$84, monsoon

Hanging out with dozens of effortlessly chic French women is how I spent the better part of Sunday. I took my kids to an Easter party-fundraiser hosted by a few friends for a local French elementary school. The poolside setting had all the trappings of a South-of-France rendezvous, complete with kir royales, straw fedoras, strappy sandals, Birkin bags and a scorching hot sun. After I devoured the poached salmon and asparagus lunch and fed my kids handfuls of chocolate, I endeavored to crack the secret of French summer style--and I can tell you this: it starts with something classic, fuss-free, and bare-leg-friendly. Something like this louche print tunic, along with...

1. Monsoon wooblock print smock top, $84, monsoon.co.uk
2. Topshop straw fedora, $45, topshop.com
3. Alexander McQueen round sunglasses, $365, shopbop.com
4. Foley + Corinna canvas and leather tote, $295, revolveclothing.com
5. Ishvara lace-up sandals, $250, shopbop.com
6. Current/Elliot cut-off shorts, $178, netaporter.com