I've Lived in Paris for Years—This Is the Elegant Dress French Women Always Wear

I’m a big advocate for the capsule wardrobe—an armoire filled with cherry-picked items that, to borrow from Marie Kondo, give me only joy when wearing them. Conscious shopping is something I’ve adopted too in the past eight and a half years since moving to https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/section/french-style, and it’s also incidentally something I write about in my book, Practising Parisienne: Lifestyle Secrets From the City of Lights

I’ve found that Parisians have a knack for picking forever pieces, are less likely to buy into fast fashion and have a penchant for vintage and pre-loved clothing that they mix in with more up-to-date styles. They have certainly inspired my own style that’s a lot less try-hard than it used to be, and I now invest in pieces that last: elevated basics that I can wear again and again, such as a black blazer, a great pair of jeans, a trench coat, a shirt or a slip dress. 

At first glance, you might think that a slinky, body-hugging slip dress should only be worn to elegant soirées, but its simple silhouette means it can actually be styled in a multitude of ways for different occasions, making it one of the most effortless and versatile pieces you can own. It can easily be dressed up or down and worn with everything, whatever the weather or your mood. Scroll down to see my favourites, plus how I’ve styled one five ways.

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How to Style a Black Slip Dress 5 Ways

1. Slip Dres + Denim Jacket + Striped Knit

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(Image credit: MARISSA COX FORBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Style Notes: I’m a blazer girl, but I sometimes like to switch it up with an oversized denim jacket, which immediately dresses down your look. Throw a cosy sweater over the shoulders for the cooler temperatures. This striped style has become my go-to and gives a nod to the city I live in. 

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2. Slip Dress + White Shirt + Simple Bag

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(Image credit: MARISSA COX FORBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Style Notes: No capsule, or French wardrobe for that matter, is complete without a good white shirt. It also makes a great cover-up for a slip dress, dressing it down so you don’t look too overdone. Go for an oversized style that works with today’s trends. 

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3. Slip Dress + Trench Coat + Boots

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(Image credit: MARISSA COX FORBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Style Notes: A slip dress looks great under a trench (ideally one that’s the same or a similar length). Pair it with long, chunky boots for a casual yet cool lunch look. 

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4. Slip Dress + Knit + Loafers

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(Image credit: MARISSA COX FORBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Style Notes: A slip dress plus a knit is the perfect example of effortless dressing. I think it would work just as well for a date night on a cold evening as it would for the office teamed with a blazer.

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5. Slip Dress + Blazer + Mules

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(Image credit: MARISSA COX FORBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Style Notes: This is probably the easiest evening look I know: a slip dress paired with a blazer, a baguette, heels and a slick of lipstick!

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Next Up: I Moved to Paris, and Now I Exclusively Wear These 4 Classic Items With Jeans

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Marissa Cox
Contributor