I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Classy Winter 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. Now we're well and truly on the cusp of winter, I'm envisaging ways to continue incorporating dresses, that are far less weather-dependent. French women incorporate dresses into their winter wardrobes effortlessly (more often than not the knitted and black variety), so I've been taking notes on how they style dresses as we head into the depths of winter.
This season, I'm reviving the grecian inspired ruching and knitted dress in my arsenal—anti-trend pieces I've welcomed with open arms. If like me you're excited about the prospect of continuing to wear dress, no matter the weather, keep scrolling for some inspiration on how French women are wearing dresses this season.
See the Five Winter Dress Outfits I'm Copying From French Women:
1. Grey Slip Dress + Suede Coat + Mules
Style Notes: Slip dresses have been inherited by French women and while it may be considered a summer style, it also makes the best foundation for an evening outfit.
Shop the Look:
Featuring a metallic sheen and bias fit silhouette, you're guaranteed plenty of wear out of this silken dress.
I've bookmarked this darling hair pin. It's a subtle, yet intentional accessory.
Missoma X Rouje will appease lovers of bold, polished and playful jewels.
2. Black Maxi Dress + Ankle Boots + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: You'll likely find a refined black dress in a French woman's wardrobe. It makes a welcome addition to a winter capsule, simply pile up accessories and layer as appropriate.
Shop the Look:
You won't regret investing in good quality winter accessories and this cashmere scarf is one of my favourites on the high street.
Add a puffed shoulder bag for a contemporary lilt.
3. Knitted Dress + Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Style Notes: You're bound to squeeze a lot of wear out of easy-to-wear neutral knitted dresses, whether you're tending to daily jaunts or after office events.
Shop the Look:
I've owned a similar style for some years now and I can attest to the versatility.
Leather atelier Polène created a hobo shaped handbag with a nod to the woven rattan handbag.
Although French women don't tend to ascribe to trends, you could say the mary-jane has earned its keep.
The perfect amount of sheen to add to a jumper dress outfit.
4. Ruched Dress + Mary-Jane Platform Shoes
Style Notes: 2024's swathed fabrication trends is loved across France and here, I adore Adenorah's clever styling elements here to refresh the moody colourway. The perforated hosiery and chunky platforms add intrigue.
Shop the Look:
I own the short sleeved version of this dress and I know it'll be in my wardrobe forever.
Aptly coined the Paris bag, I think Parisians would agree.
5. Knitted Mini + Cream Coat + Suede Knee-Highs
Style Notes: The combination of a short hemline and tall boots is one I see often in Paris. Choose a palette of lighter winter hues, with a few warm-toned accents, to create an elegant ensemble.
Shop the Look:
This is Emmanuelle's exact bag, and I'm very tempted to add it to my basket.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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.
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