
Is there anything quite like a European summer? Every year without fail, the continent comes alive with a vivacious energy that only comes with guaranteed sun, and as ever, Brits are making the most of it. The picturesque backdrops have transformed into an open-air runway, with the fashion set and locals alike heading to the coasts in their best ensembles. Be it the oversized sunnies and babydoll dresses of those “nonna-maxxing” or the vivid blues and board shorts of a 2000s surfer girl, one thing is for certain: fashion in Europe rarely misses, but there’s something about the dress trends in particular that are in a league of their own.
With no two destinations the same, preferred dress styles can vary hugely. The printed maxis of Barcelona feel worlds away from the edgy, bandage minis of Berlin, and the polished resort styles floating through the streets of Monaco are the opposite of the casual, breezy linen minis of Paris.
With a two-week Euro-summer extravaganza mere days away on my calendar, I’ve been saving several dresses (categorised by city, of course). Looking at the chicest fashion people on my socials, the dresses they choose for each region are serving as the perfect guide to looking the part, so if your holiday is also just around the corner and you could do with some direction on dresses to pack, keep scrolling. Below you’ll discover the pieces influencers are wearing abroad. Happy holidays!
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6 Dress Trends You Need to See Before Summer Ends
1. Paris: The Little White Dress
Style Notes: Paris is a fashion authority year-round, but if you’ve visited the city in summer, you’ll know that it gets sweltering. With the urban heat keeping tourists more than toasty, the only dress practical enough for the city is a mini. Lightweight and breathable, opt for styles without too much fuss to achieve that inherent Parisian nonchalance. Bonus points if you finish with a raffia bag and crochet flats.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Luella Linen Dress
If you’re after minimalist mini lacking fuss and frills, you need to see this adorable Reformation number.
H&M
Linen-Blend Strappy Dress
This also comes in a pretty baby-pink shade.
DISSH
Miranda Lace-Trim Cotton-Blend Mini Dress
Juliet Dunn
Embroidered Cotton Poplin Minidress
How sweet are the intricate embroidered pockets?
Dôen
Nessie Broderie Anglaise Cotton Minidress
2. The Nordics: Voluminous Midis
Style Notes: After travelling to Copenhagen a few years ago, I realised that you need to be smart when choosing a dress. Even their hottest summers have a cool undercurrent, which means longer dresses in a slightly thicker fabric work best. But your dresses have to be boring. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. With a style set that enjoys vintage-inspired prints and decidedly more sculptural silhouettes, the dress trends favoured by the most stylish Scandi dressers maintain this balance, just with a tad 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 casts a powerful shape.
Faithfull
Del Ros Plaid Halterneck Cotton midi Dress
COS
Gathered Jersey Midi Dress
All black ‘fits always look chic—yes, even in summer.
Dopamine dressing gets a 2026 update.
SHONA JOY
Campbell Ruched Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
I’m in love with this khaki shade.
3. London: Eclectic Minis
(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)
Style Notes: In a city where the style set follows a cooler, do-what-you-want aesthetic, the dress trends prominent in London are fashionable, functional, city-centric minis. Slinky drapes, playful prints, tassel fastenings, tie straps, scarves and belts: really, anything goes, as long as it’s short (no pun intended). And no matter the shape, the most popular styles are those with a little extra Y2K energy.
Shop the Trend:
Peachy Den
Blanche Skort Dress
Peachy Den dresses are a favourite amongst London’s It girls.
Reformation
Opaline Silk Dress
ZARA
Draped Shoulder Pad Mini Dress
This also comes in a vivid red hue.
COS
Sculpted Pleated Mini Dress
Take this dress from the city to the coast.
Many Many Clothes
The Scarlett Dress
This viral dress is back in a full size range.
Simple yet oh so stylish.
4. Spain: Prints Please
Style Notes: Whether you’re bobbing around the blissful coast of Palma or sampling Madrid’s very best cuisine, a trip to Spain calls for a statement dress. With a vivacious spirit, España calls for your very best prints and patterns. Think sheer slinky maxis or vivid hues. In this locale, almost anything goes.
Shop the Trend:
Style with a simple kitten heel.
ZARA
Animal Print Satin Halter Dress
Animal print will never not be chic.
Réalisation Par
The Cora
A Who What Wear UK editors favourite style.
Take it from me, you can wear florals outside of spring.
STAUD
Floral-Print Satin Maxi Dress
Find me a cooler take on the floral dress.
DOEN
Brielle Gathered Checked Organic Midi Dress
Check dresses have been everywhere this summer.
5. Greece: Coastal Calling
Style Notes: My favourite region to visit in the summer, when packing a dress for Greece, I can’t help but think white and blue. With the Mediterranean’s blissful hues echoed in so much summer fashion, the coast calls for anything comprised of lightweight fabric (think crochet and satin maxis airy enough to keep you cool amid the balmier days). This season we’re all about channeling the Ancients through dresses, Odysseus summer anyone?
Shop the Trend:
Shop Danielle Jinadu’s exact dress.
Greek Archaic Kori
Ios Strappy Midi Dress
Greek Archaic Kori is a favourite of the fashion set.
Free People
Look Into the Sun Maxi Dress
All I need now is a Hugo spritz.
This dress comes in brown, green, orange, pink, yellow and black.
Reformation
Veria Silk Dress
This would be a chic summer wedding option too.
6. Italy: Watercolour Florals
Style Notes: With a nightlife as bustling as its lively streets, when packing for Italy, it’s essential to pack a style that will transition from day to night with you. The answer? Pretty minis adorned with watercolour florals perfect for exploring the city, or jumping from one Tuscan vineyard to another.
Shop the Trend:
Realisation Par
The Mathilde
Shop Deva Pollon’s exact dress.
Simple yet oh so stylish.
H&M
Tie-Detail Halterneck Dress
This would also look chic in Paris.
OMNES
Amdra Dress in Pink Glitched Floral Placement – 4
This is how I’ll be wearing florals this summer.
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