Why Rouje's Gabin Dress is the Must-Have Dress for Summer

If there’s a must-have dress for the summer it would be Rouje’s Gabin Dress. This dress is the epitome of “je ne sais pas” French style. There’s just something about the cut of this dress that makes you immediately feel like a French girl. I love this dress so much that I own about 5 of them – in different colors and styles. This blue dotted number is the latest addition to my closet. I actually purchased it last winter but I think it’s perfect for spring/summer.

The Must-Have Summer Dress

Must Have Summer Dress, Rouje Gabin Dress on woman in the woods

Rouje’s Gabin Dress

This dress is a wrap style dress but the buttons help keep it closed better than a normal wrap dress. Honestly, I don’t like wrap dresses because it seems like the bust and skirt area never stay closed. But that’s not the case with this dress! Due to the button closure I feel very secure in it. I also love how the tie waist helps to cinch and accentuate the waist so even if you get a slightly larger size it will still look fitted.

Blue Wrap Dress from Rouje with espadrille sandals and woven leather bag on woman in woods

Rouje Gabin wrap style dress on woman in woods

If you are interested in a full review of this style dress make sure to check out my Rouje Gabin Dress Review blog post! I go into more detailed sizing and fit in that post. But in general, I suggest sizing up as the fabric does tighten/shrink – even with hand washing and air drying. This blue version that I’m wearing actually shrunk a good bit. It’s a mix of viscose and rayon (and my other dresses are 100% viscose) so I’m not sure if that contributed to the extra shrinkage.

P.S. Rouje just launched their new Summer collection yesterday and it includes the Gabin Dress in a really cute summer print!

How to Style Rouje’s Gabin Dress

Espadrilles

My favorite way to wear the Rouje Gabin Dress is with a pair of espadrilles – which are also a French girl closet staple. The pair that I’m wearing is from Sézane (my other favorite French brand). This pair is SUPER comfortable. The heel height is 2.75 inches which I think is a great height. The woven part is made from a flexible cotton fabric so it molds to my toes and isn’t stiff at all. If in-between sizes I would suggest sizing up. I’m either an 8.5 or 9 depending on the brand and style so I went with the size 9 and they are perfect.

Milaner Classic Elena Bag, Woven Leather Bag

Woven MILANER Bag

I also love to add a woven bag to my outfit. This one is from Milaner and it’s AMAZING. It’s an investment bag that you will literally have forever. The woven design is very sturdy and the genuine vachetta leather which wears beautifully over time. I’m currently using this as my go-to summer bag when I need to carry a bunch of items like my laptop, wallet, notebook, etc.

You can see my full review of the Milaner Elena Bag on my YouTube channel!

Other Straw Bag Options

If I don’t need to carry as many items I will wear my raffia woven bag from Sézane. It’s the perfect size for carrying my essentials. I also love this bucket bag from Sézane. And if you are looking for a complete straw bag roundup check out my Summer Straw Bags post!