Clockwise, from left to right: An oversized, crisp button-up in French blue with a curved hem sells for $99 at Cos. Red patent Mary Janes from ballet-shoe company Maison Repetto are $480. Sandy Liang’s update-for-adults on a schoolgirl sailor dress is $480 from Shopbop. Apercu’s Le Carre sunnies ($159) in this gorgeous shade of marine blue will add instant glam to your wardrobe. Fill Clare V.’s striped azure bleu and blanc mesh tote with beach towels, sunscreen and water, while you use the matching clutch to keep your keys and wallet under wraps. The duo sells for $235.
By Janet Kelly
THE FRENCH have recently had their share of tsuris (that’s Yiddish for trouble; the “t” is silent). However, in observance of Bastille Day this Friday, we’re giving a celebratory shoutout to le bleu, blanc et rouge. See our picks above and below for how we’re wearing La Belle France’s signature colors.
Another fetching French blue, Tory Burch’s Simone cardigan ($398) is a wardrobe workhorse. Knit from a wool and silk blend (70% wool, 30% silk) with contrast ribbing, this sweater pairs delightfully with white or blue jeans and pants, as well as long, midi and short skirts and dresses.
Founded by two best friends, ba&sh clothing is the essence of French easy elegance. This embroidered, loose-fitting, 3/4-sleeve blouse with a feminine teardrop neckline sells for $375. Think Jane Birkin in the ’70s.
Inspired by vintage mechanic uniforms, this zipper-front utility jacket ($198) from Buck Mason is made from cotton twill with a bit of stretch. Tabs at the back are adjustable for a more fitted waist and blouson effect. We bet Ines de la Fressange would wear it with these matching pants.
Handmade in Saint Tropez, K. Jacques sandals come in a slew of styles, in addition to this fisherman, a look that has been very popular this season, perhaps because its closed toe and multitude of straps ensure it’s fit for the pavement as well as the shore. It’s on sale for $216 from Farfetch, but sizes and inventory are limited. Here’s something similar from Anthropologie.
Even though it’s anything but what I’d call a basic white sweater, Vince’s geometric crochet cardigan could work with just about any item in my wardrobe—coordinating white pants, jeans, a straight or pleated skirt. Wear it over a sleeveless top, a linen T-shirt or a body suit. It’s made of a cotton and nylon blend and sits right at the hips. It’s $495 at Shopbop.
French women know that you can go without much makeup as long you’re wearing a red lipstick. We love the vivid red-blue of MAC’s Ruby Woo, which comes in a lipglass that you can wear on its own or over lip pencil or lipstick. It sells for $23 at Ulta and is also available in a matte.
From Australian designer Suzie Kondi comes this cute gauze summery shirt dress with a ’50s vibe. Slightly fitted at the bust and waist with a flirty kick at the hem, it’s wearable day or night. Just change the footwear from white Vans to strappy sandals. It sells for $395 at Net a Porter.
As much as I love a traditional blue-and-white-striped marinière, Alex Mill’s beachside tee (reduced from $89 to $59) looks fresh to my eye. In breathable jersey, the fit is relaxed with a slight drop shoulder. Pair with linen shorts for a stroll on the beach or under a jumpsuit in the evening.
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I’d like one of everything, please. My favorite colors.