemian elegance. Our picks include maxi skirts, dress and western-inspired accessories.

Have you encountered a more perfect maxi skirt?