I Asked My European Mom What Trends She's Following This Summer—She Said These 7

Yep, quiet luxury doesn't just apply to Sofia Richie Grainge aged women and TikTok teens. It also applies to some of the coolest people I know: moms.
Since I first learned how to put clothes on my back, my chic mom has been pointing me in the right sartorial direction. As she's a free-spirited, anti-trend European, her summer basics of choice have been embraced by fashion people everywhere as the epitome of stealth wealth. While she's always worn things like linen jackets, tailored trousers, and logoless bags since the beginning of time, her favorite trends are back in the mainstream.
As the adage goes, mother knows best. Below, shop the seven anti-trend quiet-luxury essentials all cool European moms swear by. If you want to feel like an elevated bougie auntie, now's your chance.
White Trousers
This lean, crisp pant style is worn by tons of chic French and Italian women year-round, but the effortless style shines brighter in the summer.
Knit Maxi Dresses
For a lightweight grab-and-go outfit, you simply can't go wrong with an understated longline knit dress. Wear it alone or on top of a classic black bikini for your Grecian getaway.
Oversize Poplin Shirts
If there's one thing cool European women swear by, it's the power of a simple white shirt. While the style isn't new by any means, the trendy ways to style it—especially given the understated nature of this year's stealth-wealth movement—make this piece a no-brainer.
Linen Blazers
Sure, a black blazer is the epitome of class, but its fresher, leaner linen counterpart has stolen the hearts, minds, and credit card numbers of cool French women everywhere this year.
Leather Slides
If you're looking for your sign to invest in a no-frills pair of good-quality leather sandals, let this be it: The silhouette goes with everything in your closet already. Pants, dresses, and skirts are all easy outfit options.
Raffia Totes
Invest in a timeless, oversize raffia tote to hold all of your French baguettes and farmers market flowers this summer.
Tailored Shorts
For a modern, elevated take on shorts, opt for a tailored version. Shorts are clearly for everyone, and these classic pairs make the ultimate style statement, regardless of age.
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.
-
I Know a Viral Item When I See One, and This $90 Zara Barn Jacket Set Off All My Alarm Bells
Shop, don't snooze.
By Eliza Huber
-
This Is Your Last Chance to Shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale—31 Chic Finds Not to Miss
So good even Levi's jeans are on sale.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Classic Style Is My Default, But I'm Buying These 7 Trendy Items Anyway
Call me curious.
By Allyson Payer
-
7 Easy Yet Elevated Spring Outfit Ideas to Wear on Repeat
Get stylishly ready in a snap.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Look, If I Were You, I'd Buy These 42 UpscaleReplica Store, Zara, and J.Crew Items Before Anyone Else
They're too good.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Editor—42 Stunning Styles I'm Eyeing to Refresh My Spring Wardrobe
Your spring wardrobe refresh made easy.
By Chichi Offor
-
Rich-Looking Outfits Are the Goal—31 Chic Pieces From the Amazon Big Spring Sale That Fit the Bill
These will have you doing a double take.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Stop Right There! These Gorgeous H&M and Zara New Arrivals Are Bound to Sell Out Soon
The only spring shopping list you need.
By Chichi Offor