This summer we’re seeing so many neutrals, especially black and white.
The French chic aesthetic is build on a neutral palette. Last year for winter through Spring I tried on my French chic capsule wardrobe based on navy. Here I’m working with a sharper contrast using black, white, ivory and beige for my French chic minimalist summer wardrobe.
What is French chic?
French chic style is a classic way of dressing which suits all ages. Yes, it’s easier to get that French understated elegance if you’re tall and slim. But most of us at our age aren’t. I’m short and 25% overweight. So in these images you will see that I adapt what I wear to cover my big tummy and to divert attention from my hips.
Putting together this summer capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe uses a few items to make many different outfits. It’s important that both the colors and the shapes all work well together.
This year women are wearing all widths of trousers. So I’m showing you how three styles can work – straight (the beige chinos), wide (the white chinos) and today’s very wide pants (the black linen pants).
As I currently live in the UK, almost opposite a huge Marks and Spencer’s store, I’ve been enjoying trying on their clothes and buying some classics. Scroll down to see links (affiliate, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you click and buy, thanks!) to M&S US site and M&S UK site.
Selecting white clothes
I started putting this capsule together by simply laying out everything I have in black, white and beige.
I found I had lots of white and ivory tops already. Here I’ve chosen a sleeveless linen top (Boden, out of stock) which I will mainly wear as a layer under other items as I don’t like to show my upper arms too often. Being sleeveless, it sits well under even another linen top without looking bulky.
But when I’m with people of my own age group I will remove the top layer and enjoy getting the sun onto my upper arms. Actually, French women don’t usually worry too much about showing their upper arms. They tend to have a lot of body confidence whatever their age.
I added a new short sleeved square-cut tee – I’ve got lots but I like to get that extra whiteness that only a new shirt has, so I usually buy a couple every summer.
Finally I chose an oversize cotton shirt in ecru that I bought earlier in the year as a potential top layer or cover-up.
French chic striped tops
The black and white striped cap-sleeve tee is years old but does the trick under darker layers.
I bought from my local supermarket, Tesco, a new elbow length crew neck striped knit which I adore. Just wish I was slimmer to make it look even better!
From M&S I bought a stripey collarless cardigan of which there are lots in the shops right now and despite the rather long arms. I think I’ll be wearing this all year round.
Selecting black items
My black tops include a new cropped blazer from marksandspencer.com which is ideal for me, as I’m only 62 inches tall and I get easily swamped by longer blazers.
A structured jacket is popular with French women and gives a good contrast to all widths of pants.
There’s also a short sleeve black linen shirt from last year (Boden, out of stock) that I can wear on its own or as a top layer over a vest or tee. I’ve added a couple of vests and short-sleeved tees to complete the capsule so I have outfits for all weather – British weather is very unpredictable!
Black and white footwear and accessories
I had the straw tote bag from last year and they are still popular this summer. This actual bag is out of stock but M&S have even nicer straw totes this year here (UK). Or fabulous M&S straw tote here (US). I’ve also added a small black canvas bag (Primark I think) which I know I will be able to use for years to come.
For footwear I need to consider sitting about on some days and walking a lot on others. So I chose some very inexpensive black flat sandals for casual relaxing days, plus some ivory sandals from marksandspencer.com with a small block heel for when I want to look a little smarter. In addition, for days when I will be walking very far, I’m wearing my leather trainers bought a couple of years ago.
I’ve tried to show how a set of very simple clothes work together to give a casual classic French chic look.
To complete my summer wardrobe I’ll be adding some colorful cotton dresses to give a pop of fun and femininity when the sun comes out .
Links to clothes at Marks and Spencer US site
Links to clothes at Marks and Spencer UK site
What to read next
If you found this post interesting you can see all my other Capsule Wardrobe try-ons by typing Capsule into the search box (find the magnifying glass icon for searching).
Beige pants are a big ‘thing’ right now (Spring/Summer 2024). You can find my pick of the best here: Best Beige Pants and How to Style them in 2024.
Thank you Joni. I absolutely loved all of the styles that you’ve shown today.
Thanks for your positive comment Sharon – it helps me to know what my readers find most useful/interesting when I’m planning future posts.
Love the black and white this summer! I’m not a fan of beige/ivory/ecru, because it looks terrible with my “50 shades of grey” hair. I don’t even like that colour on my bottom, but I’m a huge fan of white pants and I’ve managed to be able to keep them clean!
What I really love are your short tops and jackets. I’m built like you, maybe slightly taller, but bigger through the hips. A just-below-the-waist jacket/sweater looks great on me, as it does on you, and who doesn’t LOVE the Breton stripes???!! Absolutely love the short, white, sleeveless linen top you have. I’ve become a huge fan of linen (wrinkles and all). Love the flowy, wide legged bottoms, but I don’t think they’re overly flattering on me. Still, I’ll wear them because they’re sooooo comfortable!
I like the format you have for delivering your information. I don’t know anything about Instagram, I am on Facebook, but I really like getting an email.
Thanks for all your suggestions!
Thanks for your feedback Jane.
Love the short black blazer. It’s so flattering and works with all the trouser shapes for us shorter ladies.
If I was a city person, I could see this particular capsule being really useful.
I do miss your French try ons. That look has always worked for the rural to market town life I lead here in the U.K.
Hi Heather. Honestly why don’t mainstream retailers ALWAYS have at least one style of short jacket every season? As you say it works for both straight and wide bottoms ( including big rears!) and suits short folk so much better than standard length tops.