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.
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Featuring a metallic sheen and bias fit silhouette, you're guaranteed plenty of wear out of this silken dress.
Suede trench coats are highly favoured in France.
Chocolate suede totes are one of 2024's most sophisticated handbag trends.
Slip these beautiful heels on and off with ease.
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.
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Almost every fashion editor I've met cites this as their favourite blazer!
Note the peek through layer.
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.
French women are firm favourites of ankle boots.
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.
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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.
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I own the short sleeved version of this dress and I know it'll be in my wardrobe forever.
Mark my words, patterned tights will be all over Paris this winter.
French favourite Bobbies is always on hand for classic footwear.
Aptly coined the Paris bag, I think Parisians would agree.
A refined bold black frame feels very Parisian.
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.
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This is a such a reasonable price for a winter coat.
The neckline on this dress is oh-so elegant.
This is Emmanuelle's exact bag, and I'm very tempted to add it to my basket.
...Along with her boots.
The finishing touch every outfit needs.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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