how to wear a wrap dress like a french girl

How To Wear a Wrap Dress Like a French Girl (in All Seasons!)

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When it comes to buying a timeless fashion item, the wrap dress should be high on your list! Wrap dresses have been around for ages, first designed in the ’30s and then later reinvented by fashion designer Diana von Furstenberg. And though they’re nothing new, they deserve a place in every modern woman’s wardrobe as nothing can make you look quite as feminine or timeless as this dress can. As if you needed more convincing, a wrap dress is an iconic piece in a French woman’s capsule wardrobe and they have mastered how to effortlessly wear this classic piece. Keep reading for easy-to-copy tips on how to wear a wrap dress like a French girl!

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Why should you have a wrap dress?

A wrap dress is a very flattering style, with the tie waist adding definition to your body type and highlighting the slimmest portion of your torso. This “work to play” item can flatter all body types and styles, as well as complement different lifestyles. Whether you work in the office or just occasionally throw on a dress, a wrap dress is a perfect item to lean on as this will have you look timeless and classy instantly!

Though a wrap dress isn’t exactly a French item, Parisian women have adopted this piece in their wardrobe and have given us helpful ideas on how we can style it the French way!

Quick Style Tips

  • You can wear this piece as an open wrap dress too! It’s a versatile piece and wearing it open adds a lightweight layer and extra dimension to your look.
  • This item is easy to style, but sometimes the fit can be a bit tricky. You don’t want this to gape in the bust, leaving you to fidget all day. Try sizing down if it’s too big in the bust.
  • Sometimes wrap dresses can be too low, especially on busty ladies. A faux wrap dress may be a better choice for you, giving the illusion of a defined waist without having to tie it “just so” to keep everything covered.
  • An important thing to remember is that you can keep it simple. Take a style cue from the French girls and pair a simple gold necklace with this outfit. A pendant necklace pairs nicely with a v neckline- you don’t need any heavy costume jewelry here!

Spring & Summer

An easy way to style this dress for the warmer seasons and look like a French girl is to pair your wrap dress with a gold pendant necklace and stylish shoes, such as lace-up sandals, espadrilles, or low block heels.

Finish off your look with a straw or basket bag and vintage sunglasses, and the end result is a laid-back yet chic look!

A floral wrap dress is perfect for spring and summer. If the weather dips you can break out a pastel or light-colored cardigan to still look season-appropriate while giving you the warmth that you need.

A wrap dress is the perfect summery piece. Breezy and light, you can throw this dress on before heading out the door. It’s the perfect way to look chic without trying too hard.

It could even double as a swimsuit cover-up too!

Related:
17 Items You Need for Your Classic French Capsule Wardrobe
How to Create a French Capsule Wardrobe for Spring & Summer

Fall & Winter

There are so many different ways you can wear a wrap dress and in all seasons too. The best part about this dress is that it can seamlessly transition into fall and winter, with just a few different styling tricks.

As the weather starts to dip, you may need some long sleeves to keep you warm. And one easy step to make this wrap dress work for the colder seasons is to add a layer. A chunky cardigan or oversized sweater is a great pick.

Wondering what color wrap dress you should have? A light floral dress is great for spring and summer but a wrap dress in neutral colors and darker shades will be the best pick for the fall and winter seasons. Only want to buy one? Then look for a darker floral dress. This piece can work for both spring, summer, and fall. Triple whammy!

When it comes to solid colors, black will never steer you wrong. A black wrap dress is a classic piece and can double as a special occasion or formal event dress too.

The best way to make this dress winter-appropriate and protect your legs from the elements is to pair high boots with it. Knee-high boots are classic and will always look chic. You can always layer underneath it too. Add a black turtleneck under your dress for a unique look.

If you’re wondering how to wear a wrap dress, you might be wondering where you can wear it too. Good news- because the answer is anywhere! Whether it’s to a casual place like the market or dressed up for date night, even places like weddings or church, a wrap dress is always a good idea.

A wrap dress in the warmer seasons is the perfect thing to throw on with sandals while heading out the door, looking casually summer chic.

And in the colder seasons, you’ll look feminine and chic wearing your wrap dress with knee-high boots and a blazer or cardigan.

If you don’t like dealing with ties, trying to fit the string through the small hole, spending time worrying about how the wrap dress fits, and trying to keep the fabric just right so you don’t flash anyone, a faux wrap dress is still a great option.

Where To Get a Wrap Dress

French brand, Rouje, is a great place to get an “authentic” French wrap dress. Professional workwear retailers like Ann Taylor, Loft, and Banana Republic have a nice inventory of beautiful wrap dresses too. But you can find this popular style at most stores! Check out the widget below for ideas:

As you can see, a wrap dress is a perfect dress for easy and chic dressing that not only fits the bill for classic style but adds a touch of Parisian chic at the same time. This timeless piece will provide you with endless ways to look chic for all your different occasions!

For even more tips on how you can dress like a French girl, check out the post below!
Up Next: 11 Ways To Nail a Classic French Style Clothing Look

how to wear a wrap dress

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Founder and editor of My Chic Obsession, Carolyn is your trusted fashion maven. Carolyn's drive to help others achieve a classic and timeless wardrobe fuels her posts, making mychicobsession.com a go-to resource for style seekers worldwide. Beyond the wardrobe, she resides in the heartland of the Midwest, dreaming up new ideas and raising her two lively boys - her biggest fashion critics.