How to Dress like a French Woman? 12 Iconic French Dresses

French fashion is renowned for its elegance, sophistication, and effortless style. From classic silhouettes to playful patterns, French dress styles have stood the test of time. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 12 French dress styles that epitomize the essence of French fashion. Whether you’re seeking timeless classics or seeking to add a touch of Parisian flair to your wardrobe, these dress styles are sure to inspire. Together with Nathalie Neuilly, mindful stylist, we will identify 12 iconic French dress styles that capture the essence of French fashion.

1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)

A timeless and versatile dress that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.  French fashion embraces timeless classics that never go out of style. Certainly, wardrobe staples like the little black dress is  favored for its versatility and enduring appeal.

Dresses – Dressarte Paris

Sneakers – New Balance

Pearl Heels – FREYA ROSE

Pearl Bag – FREYA ROSE

Silver Long Drops – FREYA ROSE

Pearl Drop Earrings – Purely Diamonds

Tote Bag – Hortons England

2. Breton Striped Dress

The Breton striped dress is an iconic piece in French fashion.  Interestingly, it originated from the traditional striped shirts worn by sailors in Brittany, France, and has become synonymous with the effortless and chic style associated with French women. Inspired by the traditional Breton top, a striped dress with horizontal navy (but other colors also are very popular) and white stripes is a classic French style.

 

Dresses – Gant

Watch – WYZER

Shoes – Penelope Chilvers

Accessories – BritYard

 

“I encourage women to embrace their uniqueness and  help them find their personal style through styling coach sessions”

Nathalie Neuilly, capsule wardrobe style coach, CEO Dressarte Paris

The key to dressing like a French woman is to embrace simplicity, quality fabrics, and well-tailored pieces. Therefore,  focus on classic styles and invest in versatile wardrobe staples that can be effortlessly mixed and matched for a chic and timeless look.

3. Wrap Dress

A flattering and feminine dress style that cinches at the waist, creating an elegant silhouette.  Undoubtedly, French women adore the wrap dress for its ability to effortlessly transition from day to night. As a result,  it exudes a sense of chic sophistication while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable vibe.

Dress – SARVIN

Jewelry – Margot Fox

Bag – Freya Rose

Shoes – Freya Rose

Looking for a custom dress? Choose your design and fabric, create a unique dress for unique you in the comfort of your home!

4. Shirt Dress

A dress with a button-down shirt-style top and a defined waist, exuding a chic and effortless vibe. The shirt dress, known as “robe-chemise” in French, is a popular and versatile style in French fashion. It combines the classic elements of a button-down shirt with the comfort and femininity of a dress. 

Dresses – Gant

Shoes – Gant

Watch – Gant

Cap – Gant

Hat – Hortons England

Bags –  Gant and Risdon&Risdon

Backpack – PAPER&SONS

5. Off-the-Shoulder Dress

A dress with a neckline that exposes the shoulders, providing a feminine and alluring look. Certainly, Off-the-shoulder dresses in French fashion showcase a romantic and flattering silhouette. They reveal the shoulders and collarbones, accentuating the feminine curves while maintaining an air of elegance and grace. When it comes to the neckline, it can vary, from a gentle off-the-shoulder drape to a more structured bardot style.

Looking for a custom dress? Choose your design and fabric, create a unique dress for unique you in the comfort of your home!

6. Maxi Dress

 A floor-length dress, often flowing and romantic, suitable for a bohemian-inspired French style. So maxi dresses are synonymous with vacation and bohemian vibes in French fashion.  Additionally, they are often associated with beach holidays, summer escapes, or outdoor festivals.  To be noted, French women effortlessly capture the relaxed and carefree spirit of maxi dresses, making them a go-to choice for warm-weather getaways.

7. Polka Dot Dress

A playful and timeless dress adorned with polka dot patterns, perfect for a classic French look. It is well-known, French women embrace polka dot dresses with an air of effortless confidence. Above all, they understand that the playful pattern adds a touch of personality and whimsy to their style, allowing them to express their individuality while maintaining a sense of timeless elegance.

Dresses – BritYard

Jewellery – STEPHEN WEBSTER

Hat – BritYard

Bag – BEEN London

Sneakers – New Balance

Pearl Heel – FREYA ROSE

Sunglasses – Gant

8. Midi Dress

A dress that falls below the knee and above the ankle, striking a balance between elegance and practicality. Undoubtedly,  French fashion often favors midi dresses with classic silhouettes.  So A-line, fit-and-flare, or sheath dresses that fall below the knee but above the ankle are popular choices. These silhouettes are flattering and create a sophisticated and feminine look.

9. A-Line Dress

A dress that is fitted at the top and gradually flares out from the waist, creating a flattering silhouette.  Without any doubts,  A-line dresses in French fashion feature a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist to create an A-line shape. This silhouette is universally flattering as it accentuates the waist while skimming over the hips and thighs, creating a feminine and elegant look.

Looking for a custom dress? Choose your design and fabric, create a unique dress for unique you in the comfort of your home!

10. Tunic Dress

Tunic dresses offer excellent layering possibilities in French fashion. They can be paired with leggings, tights, or skinny jeans for a more polished look during cooler months. Basically, French women may add a cardigan, blazer, or scarf to create different looks and adapt to changing weather conditions.

11. Slip Dress

 A delicate and lightweight dress with spaghetti straps, often worn with a casual cardigan or leather jacket. In general, slip dresses in French fashion often come in a neutral color palette, including soft hues like ivory, blush, champagne, or classic black. So these versatile colors complement various skin tones and lend a sophisticated touch to the overall look. It is often worn with minimal accessories to maintain a clean and uncluttered look. 

12. Sheath Dress

A form-fitting dress that skims the body, highlighting the figure in an elegant and sophisticated manner.  Basically, sheath dresses in French fashion feature a fitted, straight silhouette that skims the body’s curves without being overly tight. This streamlined shape creates a sleek and polished look that exudes elegance and confidence.

Looking for a custom dress? Choose your design and fabric, create a unique dress for unique you in the comfort of your home!

Would you like to know more about CAPSULE WARDROBE? All articles are HERE

French women prioritize the fit and tailoring of their clothing. They opt for well-fitted garments that flatter their body shape and create a streamlined silhouette. Tailoring is key to achieving the perfect fit, even for more relaxed and casual pieces.

Each design project is unique and we're confident we can bring your vision to life! Work with real stylists & designers, in your home to create your Dream Clothes.

Ask for a quote now!