My mother and I have always been aligned when it comes to style. We share book recommendations, swap interior design ideas, and more often than not, we end up adding the same clothes to our online shopping carts. Living in different parts of London means we can’t browse the rails together as often as we used to, but we still send each other links at least once a week. Lately, the pieces we keep sharing have a clear common thread: an easy, Parisian-inspired feel. Nothing overly styled, just well-made basics that look effortless. Three brands keep cropping up in our messages: Zara, Sézane, and DÔEN. After plenty of back-and-forth, we narrowed down our mutual favourites to fifteen items we both genuinely love. These are the french summer buys that work for both of us, whether she’s over fifty or I’m approaching thirty.
Why These Three Brands Keep Appearing in Our Conversations
Zara offers accessible, on-trend pieces that often nod to French style without being costume-like. Sézane is the go-to for that quintessentially Parisian look—think classic cuts, delicate details, and a soft, lived-in feel. DÔEN brings a slightly boho, California-meets-France vibe with its floaty dresses and impeccable blouses. Together, they cover every corner of the summer wardrobe: from tailored jackets to relaxed denim, basket bags, simple sandals, and easy dresses. They all share a commitment to quality materials and silhouettes that flatter multiple generations. That is why they dominate our weekly link exchange.
15 French Summer Buys We Both Love
Here are the fifteen pieces that have earned a permanent spot in our shared style rotation. Each one feels timeless, versatile, and distinctly French-inspired.
Zara Lace-Up Flat Sandals
These sandals are the definition of a summer staple. The crisscross laces and flat sole make them comfortable for long city walks, while the neutral colour means they pair with dresses, jeans, and shorts alike. My mother and I both reached for them immediately. They are the kind of shoe you throw on without thinking, yet they elevate any outfit. Expect to wear them from morning coffee to evening aperitifs.
Zara Satin Shirt with Frog Fastening
This shirt caught our eye because of the unexpected frog closures—a detail that feels both chic and playful. The satin fabric has a subtle sheen, and the cut is slightly oversized, which gives it a relaxed, borrowed-from-the-wardrobe look. We ordered it right away and found that taking your usual size works perfectly for a slouchy fit. It transitions easily from the office to a weekend brunch.
Zara Midi Dress with Cutwork Embroidery
The embroidered cutwork on this dress is what makes it special. It adds texture and a handcrafted feel without being fussy. The midi length is flattering for both my mum and me, and the lightweight fabric keeps you cool on warm days. We both agreed this is one of the most eye-catching pieces in the trio. Pair it with simple sandals and a basket bag for an instantly polished look.
Zara High Neck Linen Blend Jacket
Spring and summer often call for a light layer, and this jacket fits the bill perfectly. The linen blend keeps it breathable, while the high neckline gives it a structured yet soft silhouette. It works over dresses, jeans, and even shorts. My mother calls it her “transitional hero,” and I use it to add a French finishing touch to casual outfits. It is ideal for those days when the air conditioning is too strong or the evening breeze picks up.
Zara Loose Barrel Mid-Waist Jeans
I have been wearing these jeans almost daily since I bought them. The barrel leg silhouette feels current but not trendy, and the mid-rise waist is comfortable for all-day wear. My mother saw how much I lived in them and immediately ordered her own pair. They are the epitome of easy, relaxed denim—perfect for the city, for travel, or for a lazy summer weekend. After multiple washes, they still hold their shape well.
DÔEN Blouse (Coco or Similar Style)
No one does blouses quite like DÔEN. Their signature combination of soft fabrics, delicate ruffles, and puff sleeves feels romantic yet modern. We both fell for one particular blouse with an heirloom-quality finish. Paired with the matching skirt (see next item), it becomes a stunning coordinated set. On its own, it looks effortless with white jeans or denim shorts. This is a piece you will reach for season after season.
