French class was always my favorite in high school, which probably comes as no surprise given, I studied abroad in France and eventually became a French teacher. While I loved the language, I also really appreciated my teacher…and her wardrobe. On those beautiful spring days, she had a dress that I can only recall because of the way it swooshed about as she walked between the chalkboard and desks, exuding a graceful femininity. The length of the dress highlighted her espadrilles that she seemingly danced about the classroom in, all paired with her most beautiful accessory, humble confidence. I assumed this to be the ultimate French chic outfit and one that forever left an imprint in my memory.

Fast forward a few decades later, as I was searching for an outfit needed for a specific occasion, I stumbled upon a dress. I immediately brought it back to the dressing room and the second I put it on, the image of my high school French teacher came to life. The dress of the skirt had the perfect amount of ladylike bounce. Its simplicity allowed me to immediately see the potential ways of styling it. While it was a bit of a splurge item, especially for being a t-shirt dress, I knew it would be a classic piece I would enjoy styling for years.

And four years later it’s still looking brand new, as well as being a piece that I eagerly pull out every spring and summer. From graduations, casual BBQ’s, wine tasting, to being a flâneur in Paris, I would venture to say this is my favorite dress I’ve ever owned (and the most worn, driving down the cost per wear) and it’s partly because of its simplicity. A midi-length t-shirt dress, the perfect sleeve length, in my preferred color – navy, it checks all the boxes when I consider consciously adding a piece to my closet.  Its substantial in weight to highlight its quality, but light enough to wear on even the hottest of summer days.

Utilizing a variety of accessories ranging in scarves, hats, handbags, belts and various shoes, I never get bored, but instead appreciate the versatility of a quality piece that’s a true staple. Some of the outfits aren’t extremely different; however, there are still a plentitude of other ways to style this dress. I generally wear the same dainty jewelry every day, so I lean into varying the look through other bolder accessories. One of my favorite color combinations is navy blue and cognac brown, which is apparent as I often incorporate that into most all of these ensembles.

While I appreciate pops of color or certain patterns, there’s something to be said about the simplicity of a piece and the elegance in maximizing its versatility. There’s no shame in having worn this dress, in front of the same people, on numerous occasions. This is in part due to not only it being styled differently, but rather sureness I bought once and bought well.