The 6 Dress Styles Both NYC and French Girls Are Wearing Right Now
New York is the bustling style capital of the East Coast. Paris is the laissez-faire style capital of France. One is edgy and unabashed; the other is effortless and quite classical. Both are full of stylish fashion insiders who set key trends for the rest of the world to follow (and follow they do).
Lately, as we've been scrolling through Instagram, keeping a keen eye on the outfits of our favorite New York and French fashion bloggers, we've noticed a few similarities: Both have been wearing the same dress styles. In fact, we're seeing six specific styles the fashion elite wears time and time again—from New Yorkers like Danielle Bernstein to French fashionphiles like Jeanne Damas.
We're not surprised to see that New York and Parisian styles have synced up. After all, it's happened before (check out the five summer shoe trends that are beloved by both groups). We're certainly glad to see that it's happened again. Keep scrolling to see which six dress styles are approved by both NYC and French It girls.
1. Tea Dresses
Both New York and French girls love to wear tea dresses. These fluttery midi dresses have a couple of iconic design elements: a deep V-neck and a cinched waistline. The color and print combinations are endless, although, floral prints and polka dots are the most traditional.
We like the ruffled hem on this affordable heart-print dress.
2. Silk or Satin Dresses
Silk and satin look at once both luxurious and vintage. When these fabrics crafted into a lustrous midi dress, it's reminiscent of something a 1940s film vixen would wear. Recently, these old-school dresses have come back in a big way. Fashion insiders in New York and France are particularly taken with this trend, wearing dresses that have lace details, ribbing, and dramatic necklines and sleeves.
Trendy Parisian fashion label The Kooples abides by longline silk dresses.
3. Slip Dresses
We know what you're thinking: Aren't slip dresses made from satin or silk? Yes. However, in this case, the term "slip dress" refers to the specific style of dress, not necessarily the fabric. Think Kate Moss circa 1998. This minimalistic lingerie-style dress often features a deep V-neck or cowl neck, spaghetti straps, and lace detailing.
You can't go wrong with a leopard-print slip dress. Wear it alone, under a white T-shirt, or with a blazer.
The short length and black floral print make this slip dress a true ode to '90s fashion.
4. Geometric Midi Dresses
When we think of New York and French girls, we think of editorial outfits and makeup. That certainly holds true for the latest dress trend to come from both places: geometric-print midi dresses. Whether it's stark lines, bold polka dots, or futuristic shapes, these prints make any old midi dress look fresh, modern, and stylish.
This stark black-and-white polka-dot print dress is perfect—from the ruched sleeves down to the ring belt and sheer hem.
For a more colorful take on geometric prints, opt for the bright green dress, which has a distinct '70s look.
5. Belted Dresses
Belted dresses cinch the waist, offering a naturally flattering silhouette. New York girls often dress them up, layering a blazer over the top for a professional outfit. French girls wear them as is, accessorizing them with headbands and straw bags. The styling possibilities are endless (BTW, if your dress doesn't come with a belt, it's easy enough to add one).
The breathable linen fabric will keep you cool all summer long.
6. Shirred Dresses
Shirred dresses seem inherently French, although NYC girls are wearing them just as much as their Parisian counterparts. These dresses have form-fitting bodices (which are usually ruched) and puffy, off-the-shoulder sleeves. They can be long or short and come in any color or print.
The wine-colored fabric and puffy sleeves make this minidress feel romantic.
We think this floral shirred dress would be approved by both NYC and French girls (it's certainly approved by us).
Next, the basic item every NYC and French girl already bought for summer.
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
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