When it comes to chic dresses, who better to turn to for the best dress inspiration than Parisian women? Living in one of the fashion capitals of the world means that French women have no shortage of options when it comes to dress styles. With so many different designs and styles at their fingertips, you know that they’ve done their homework in figuring out the best dress styles! I’m always against cheating on a test, but in this case, I think it’s okay to take a peek at how French women are getting an A+ in fashion with these 7 Parisian dress styles. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1. Wrap Dress
Parisian style is known for being polished and effortlessly chic. Knowing that, it makes perfect sense why women in Paris love the wrap dress so much. Wrap dresses are easy to throw on and head out the door, but also give you a tailored, elevated look thanks to the wrap feature around the waist. Because wrap dresses are adjustable, they can instantly fit you exactly as you’d like them to, which will give you that polished, tailored look, without having to actually pay a tailor. The best part is, if you feel like it’s a little snug as you wear it throughout the day, you can easily make your own adjustments to loosen it.
Not only is a wrap dress customizable and comfortable, but it’s also a great dress if you’re going for a flattering look. The tie around your waist will draw the eye to the narrowest point of your body shape, which is given an hourglass shape thanks to the cinch of the tie wrap. It’s also a versatile style, which is yet another reason why Parisians often incorporate it into their capsule wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down with ease. Elevate it with a pair of espadrilles or slingback heels, or create a casual outfit with a pair of sneakers or ballet flats.
amazon
Polka Dot Dress
2. Shirtdress
Speaking of versatile dress styles, a shirtdress is one of those wardrobe essentials that can fit nearly any occasion. If you want to dress up your Saturday errands uniform, pair it with a crossbody bag and sneakers like the French girl below. Or, dress it up to meet friends for lunch with chic sunglasses, a structured leather bag, and Mary Jane flats.
Another great selling point of this dress? It’s office-friendly, especially if you choose a longer version with sleeves. Pair it with loafers and you have an instant outfit that embodies timeless elegance for your next work day.
Parisian women put a lot of thought into what styles they bring home to their closets. They often have very limited physical space to store their clothes, so they focus on timeless pieces that are classic, quality, and won’t go out of style. They favor essential pieces and don’t fall victim to fast fashion trends. This is why it makes perfect sense that they love a shirtdress so much.
quince
100% European Linen Button Front Dress
3. Little Black Dress
It’s true what they say… every woman needs her own little black dress (including French women). The LBD was even popularized by a Parisian woman: fashion icon and designer, Coco Chanel. If that’s not proof enough of why Parisian women love the little black dress, its timeless elegance speaks for itself! French women first fell in love with the LBD because it was simple, sporty, and accessible, making it the perfect dress addition to the modern woman’s wardrobe.
The color of this dress makes it a classic staple to wear year-round. In the winter, dress it up for a holiday party with a pair of tights, a long wool coat, and slingback heels. In the summer months, pair it with strappy sandals or flats for date night, along with elevated gold jewelry.
quince
Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cap Sleeve Dress in Black
4. Fit and Flare Dress
Although Parisian women typically stick to neutral, muted colors, that doesn’t mean they can’t add a little bit of drama to their outfits with their dress details. A fit and flare dress perfectly balances a fitted and loose silhouette. You get the drama of a flared skirt, while still being able to flatter your natural curves up top with a fitted bodice. If you want to get the most wear out of this style, go for a classic pattern or solid color like black, cream, brown, or navy.
j.crew
Drop-Waist Mixy Dress
5. Floral Dress
Parisian women may favor understated, neutral looks, but they also don’t shy away from a pop of color or pattern now and again! Their secret is choosing timeless, repetitive designs – these tend to look more elevated and classic than alternatives. A floral dress is a great example! Parisian women love to create classy, feminine looks with floral dresses, especially in a midi length. This length is the most versatile if you want to be able to wear the dress on as many occasions as possible. From weddings to showers to brunch to wineries, a floral midi dress is a must-have.
madewell
Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Midi Dress
6. Striped Dress
It’s a well-known fact that French women love stripes, and that love translates to their dresses, too! A striped Mariner dress is the perfect choice for a casual outfit when you just want to throw something on and head out the door (without sacrificing good style).
You can dress it up with a touch of glamour by adding a pair of pearl stud earrings, a silk scarf, red ballet flats, and a basket tote. Or, dress it down with a pair of sandals, a crossbody bag, and gold hoops. You can even pair it with sneakers, ballet flats, heels, etc. – it might just be one of the easiest dresses to style that’s hanging in your closet.
everlane
The Mariner Dress
7. Slip Dress
French women love to balance their outfits by pairing masculine and feminine pieces together. Jeanne Damas, model, designer, and founder of Rouje, is a master of this! She has that effortlessly chic look that is so inherently feminine and cool. Take notes from her look above to style a French girl outfit with a silk slip dress.
Because the slip dress is such a feminine piece, try pairing it with traditionally masculine layers like a trench coat (modeled by Jeanne above), leather jacket, or blazer. In its entirety, this look balances masculine and feminine, close-fitting and oversized, and elegant and practical staple pieces. This strategy of balance is what makes French outfits look so visually appealing, yet effortless! You can continue this method throughout your accessories. If you want to incorporate a more masculine shoe, go for loafers or ankle boots. On the flip side, you can make your outfit lean more feminine with strappy heels or ballet flats.
quince
100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
Dresses to Impress
Parisian women have mastered the art of dressing to impress without trying too hard – and that’s where dresses come in! You can get a French woman’s effortlessly chic look in no time by wearing these 7 dress styles. Not only are dresses comfortable, elevated, and easy – but they’ll also save space in your wardrobe (it’s two pieces in one, after all). What’s not to love about that?
Ready more Parisian style tips? Up Next: The 7 Must-Have French Style Shoes for Your Wardrobe
Great ideas. Many thanks.
So glad you like these ideas, Denise!