What better way to end a day of swimming in blue and jade water, feet pillowed by powdery white sand beaches, joyously tipsy on ice cold glasses of limoncello than to slip your freshly-warm, sun-kissed body into a silky dress that makes you feel like a million bucks?
Here are six of the Editor’s favourite dresses that are perfect for this (and forthcoming) year’s Eurosummer:
1. Rafinha Dress – Rat & Boa
This Pinterest cult-favourite dress is perfect for sunset dinners at the beach bar after a blissful day of salty air and warm water. Think Versace-archive-meets-beach-slip, with fabric so decadently silky it floats right above the figure like a mermaid-blue aura. Wear the semi-sheer maxi slip with a simple black bikini set for an effortless, fresh-out-of-the-water look – bonus points for freshly-tousled hair and a pair of gold hoops.
Price: £165
2. Angelina Dress – Rat & Boa
Channelling old Hollywood glamour, Rat & Boa’s Angelina Dress perfectly encapsulates the star quality of a supermodel-off-duty, found enjoying beef tartare and bubbles at Fouquet’s in Cannes. The lightweight satin drops in a daringly deep cowl at the front with two self-knotted details at the back, for the alluring balance between playful coastal getaway and luxury candlelit function. The iris flower detail resembles a precious ink-drop painting that transforms both the dress and the wearer into a coveted work of art. Pair with strappy pointed heels and a Bardot-esque updo.
Price: £295
3. Lanetta Dress – House of CB
In this sultry body-hugging blend of sophistication and femininity, this House of CB dress offers subtle resort-glam that is sure to complement your Eurosummer night out in town. Picture a dark rose lip, a smudged smokey eye and sun-kissed bronze; tap into your inner Sade and embark on a night of to-die-for-pasta and a glass of Pinot Noir. The rouche detailing around the waist and hips sculpt the figure to balance the modest neckline and sleeves, and the floral print oozes romance. Wear some pointed black heels and dress it up with yellow gold accessories for the ‘it’ factor.
Price: £169
4. Seren Dress – House of CB
If Donatella was tasked to design a nightie for the Bridgerton ladies, Seren would be born. This vintage-inspired maxi dress places a modern spin on everything there is to love about European period fashion: a corset-influenced lace up back, a figure-shaping bodice that sits below the waist and fabric that cascades around it for a romantic, girly touch. A half-cup underwire bust flatters the chest, giving Daphne Bridgerton’s revenge dress if it had shape and rouleau straps. Fitting for fresh fruit cocktails on white sand beaches or luxury restaurants overlooking the marina alike; you’ll find serenity in this dress either way.
Price: £189
5. Theo Dress – Tiger Mist
One word: bliss. This stunning Tiger Mist number features mixed prints in an sliced intentional-patchwork style, a curly, asymmetrical hemline and a half-open back – there is simply no other dress we’d want to have our Mamma Mia moment in. Pair the outfit with some strappy goddess sandals and complete the look with a night of tipsy dancing at an open-air restaurant in Santorini with the girls.
Price: £47
6. Rayla Dress – Tiger Mist
Beach babe by day, beach babe by night. Stun in the sexy Rayla Dress for drinks by the water as the night falls a deep shade of indigo. The centre cut-out detail offsets an otherwise simple, though effective, black maxi dress, which is highly stretchable for a figure-framing fit. Rayla embodies the absence of inhibition – she’s confidence, she’s ambition, she’s butter-soft on the skin. Complete the look with a romantic lined lip and a natural veil of blush across the midface for a balmy summer night vibe. Pair with a slim vintage timepiece, a bracelet stack, and statement earrings.
Price: £57
So, whether it is that you’re cruising along the French Riviera, picking out fresh produce at the Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna, or even speed walking through Paris to keep up with your tour guide, tap into your innermost divine Eurosummer spirit with the power of these six masterful creations. We promise you’ll need them again next year!