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.
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
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.
Shop the Look:
Pilgrim's new drop will appease lovers of bold, polished jewels and dainty pieces alike.
Open-toe heeled sandal are the backbone of many a French woman's shoe wardrobe.
I always head to COS for good-quality sunglasses that are affordable too.
2. Contemporary Shirt Dress + Sandals + Hobo Bag
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.
Shop the Look:
A unique silhouette for the shirt dress, although this style remains a classic.
I have it on good authority that French women are partial to bold studs.
Vandrelaar's spring summer collection is inspired by European women's classic footwear shapes. The Constance pump bears a resemblance to a dance shoe.
3. Pleated Midi Dress + Silk Scarf + Mesh Heels
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.
Shop the Look:
I've owned a similar style from & Other Stories for some years now and I wear it every spring.
Leather atelier Polène has created a French-style basket bag akin to the ones Birkin would wear. Complete with a leather bolster, no less.
Although French women don't tend to ascribe to trends, you could say the mesh shoe trend is initiated on the streets of Paris.
The juxtaposition of clear quarts with polished gold is unbeatable.
4. Denim Jacket + Jersey Dress + Trainers
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.
Shop the Look:
I own this dress and it's a piece I'll have for life.
Pinah's jewels incorporate the essence natural elements with hardened materials, resulting in directional pieces like the Bossa.
True classics that will go with dresses, jeans, trousers and skirts.
Promo image: @TAMARAMORY
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.
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