I Bought This One Anti-Trend Item to Fit In With Cool Italian and Spanish Women

While spending more than five weeks in Europe this summer, I haven't been able to get something out of my head. On the streets of Madrid, Rome, Palma, and London, I've seen chic European women wearing the same exact outfit to beat the heat. Of course, I'm talking about the timeless white summer dress. Summer maxi dresses have been the elegant, go-to easy outfit formula for years, but shockingly, I realized I didn't have a single one by the time I unpacked my suitcase. Thankfully, overseas Zara came in clutch.
After strolling through some of Europe's most stylish cities and spotting white summer dresses everywhere, I decided to buy my own: a simple yet pretty white flowy maxi dress with a lace trim. Since I'm itching to buy several more during my Euro summer travels, I decided to round up all of my favorites for you to see (and shop!) below.
Catch a glimpse of the one anti-trend summer necessity European women reach for when the temperatures reach the high 80s. Trust me, you'll want to add your own to your closet after seeing these jaw-dropping picks.
This dress has been sitting pretty at the top of my wish list for months.
This charming British brand has suddenly become one of my favorites for stunning, breezy dresses.
Dôen's cult-like following has convinced me that the brand's summer dresses are some of the best on the market, and frankly, I'm inclined to agree.
Okay, I know this dress is almost sold out, but I just had to include it after buying it (and wearing it!) in the photo above.
This dress is quite literally less than a round of post-work rooftop drinks with your friends.
The fluttery shoulders on this one make it universally flattering.
If you're into a sleeker look like the one above, this dress would be perfect for you.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
-
Sporty, Unexpected, and Unquestionably Cool—The Outerwear Trend That Will Supercharge Your Spring Wardrobe
Who doesn't love a comfy way to be on-trend?
By Judith Jones
-
Here's Your Amazon Big Spring Sale Cheat Sheet—Shop the Best Activewear, Travel Items, Home Décor, and More
Shop for deeply discounted goods today.
By Chichi Offor
-
This It Girl Approved Style Will Be *the* Summer Vacation Dress Trend of 2025
Hailey Bieber is aware.
By Allyson Payer
-
Calling It Early: This Will Be Summer's Biggest Sandal Trend
Easy, breezy.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Sorry, Denim Shorts, But These 5 Replacements Are Very 2025
Heard it here first.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Fact: Stylish Women in Italy, France, and NY Will Ditch Everything to Wear This Elegant Dress All Summer
Manifesting warm weather right now.
By Lauren Adhav
-
Everyone Knows Anthropologie Makes the Best Spring Dresses—39 Styles I Currently Love
Just in time for the blooms.
By Chichi Offor
-
Until It's Warm Enough for Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best Friend
The perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
By Eliza Huber
-
You're Looking to Get a Head Start on Spring Dressing, and I Know Exactly What to Order—30 Chic Picks That Fit the Bill
A little something for every personal style.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The New Reformation Shorts Everyone Will Be Wearing This Summer
Plus, they are under $100.
By Michelle Scanga