Dresses and Jumpsuits from French Days

Short, midi or long: the length of the dress

The length determines the style of a dress. The short dress, above the knee, like the Pieces Mally or the b.young Josa with a round neck, gives a dynamic silhouette and is suitable for warm days. The midi dress, which falls to mid-calf, like the Regatta Orla Kiely Midi Summer, flatters most body shapes and transitions well from lunch to a daytime event. The long dress, like the Pieces Billone, plays with fluidity and a bohemian spirit. For fuller figures, the KAFFE Curve line captures these lengths with cuts designed for the bust and hips.

The other lifestyle offers

The French Days lifestyle also includes:

• Swimwear.
• Sneakers.
• T-shirts and polos.
• Shirts.
• Sweatshirts and Jumpers.
• Trousers and Jeans.

All offers are gathered on the lifestyle page.

Desigual, the print as a signature

Desigual was born in 1984 in Ibiza, when Swiss designer Thomas Meyer transformed an old pair of jeans into a jacket: the brand, later based in Barcelona, makes unique pieces and mixing patterns its identity. Its name means "unequal" in Spanish, a nod to its rejection of uniformity. Its dresses, like the Silviboho, the Cira or the Estambul, combine bright colours, floral or ethnic patterns, and patchwork effects. They stand on their own: a Desigual dress makes a complete outfit, hence the importance of keeping lines simple around such a prominent print.

Linen, viscose or lurex: the material for the occasion

Linen, like that of the Guess Bria dress, breathes and absorbs moisture: it’s the fabric for hot weather, with a natural crinkle that adds to its charm. Viscose, a fibre derived from wood cellulose, offers a fluid drape and a soft touch, ideal for long printed dresses. Lurex, a metallic thread woven into the fabric, gives Only long-sleeved V-neck dresses a subtle glow for evening wear. The Regatta Orla Kiely dresses feature the graphic patterns of the Irish designer, known for her stylised stem and leaf prints.

The jumpsuit, a unique piece as an alternative to the dress

The jumpsuit combines the top and bottom into one piece: it offers the simplicity of a dress with the freedom of movement of trousers. The Lee Unionall is inspired by the Union-All, the work jumpsuit launched in 1913 by H.D. Lee for American workers and mechanics, now a fashion classic. The short jumpsuit, or playsuit, is worn in summer; the long version covers the mid-season. The key point is the torso length: if it’s too short, the jumpsuit pulls at the crotch; if it’s too long, it creates folds at the waist. A belt can be used to adjust the fit.

Frequently asked questions

What dress to wear to a wedding as a guest?

A midi or long dress, made of a fluid material, suits most ceremonies. Avoid white and ivory, reserved for the bride, and opt for a bold colour or print for a daytime ceremony.

How to care for a linen dress?

Wash it at thirty or forty degrees on a delicate cycle, then hang it while still damp to limit creases. Iron it inside out, slightly damp, at a high temperature: linen holds up well to the heat of the iron.

How to choose the size of a jumpsuit?

Check the bust measurement, hip measurement, and especially the torso length, from shoulder to crotch. If you have a long torso, choose a model with an elasticated waist or go up a size to avoid the jumpsuit pulling.

What is the KAFFE Curve line?

It's the plus size line of the Danish brand KAFFE, with cuts specifically designed for fuller figures. It carries the prints and fabrics from the main collection. Sizes correspond to the bust and hip measurements indicated by the brand.

Long or short sleeve dress for mid-season?

The long-sleeved dress, in knit or thick viscose, covers autumn and spring without needing an extra layer. The short-sleeved dress, lighter, is saved for mild days and summer evenings.