French women are replacing simple tank tops with these stylish summer blouses.

      Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence recognized for her impactful work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares emerging trends, her straightforward take on fashion and style, as well as other reflections. She is also in the process of writing her debut book, which delves into fashion as a realm of memory, projection, and reinvention.

      This weekend, Rome is under a heat wave warning, the kind of heat where even the stones seem to perspire. I had packed wisely: a few lightweight shorts, flat sandals, and oversized sunglasses that cover much of my face. However, one question kept resurfacing every time I looked in the mirror: What do you wear on top when it's 38°C (100°F), you plan to stroll around the city all day, and you don't want to reveal your midriff to throngs of tourists?

      Somewhere between the ribbed tank top that eventually resembles underwear and the oversized shirt that clings to your back after just 20 minutes, there exists a middle ground—a type of top that can withstand a heat wave while still appearing somewhat polished.

      This year, I've found myself attracted to pieces that feel somewhat nostalgic. Fabrics that seem like they’ve come from a 1950s family photo album: gingham, tiny checks, and miniature florals. Lightweight cotton poplin tops that maintain their shape, even when wrinkled. A hint of lace, a bit of crochet, and some broderie anglaise.

      I particularly enjoy small sleeveless tops with buttons down the front, reminiscent of childhood blouses but simpler. They pair well with nearly everything. Gingham has become my ally again, in washed-out red, sky blue, and biscuit beige—offering something fresh, cheerful, and much more appropriate for extreme heat than black, which inevitably makes me feel like a Mediterranean widow in the heat of August.

      I’ve also found myself unexpectedly drawn to white cotton tops adorned with a touch of lace. They aren't overly romantic; just enough to evoke the image of an Éric Rohmer heroine who unexpectedly took an EasyJet flight to Rome. They embody that rare quality of looking refined without seeming to need any effort at all.

      Then there are the mineral shades: chalk, sand, eggshell, pale clay, faded sage, dusty blue. Colors that appear to be feeling the heat as well.

      Ultimately, the best outfit I put together for this Roman weekend was quite simple: a sleeveless poplin top, denim shorts, flat sandals, a few pieces of gold jewelry, and my hair casually pinned up. The hotter it gets, the more I believe true sophistication lies in simplicity.

      **French girl–approved summer tops:**

      - Chloé Broderie Anglaise Cotton Top

      - Bibliotheque Nationale Mira Gingham Top

      - STAUD Ayla Ruffled Linen Tank

      - Gerard Darel Sleeveless Satin Top

      - POSSE Darya One-Shoulder Lace-Trimmed Linen and Cotton-Blend Top

      - FAITHFULL Isole Strapless Checked Cotton and Linen-Blend Top

      - La Veste Jardinera Tee Shirt White

      - LA LIGNE Anora Smocked Striped Stretch-Knit Cotton-Blend Top

      - MANGO Striped Vest With Toggles

      - ZARA Cut-Out Top With Bow