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As the temperatures heat up and our summer calendars are filled with a mix of formal occasions, such as weddings, vacations and casual events, there is no need to get frazzled over what to wear.
For all things sophisticated and chic, we turn to the French, to find the type of dress to fit all these special occasions. Needless to say, easy, single-item outfits are essential and chic during those summer months.
French Types of Dresses
French women always choose classic dress types that work every year, regardless of the latest fashion trends. The different types of dresses range from mini, midi, or maxi dresses.
Regardless of the length, the approach of styling often remains the same – a basket bag, strappy sandals, and perhaps some minimal jewelry to complete the warm weather look.
Whether it be for everyday wear or evening wear, scroll below for inspo on the types of dresses French women wear all throughout the summer.
1. Floral Dresses
Floral dresses are inherently feminine and most certainly French. The popular choice amongst French women are floral midi dresses.
Think effortless shapes that befit minimal or unfussy tastes, pretty midis boasting sophistication for the office or an event, are an excellent choice for a classic everyday dress.
Floral dresses are the no-fail option when creating a dreamy summer wardrobe lineup.
A floral slip dress is the perfect accompaniment to a pair of sneakers for a relaxed, summer vibe. There is a painterly quality to the print that is timeless and sophisticated.
2. Animal Print Dresses
Animal print can be a daunting addition to a wardrobe, but not for French women. One of the most classic approaches to leopard print is to simply go big.
Animal print cocktail dresses are the perfect dress for a summer soiree.
Leopard or zebra print is a powerful, wild, attention-grabbing print, that still feels refined and stylish.
It feels modern, but with a vintage feel, and slightly sexy appeal. The versatile dress can go from beach wear to formal events.
3. White Dresses
A simple white dress might not seem like much, but the perfect one can be a cure-all for all summer style problems.
Not only are they appropriate for just about every summer occasion, but these romantic, ruched, tiered, and ruffled-sleeve versions have also been dubbed as summer’s unofficial uniform.
The different styles allow for endless accessorizing options. Just swap your footwear, top it off with a summer bag of your choosing, and your white dress will feel new every time.
White dresses fit perfectly on all body types. A whimsical, floaty white dress is just the ticket to feeling comfortable and chic all season long.
Besides the little black dress, a white loose-fitting dress, is one of the most popular types of dresses amongst Parisian women.
4. Floral Mini Dresses
It’s about time we gave our legs a chance to be seen, and the best way to do just that is with a heightened hemline.
Take the floral mini dress – these short dresses are an easy, but mighty option to sport this season.
Airy and light, a floral mini dress will be the hero piece in your summer wardrobe.
It’s no news that the mini dress has reigned supreme in recent years, and while love for longline dresses will not falter, it’s time to make room for shorter hemlines this summer.
The best minidresses on the market are versatile and can be worn from day to night effortlessly with only a few footwear changes.
Swap out sneakers or sandals for high heels or ankle boots for a night out with friends.
5. Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are the ultimate transitional piece from late summer to early autumn.
With a tie waist that cinches on the slimmest portion of torso, the wrap dress gives an ultra-slimming effect.
A wrap dress is especially flattering for women who have a pear-shaped or apple-shaped body type, as it helps to balance out their proportions and create a more harmonious look.
Not only are wrap dresses timeless and all-occasion, it’s seasonless, too—a look that can go easily from day to night, from summer to fall.
Regardless of sleeve length, whether it be long sleeves or short sleeves , the wrap dress can be worn as loosely or tightly as you would like to for a defined waistline.
6. Linen Dresses
Breathable, lightweight fabrics are key to surviving the dog days of summer, and the best linen dresses provide the perfect wardrobe relief.
Simplicity reigns supreme when it comes to casual dresses, and there is truly nothing like the lightweight material of linen. The breezy fabric helps to keep you looking and feeling ultracool, especially in white or punchy red.
Linen sheath dresses are one of the most versatile pieces of the season.
It is the perfect choice for a beach cover-up as you could as formal wear, whether it be to a wedding (so long as you have the right accessories) or dinner parties.
A strappy heeled sandal, plus a festive raffia tote are always welcome in the mix.
7. Slip Dresses
The best slip dresses are minimalist by design—they were most famously donned in the ’90s, after all—and made to flatter any silhouette.
This little nothing of a dress, has become a staple of French contemporary wardrobes.
The simplicity feels modern, but its allure is the way it connects the wearer to a vintage arc that extends from the 1930s through the glamour of the ’90s to today.
The best slip dresses may be minimalist by nature, but they always offer a maximalist reward.
