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I Spend Every Summer in Europe—These Are the 10 Effortless Dress Styles I Pack
Always in my carry-on? A versatile travel dress to match each city's unique style and climate. If you're gearing up for your own European adventure in the summer months, regardless of local style, make sure to invest in fabrics with great airflow and moveability for days of walking and exploring. Below, you'll find 12 dress styles to get you started, all inspired by my people watching and desire to be cool, literally and figuratively.
Linen provides summer-friendly moisture-wicking material and natural fibers that encourage the air flow needed for humid days in Europe. Best of all, the fabric is trending across so many great brands in various styles, from mini dresses to fashionable button-downs.
One of my favorite picks at the moment is The Reformation Linen Dress, which features a slim-fitting bodice and A-line skirt for effortless day-to-night versatility when I don't have time to go back to my hotel before dinner. For a little more length but similar flare, the Quince European Linen Fit Flare Dress' soft material is made from premium flax fiber sustainably grown in Western Europe, and has adjustable straps that are always a nice bonus.
Effortlessly versatile, midi dresses have a mid-calf cut that can easily be dressed up or down, and range in a wide variety of styles that include one-shoulder, strapless, and halter-neck options. Consider Amazon's Litvany Midi Dress, which features a ribbed knit bodice and a puffed peplum skirt that makes it a fashionable option for a night out. I've also added this gorgeous Helsa Brie Midi Dress to my packing wishlist, as I can't get enough of the chic look and delicate details, like a bow accent and a lace-up detail at the neckline.
Playful, full of motion, and the perfect way to show off your legs, mini dresses are always a reliable summer dress option for nights out in Europe. This flirty style has evolved into more inclusive, figure-flattering cuts, like this 40 percent-off Quilted Gathered Mini Dress from Scotch & Soda, which has a loose fit and mid-thigh length that suits a wide variety of shapes. I've also got my eye on this eyelet dress from Splendid, as I'm a huge fan of the relaxed fit. The intricate detailing on the dress and whimsical, perforated eyelet pattern make it a breezy, cool option for afternoon tea.
If you've searched online for a summer dress recently, chances are you've likely seen the drop-waist dress trend that's taking the internet by storm. The defining feature of this silhouette is a lowered waistline and flared skirt, and the varying lengths and use of breathable fabrics make it an ideal choice for warmer temperatures.
Because I'm on the curvier side, I was hesitant to lean into this style, but this Zelda dress from Marie Oliver, on sale for a whopping $306 off, quickly changed my mind. The vibrant, yellow color and breezy, loose-fitting cotton poplin material make it a gorgeous dress for any summer activity. Other styles that have caught my attention include this twirly Parthea Midi Dress, $57 on Amazon, and this ruched American Eagle Bella midi dress, on sale for $49.
One of the things I love most about halter dresses is their history. This bold style first gained popularity in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement as a rebellion against traditional fashion norms. Now, it's trending once again thanks to a bigger Y2K revival that has made my nostalgic heart happy, as do polka dots.
Both are married together beautifully in the More to Come Brienne Mini Dress from Revolve. This chic mini dress has a halter neck tie and low draped back that I can't wait to wear to an alfresco lunch in the Mediterranean. Shopping on a budget? I also have my eye on this $39 tiered maxi dress at Amazon, which gives instant European vibes with its ruched bust and ruffled skirt.
It should come as no surprise that beach-inspired tropical and floral prints are also a popular dress choice in Europe during the summer. Channel your inner Grecian goddess with the white floral printed Krystyn Mini Dress from More to Come; the chiffon fabric and babydoll fit exude all the whimsical, feminine vibes I try to capture throughout my summer wardrobe. For a more comfortable option with plenty of stretch, consider this Maggy London Stretch Cotton Max Dress—it's made with a cotton-spandex blend fabric and is on sale for just $55.
There's a reason behind the saying 'smooth as silk.' The cooling, soft touch of this light fabric is a welcome feel against my hot skin, especially in the summer. It's also typically thermoregulating, so you can wear it confidently during the dog days of summer, knowing that you won't overheat easily. For an option that feels just as comfortable as it looks, this Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress, $90, has a midi length and comes in a number of colors to choose from, including a pretty floral pastel pattern and gleaming aqua pearl.
For a fun night out, this Reformation Ursula Silk Dress always catches people's attention when I wear it. Designed with a fitted bodice that flows into a mini A-line skirt, I adore this playful look with a cute pair of kitten heels and a clutch bag.
I know what you're thinking: Denim? In the summer?! Though the fabric isn't exactly known for its breathability, denim dresses can be lightweight enough to be worn in hotter temperatures. One of my go-tos is this denim mini dress from Gap; it offers plenty of soft stretch with a fit that hits right above the knees. And this Ellison Midi Dress from Reformation has a flowy A-line skirt that promotes air flow on warm, sunny days.
I'm also a huge fan of denim dresses because you can dress them up or down with any color or pattern, whether that be your favorite scarf, shoes, or jewelry. This $60 Amazon denim shirt dress, for example, can be spiced up with a pair of knee-high boots and a handbag, or worn with a pair of comfy Hokas for a casual look.
Having made their debut across fashion runways this past spring, bubble hem dresses are both playful and versatile, making them a reliable option for day or night. Look for lightweight materials like cotton and tulle that promote airflow, and have some fun by choosing vibrant colors and patterns.
A great day option is this J. Crew Bubble-hem dress, made with a soft cotton blend and featuring a modest boat neckline. For a more dressed-up look that combines two other trending dress styles—halter-necks and mini lengths—I've got my eye on More to Come's Giovanna dress from Revolve, $76.
It's no secret that crochet dresses are having a moment right now. No longer limited to summer beachwear, this style has evolved over the years and is now available in both casual and evening wear. I love this Express Crochet Halter Cutout Maxi Dress because of its classic geometric print and halter neckline. The brand also has a Crochet Striped Scoop Neck Mini Sweater Dress that I'll be wearing multiple times over due to its colorful print and stretchy material that doesn't need to be ironed.
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