In Paris, Street Style Centered Around Dressing Down The Party Dress
But of course there were still plenty of over-the-top looks.
By Aemilia Madden - published
Parisian style is effortlessly elegant. But during Paris Fashion Week, striped tees and baskets were swapped out for something with a bit more pizzazz. The street-style set embraced the party dress, opting for rosette-studded ball gowns, lace dresses, and fringe-hemmed minis with little concern for all the rain.
Paris Fashion Week is dominated by the fashion A-list, with a lineup of back-to-back shows by Dior, Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Chanel. These luxury houses host mega shows with thousands of attendees and a handful of household-name celebrities sitting front row in runway looks.
So it’s not unusual to spot people coming and going in designer looks fully intended for black-tie galas or far-flung destination weddings. While those looks aren’t necessarily designed to walk the streets of Paris, some party dresses can be styled down for daily wear in a way that still reflects that Parisian effortlessness. Others are just fully meant to be as extra as possible—if you want to wear them daily, you just need to channel the confidence of Fashion Week attendees putting them on to run between shows.
See the best street style from Paris Fashion Week below, and find inspiration for how to style your dressiest dress.
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Dressed in Fringe
A swinging fringe hem benefits from a twirl on the dance floor—or perhaps for the street-style photographers outside a show.
Sometimes fringe can read very western, but this take by Proenza couldn’t be more elegant.
Fit for a Ball
A dramatic strapless ball gown may seem better suited to black-tie events than outside the Palais de Tokyo, but in Paris, there is no such thing as being overdressed. Swap heels for a pair of ballet flats and you can wear this look anywhere.
Irisa Dress, $415, Reformation
Reformation is the destination for dressing up. This look would be fantastic for a summer wedding or just a walk through the park on a gorgeous day.
A Touch of Drama
A black and white dress styled with a pair of long black gloves is an effortlessly dressy look.
Amanita Silk-Satin Gown, about $3,015, Roksanda at Net-a-Porter
But if you want a look that is effortlessly elegant with fewer layers, just skip the gloves! Because what’s more dramatic when dressing up than a dress with an attached cape?
Dressed Down
A showgoer takes a more relaxed route with an elegant yellow dress by styling it with a leather jacket and a burgundy shoulder bag. In terms of wearability, it proves that even a formal dress can work for more casual occasions.
Asher Pintucked Taffeta Midi Dress, about $4,074, Molly Goddard at Matches Fashion
A dress for those who aren’t afraid to go bold in the colour department. Molly Goddard’s over-the-top tulle is surprisingly easy to dress down with Mary Janes.
On Trend
Bow details continue to be a popular choice among the street-style set and on the runway. Even Prada’s latest collection had bows incorporated in every other look. Build on the playful vibe with metallic heels and printed tights.
Bow Duchesse-satin Mini Dress, about $1,628, Nina Ricci at Matches Fashion
Here’s one fun way to put a bow on it.
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Short & Sweet
Nothing says spring is almost here like a cropped hemline. This ethereal off-the-shoulder dress would make for a welcome wedding guest dress option, or could be styled more casually for your own street-style moment.
Pola Strapless Duchesse-satin Midi Dress, about $3,810, Emilia Wickstead at Net-a-Porter
This strapless minidress is fit for a bride, but can work for less formal events, too.
Black-Tie Affair
All black can be dramatic when you’re open to playing with shapes and textures. This one-shouldered black dress is dramatic in all the right ways. Styled with coordinated gold and black accessories, the final look is sleek but still memorable.
Floral-appliqué Bustier-style Midi Dress, about $2,488, Magda Butrym at Farfetch
Shoulder florettes add a touch of whimsy to this sleek look.
High and Low
A voluminous dress finds a foil in a pair of relaxed jeans. While this may be a dress you love to break out on special occasions, feel free to find ways to keep it casual, too.
Patricia Fil-coupé Organza Wrap Dress, about $1,373, Cecilie Bahnsen at Matches Fashion
Wear with jeans, or style solo.
Something Sheer
Dress yourself in lace. This sheer street-style look is not only on-trend, it’s perfect for any special day. Break out a similar look for your birthday or while dressing up vacation.
Embroidered Tulle Dress, $11,500, Prada
A slipdress with a designer twist.
Lady in Red
Red—whether scarlet, cherry, or chili—remains a street-style colour mainstay this season. An elegant gown, complete with rosette details on the bodice, is a precious choice.
Gazer Rosette Mini Dress, $808, Aje
A dress covered in roses is both trendy and timeless.
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Keep Things Playful
Dressing up doesn’t have to be a serious endeavour, especially if you want to lean into the coquette aesthetic! Layered lace, including knee-high socks, adds a unique touch to this off-the-shoulder dress look.
Macrocannage Short Dress, $4,700, Dior
This cropped minidress will be in your wardrobe for decades to come.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.