The 4 French vs. 4 Scandi Dress Trends Are About to Be In Everyday This Summer

It goes without saying that fashion is a global game in which everyone can play, but I can’t help but think that when I’m looking for something, I always end up returning to France and Scandinavia. Yes, there are, but my artistic sense of style relays between the lovely and loving (something French girl have perfected to a shirt), and elegant, modern minimalism—the Scandi calling cards.

If you go through my wardrobe on any given day, you’ll discover that I’ve dedicated the majority of my bedroom to the one-piece question because I’m so convinced that the gown is the best instant outfit. The other half of the variety is cool cloth from House of Dagmar, blocky silhouettes from Toteme, and a few long pieces from Filippa K, further evidence of my divided devotion to both French and Scandi styling.

As soon as summer rolls around, this squad of clothes really comes into best use—cotton figurines, fabric maxis, and decorative midis are my go-to in the warmer weather, but as a dress impulsive I’m always looking for the next big thing to add to my collection. While breath sleeved garments are roosting on the streets of London and New Yorkers firmly rely on slip, I looked through Instagram to see which summer clothes are appearing in Sweden, Denmark, Paris, and Saint Tropez to keep you one step back. May you perform better on a smooth, attractive team in France or a casual-cool team in Scandi? Get out by scrolling.

FRANCE

1. Bandeau Clothes

Style Notes: It makes sense that the warmer it gets, the less you want to wear, and if simple linen dresses aren’t cutting it, off-the-shoulder and strapless dresses will keep you cool too. The popularity of bandeau tops increased next year, and the dress is the result of the amazingly elegant Y2K trend, which is becoming very well-liked with the European style arranged in 2024.

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2. Brown Clothes

Model Notes: Miss dark, white and product, if there is one shade that is always guaranteed to look expensive, it’s chocolate brown. Brown is strong enough to compete with classic black, and nothing pairs better with summer flats and basket bags than a pared-back dress, if the sudden spikes in sales of brown suede bags and brown leather sandals have taught us anything.

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3. Basque Dresses

Style Notes: News writer Natalie Munro “a favourite on Europe’s streets, I’ve seen this pretty dress trend styled with strappy sandals, pointed-toe heels and pretty mary janes in Paris, Rome and London. The basque dress trend offers a fresh retort to the high-waisted and smock dresses that have dominated the rails for so long thanks to its hourglass shape. Expect to see much more of this dreamy, corseted, V-waisted dress in date night ‘ fits for the rest of summer.

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4. Drop Waist Dresses

Style Notes: Dress enthusiasts are undoubtedly aware of the rise in the drop-waist trend on the street style scene over the past year. You can find this sculptural shape on the high street too, so you don’t have to spend four figures to look like you did because the elongated torso and fuller skirt are a universally flattering silhouette that have been adopted by the likes of 16Arlington, Ferragamo, and Jil Sander on the runways.

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SCANDINAVIA

5. Red Dresses

Style Notes: Hot reds don’t seem to be cooling down in 2024, if anything, and Scandi shoppers are stocking up on the bold dresses that go with the tights, socks, and bags they bought in 2023. Slinky slips, playful minis, strong tailoring—you name it, everything looks better in red, take it from Cass Klatzkow]pictured above].

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6. Tank Dresses

Try a straightforward tank dress if you’re looking for a laid-back style that can do everything from lounging at home to dressing up for dinner. The beauty in this trend is its versatility, so you can take Anouk’s minimalist approach and scale back on accessories pictured above, or use it as the foundation to build a statement look just by adding bold layering pieces.

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7. Backless Dresses

Style Notes: Plunging necklines? So dated, but a low-cut back? Sign us up. There’s nothing better for balmy summer evenings than a covered dress with enough ventilation to prevent overheating, and this dress trend manages to showcase skin while still being subtle.

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8. Prairie Dresses

Style Notes: During Swedish Midsommar, you can anticipate numerous resemblances to traditional folk dresses that would be appropriate in the picturesque countryside. Peasant blouses, embroidery, and of course, milkmaid and prairie dresses in kitsch prints, all you need to complete the look is a bandana and a basket bag a la Mona Mali]pictured above].

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