The Cool Dresses French Girls Always Wear
Have you noticed the one thing all French girls are wearing this summer? It’s not a striped boater top or a trench coat or even ballet flats. It’s a cool dress style that you might not have associated with Parisians before—but it turns out you should. Breezy floral wrap dresses are in practically every French girl’s closet (and suitcase). Which styles make the cut? Ahead, we’re breaking down what to look for.
First, find a playful print. Anything from polka dots to simple vintage florals works. You can’t go wrong by sticking to a neutral color palette, including red, white, or navy. Next, the dress should have a sleeve, whether it’s long, short, or cap. Bonus points if the neckline is finished with flirty ruffles. As for styling it, try some layered gold necklaces, espadrilles, and a woven basket bag. Now, don’t be surprised if you’re mistaken for a Parisian on your summer trip to the Côte d’Azur.
Keep reading to see how French girls are styling these cool dresses, and then shop our favorite styles from Réalisation Par, Rouje, Reformation, and more.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
7 Fancy Items French Women Are Wearing Out at Night
Bonne soirée.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Just Came Back From Paris—6 Coat Trends I Spotted Everywhere (and Bought Immediately)
*Adds to cart*
By Ana Escalante
-
4 Controversial Shoe Trends French Women Seem to Be Into
Love 'em or hate 'em.
By Natalie Cantell
-
5 Highly Specific Items I Spotted on the Coolest People During a Trip to Paris
My new winter shopping list.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Just Got Back From Paris—7 Chic Color Trends I Spotted All Over the City
Ivory! Burgundy! Olive green!
By Ana Escalante
-
If a Parisian Shopped Nordstrom's Extended 2024 Cyber Week Sale, She'd Go for These 31 Chic Items
Elevated selects.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Nicole Kidman Wore the Easy Heel Trend Every French Girl Wears With Skirts
Great minds think alike.
By Allyson Payer
-
Forget Bombers—Stylish Women in L.A. and Paris Much Prefer This Elegant Jacket Trend
Jennifer Lawrence included.
By Eliza Huber