What People in Paris Are Wearing in a Heat Wave
Parisian street style coverage by yours truly
The past few weeks, temperatures in Paris have been scorching, but this hasn’t stopped Parisians from dressing well. So, as the Olympics unfolded over the past weeks, I enjoyed immersing myself in the Parisian sport of people-watching.
With that, the idea for this send was born. If these types of sends are something you’d like to see more of in your inbox, please consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber. For writers of smaller publications like this one, your support makes a world of difference.
Onto the looks!
Emma x
All black outfits
In Paris, there’s a kind of unspoken affinity for all-black outfits, even in the dead of summer. This is why Paris feels like a sartorial and spiritual home to me. I love black clothes and am beyond thrilled to now reside in a country where all-black outfits are socially accepted. 😌
What many of these all-black outfits have in common is great tailoring. Everything fits exactly how it’s supposed to while subtly playing with proportions. This type of attention to detail adds the visually interesting part. (So, no need to add little pops of color throughout to avoid looking “boring.“)
I would highly recommend reading ’s guide to wearing head-to-toe black in the dead of summer.
Large denim tote bags
Denim, in all its forms, is huge in Paris. From what I’ve witnessed, it is the structured and boxy denim silhouettes that really dominate the streets over here. Hence, it wasn’t surprising to me when I starting seeing a lot of large denim tote bags around the city.
A.P.C. makes some of the best denim pieces I’ve come across. So, if you are on the hunt for a good denim tote bag, might I suggest their Cabas Daniela indigo- or their Cabas Thais bleu marine tote bag?
Cropped, but classy button-ups
I’m also noticing a lot of cropped button-ups. I’m not fully on board with this trend, mainly because I find that most “new takes” on classic pieces like the button-up tend to fade quickly. This type of shirt feels like one of those items that, after a couple of years, end up on the discount rack at the thrift store. Maybe I’m wrong. (I hope I am.) I do like the silhouette this type of shirt adds to an outfit, I want to give my honest opinion rather than just sending a bunch of affiliate links your way.
Adidas Samba
At this point, I’ve seen more Sambas than I can handle. I don’t have much else to add except to suggest reading There Is Life Beyond Adidas Sambas on Long Live, if you need a safe space away from them too.
Woven leather bags + shoes
This seems quintessentially French, but it also feels like the market bag has evolved beyond its traditional straw-basket-with-leather-straps form. Since touching down in Paris, I’ve seen countless braided leather flats, sandals, shoulder bags, and tote bags, but only one classic market bag. This shift could be attributed to what I like to call The Bottega Veneta Effect. Since the Jodie bag gained enormous popularity, I’ve seen affordable equivalents pop up everywhere.
I’ve also noticed a lot of woven leather make its way onto the footwear scene. I am a huge fan of Hereu—a Spanish shoe and accessory brand that taps right into this type of aesthetic—and have to highlight their Fiol Interwoven-Leather Bucket bag if you’re on the lookout for a new bag. (It’s currently on sale on Farfetch for €438.) There are also plenty of goodies on Vestiaire Collective such as the Clava Sandal (EU 36, $254.97 and EU 38, $81.52), Barana Sandal (size EU 36, $288.52), and Forana Sandal (EU 38, $469.68).
Chunky footwear
Lastly, everyone seems to love chunky shoes here. People are wearing chunky mules, loafers, Oxford shoes, and sneakers to contrast with their sleek, tailored ensembles. I think combining these two contrasting elements creates such a great, visually interesting dynamic.
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I forgot to add my affiliate disclaimer!! I've added it to the post now but just fyi, it won't appear in your inbox. :(
We can never get enough street style photos from Paris!