I'm a Brit Living in Paris—4 Summer-Ready Dress Outfits I'm Copying From French Women

My love of dresses knows no bounds and while most people gravitate towards two-piece ensembles in the transitional months, I dream up creative ways to wear my favourite dresses, come rain or shine. Premature as it may be, with the promise of bright days ahead I can't help but to start dreaming up ways to wear dresses, that are less weather-dependent. French women incorporate dresses into their spring and summer wardrobes effortlessly, so I've been taking notes on how they style dresses as we head into spring/summer.

FRENCH GIRL DRESS OUTFITS SPRING 2024

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

This season, I'm continuing to introduce yellow and brown-hued frocks into my arsenal, which are two colour trends I've welcomed with open arms. I'm also excited about the prospect of celebrating natural fabrications once more. If like me you're excited about the prospect of wearing dresses more frequently, keep scrolling for some inspiration on how French women will likely wear dresses this summer.

Shop My Four Favourite French-Women Dress Outfits:

1. Black Dress + Black Bag + Sandals

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(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: There's something classic about the cotton little black dress and the cottage core styles have been inherited by French women. You're bound to squeeze a lot of wear out of these easy-to-wear dresses, whether you're tending to daily jaunts or picnicking with friends.

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2. Contemporary Shirt Dress + Sandals + Hobo Bag

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(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: You'll most likely find a crisp shirt dress in most French women's wardrobe they make a great addition to a spring capsule. Simply add streamlined accessories.

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3. Pleated Midi Dress + Silk Scarf + Mesh Heels

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(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: Thanks to the blouson sleeves, there's an element of formality about this look. The tones are monochrome but the refinement speaks volumes. The silk scarf adds another sleek detail.

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4. Denim Jacket + Jersey Dress + Trainers

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(Image credit: Future)

Style Notes: Fit and flare dresses are loved far and wide across France. Pile accessories high and add a cropped jacket for an additional layer.

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Promo image: @TAMARAMORY

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.