Euro Summer Requires a Stylish Dress—6 Trends You Must Check Out Before Packing Your Suitcase
Is there anything quite like a European summer? Each year, the continent bursts into life with a vibrant energy that only comes with assured sunshine, and, as always, the British are taking full advantage. The beautiful scenery has turned into an open-air fashion scene, with both the style elite and locals flocking to the coasts in their finest outfits. Whether it’s the oversized sunglasses and babydoll dresses of those embracing "nonna-maxxing" or the bright blues and board shorts reminiscent of a 2000s surfer girl, one thing is clear: fashion in Europe is rarely off the mark, but the dress trends, in particular, stand out as exceptional.
With no two locales being alike, preferred dress styles can differ greatly. The printed maxis of Barcelona feel worlds apart from the edgy bandage minis found in Berlin, while the polished resort wear seen in Monaco contrasts sharply with the casual, airy linen dresses of Paris.
As my two-week Euro-summer adventure approaches on my calendar, I’ve been curating a selection of dresses (categorized by destination, of course). Observing the chic fashionistas on my social media, the dresses they sport for each region provide an ideal guide to achieving the perfect look. So, if your vacation is also just around the corner and you need some advice on which dresses to pack, continue reading. Below, you’ll find the pieces influencers are sporting abroad. Enjoy your holidays!
**6 Dress Trends You Need to See Before Summer Ends**
1. **Paris: The Little White Dress**
Style Notes: While Paris is a fashion hub year-round, if you’ve spent summer in the city, you know it can get scorching. With the urban heat making tourists quite warm, the only practical dress option is a mini. Choose lightweight and airy styles that exude that classic Parisian ease. Bonus points for pairing with a raffia bag and crochet flats.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Reformation:** Luella Linen Dress - A minimalist mini that's adorably simple.
- **H&M:** Linen-Blend Strappy Dress - Also available in a lovely baby-pink shade.
- **DISSH:** Miranda Lace-Trim Cotton-Blend Mini Dress
- **Juliet Dunn:** Embroidered Cotton Poplin Minidress - The intricate embroidered pockets are delightful!
- **Dôen:** Nessie Broderie Anglaise Cotton Minidress
2. **The Nordics: Voluminous Midis**
Style Notes: During a trip to Copenhagen a while back, I learned it's essential to be thoughtful when selecting a dress. Even in their warmest summers, there's often a cool undertone, suggesting that longer dresses in slightly thicker fabrics are ideal. But your dresses don’t need to be dull. In fact, the opposite is true. The style set embraces vintage-inspired prints and more sculptural silhouettes, striking a balance by providing just a bit more coverage.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **H&M:** Flared-Skirt Halterneck Dress
- **THE FRANKIE SHOP:** Iliya Drop Waist Cotton Blend Maxi Dress - The contrast between the drop waist and elongated bodice creates a striking shape.
- **Faithfull:** Del Ros Plaid Halterneck Cotton Midi Dress
- **COS:** Gathered Jersey Midi Dress - Black outfits always exude chicness—yes, even in summer.
- **SHONA JOY:** Campbell Ruched Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress - I adore this khaki shade.
3. **London: Eclectic Minis**
Style Notes: In a city where the fashion scene follows a cooler, carefree ethos, London's dress trends favor stylish, functional, city-inspired minis. Slinky drapes, fun prints, tassel ties, tie straps, scarves, and belts: really, anything is permitted, as long as it's short (no pun intended). Regardless of the design, the most sought-after styles often carry a touch of Y2K spirit.
**Shop the Trend:**
- **Peachy Den:** Blanche Skort Dress - A favorite among London's It girls.
- **Reformation:** Opaline Silk Dress
- **ZARA:** Draped Shoulder Pad Mini Dress - This is also available in a striking red shade.
- **COS:** Sculpted Pleated Mini Dress - Perfect for transitioning from city to coast.
- **Many Many Clothes:** The Scarlett Dress - This trending dress is back in an inclusive size range.
4. **Spain: Prints Please**
Style Notes: Whether you’re lounging on the beautiful coast of Palma or indulging in Madrid's finest cuisine, a trip to Spain demands a standout dress. With a lively spirit, Spain calls for your boldest prints and patterns. Consider sheer, flowing maxis or bright colors. In
Euro Summer Requires a Stylish Dress—6 Trends You Must Check Out Before Packing Your Suitcase
Whether you're embracing "nonna-maxxing" or embodying a blue crush aesthetic, here are six dress trends you must check out before your summer trip to Europe.