5 Tops Fashion People Are Wearing With Denim Shorts This Summer

In the heat of the summer, the effortlessly chic style of French women shines through. Even though denim shorts are the ultimate laid-back wardrobe staple, Parisian women manage to make them look so dang chic by pairing them with specific types of tops. Cropped cardigans, for instance, are a popular choice, offering a polished option that exudes understated elegance. The French penchant for striped tops also comes into play, with classic Breton shirts making a timeless statement when paired with denim shorts.
They say to dress for the job you want, but I say to dress for the vacation you want. Sadly I don't have a trip to France planned this year, but that doesn't mean I won't be dressing the part and pretending I'm strolling through a Provençal town this summer. When it comes to styling my favorite pair of denim shorts, I'll be looking to French women for inspiration. Scroll down for outfit ideas aplenty.
1. Rugby Shirts
I'm simply obsessed with how Léna Farl styled her rugby shirt with denim shorts and red accessories. It's my ideal sporty-chic look for summer.
2. Cropped Cardigans
I'll be copying Tamara Mory and wearing a cardigan sans a shirt this summer. Just one button will do.
3. Denim Shirts
Denim on denim may be called a Canadian tuxedo, but French women are also fans. Camille Charrière looks chic wearing the trend with Chanel rain boots.
4. Baby Tees
I'll always love my baggy tees, but French women are quite partial to fitted short-sleeve T-shirts right now.
5. Breton-Striped T-Shirts
Breton-stripe tops are the ultimate classic choice. I feel like I belong on a yacht in Saint-Tropez whenever I wear one.

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.