DÔEN Matching Skirt
The skirt that complements the blouse is equally beautiful. It has the same lightweight fabric and gentle gathering at the waist, creating a fluid silhouette. Together they form a matching set that feels intentional without being too matchy-matchy. Separately, the skirt pairs wonderfully with a simple cotton t-shirt or a linen blazer. The length hits just below the knee, which is universally flattering, and the elastic waistband adds comfort.
DÔEN Alesia Cashmere Cardigan
Cashmere might not be the first thing you think of for summer, but a lightweight cardigan is indispensable for cool evenings or air-conditioned restaurants. The Alesia cardigan comes in a lovely on-trend colour—think soft sage or dusty rose—that brightens any outfit. I would wear this in the city over a slip dress, while my mother would pack it for a coastal holiday. It is a worthy investment because it works across both our wardrobes and transitions into autumn.
DÔEN Tiered Midi Dress
DÔEN is known for its floaty, feminine dresses, and this tiered midi is a standout. The smocked bodice ensures a comfortable fit, while the tiers create movement. The fabric is light and airy, perfect for a beachside lunch or a garden party. My mother loves the modest neckline, and I appreciate the easy slip-on styling. It is a timeless summer dress that we both consider worth investing in.
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Sézane Justine Basket Bag
This basket bag needs no explanation. It is the ultimate French summer accessory—woven straw, a simple shape, and enough room for your essentials. The leather straps make it comfortable to carry, and the neutral design works with any outfit. Whether you are running errands or heading to the market, it adds an instant je ne sais quoi. We each own one now, and it has become a go-to warm-weather bag.
Sézane Embroidered Top
This top from Sézane is a perfect example of how a simple piece can become something special. Delicate embroidery along the neckline and sleeves adds a handcrafted touch. It looks lovely with high-waisted jeans or tucked into a linen skirt. The fabric is soft and breathable, making it ideal for hot days. My mother and I both agreed that you can just throw it on and immediately look put together.
Sézane Simple Jumper with Nice Collar
We are both suckers for a simple jumper made chic by a beautiful collar. This knit from Sézane features a Peter Pan or pointelle collar that transforms it from basic to elegant. It works as a top on its own or layered over a dress. The lightweight cotton blend means you can wear it even in summer, especially during cooler evenings. It is one of those rare pieces that feels both cozy and refined.
Sézane Linen Shorts
Shorts can be tricky for a mother-daughter wardrobe, but these linen shorts from Sézane have a relaxed fit and a longer inseam that flatters both of us. The high waist cinches in nicely, and the linen fabric keeps you cool. Pair them with the embroidered top or a simple t-shirt. They are the kind of shorts you can wear from a casual lunch to a stroll along the Seine.
Zara Embroidered Linen Blouse
We needed another top to round out the Zara selections, and this embroidered linen blouse fits perfectly. The white base with subtle floral embroidery feels fresh and French. The loose cut allows for airflow, and the button-front closure makes it easy to dress up or down. We both imagine wearing it with the barrel jeans or tucked into the linen shorts.
Sézane Simple Leather Sandals
To complete our footwear collection, we added a pair of simple leather sandals from Sézane. Unlike the lace-up flats, these have a minimal design with thin straps and a small heel. They are ideal for dinners or dressier occasions. The leather molds to your foot over time, and the neutral colour complements everything. My mother prefers them for evenings out, while I wear them to the office on casual Fridays.
Building a Capsule Summer Wardrobe with These French Summer Buys
If you want to replicate the effortless look that my mother and I love, start with a few versatile staples. The lace-up sandals, the basket bag, and the barrel jeans form a solid foundation. Add one dress, one blouse, and one jacket, and you have multiple outfits for different occasions. The key is choosing pieces that mix and match seamlessly, all with that Parisian sense of ease. Our fifteen picks show that french summer buys don’t have to be expensive or complicated—they just need to be thoughtfully made and genuinely flattering. Whether you share clothes with your own mother or simply want a streamlined closet, these items will serve you well for many summers to come.
