Fashion

15 Dresses for Europe to Help You Live Out Your Dreamiest Life Abroad

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2024

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If you have a trip to Europe penciled into your calendar, an empty suitcase, and the much-dreaded question, “What do I pack?”, a shopping spree is definitely in order. If you have no clue where to start with your packing list and need a little inspo, I’ve scrolled through pages of online shopping sites to find the best dresses for Europe.

My top picks are easily shoppable from Amazon, Nordstrom, and Revolve and include all of the latest trends. Think ruffles, cut-outs, maxi lengths, crochet materials, and more. I’ve also kept price range in mind, with my selects ringing you up anywhere from $20 to $225—not too bad, right?

Well, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. These dresses will help you turn your romanticized European getaway into reality, and you will no doubt have loads of photos to choose from when posting all about your trip on Instagram. So keep reading to find your new favorite dresses for Europe.

What Kind of Dresses to Wear to Europe, According to a Stylist

What dresses to pack to Europe will depend on several different factors, including trip length, the climate of your destination and the general list of activities you’ll be doing once you arrive.

“When shopping for dresses for Europe, there are a number of things to consider,” says Samantha Sutton, a professional stylist and StyleCaster’s Shopping Writer. “If you’re trying to pack light, think about versatility and consider designs that can be dressed up and down with different footwear and accessories. If you’re hoping for a standout style moment, choose bold details like prints, embellishments, or cutouts. You’ll also want to consider temperature. If you’re someone who gets cold easily, maybe opt for a maxi or longer sleeves, and if you go the mini route, make sure it’s one that can easily be layered under a jacket or sweater.”

Best Dresses for Europe at a Glance

Best Slip Dress: Treasure & Bond Woven Favorite Slipdress, $50
Best Active Dress: Z By Zella Outscore Active Dress, $40
Best Plus Size: Terra & Sky Women’s Cotton Knit Tank Dress, $13
Best Mini Dress: ZESICA Bohemian Mini Dress
, $37
Best Beach Tunic Dress: Bella Dahl Beach Tunic, $114
Best Little Black Dress: Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress, $118
Best Splurge: STAUD Paityn Dress, $225
Best Shirt Dress: Zara Striped Belted Shirt Dress, $70
Best Wrap Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress, $55
Best Strapless: More To Come Lesley Ribbed Dress, $70
Most Budget-Friendly: A New Day Short Sleeve Midi Shirtdress, $20

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nordstrom is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Treasure & Bond Woven Favorite Slipdress

Nordstrom
- Sizes available: 1X—3X
- Colorways: 5
- Material: 100% rayon
- Shipping and return policy: Free within 30 days
Sometimes less is more, and that is definitely the case with this breezy (and super affordable) maxi dress from Nordstrom. Grab it in sizes 1X through 3X and in five fabulous colors.
Z By Zella Outscore Active Dress

Nordstrom Rack
- Sizes available: XS—XL
- Colorways: 7
- Material: 78% polyester, 22% spandex with 85% nylon, 15% spandex mesh
- Shipping and return policy: Return within 40 days
It’s never a bad idea to include a more sporty dress when packing, especially if your trip will include some high-intensity excursions. This active dress will move with you every step of the way—plus, it comes in several different colorways that are all super cute. Bonus: It has adjustable straps and interior shorts with drop-in pockets.
Terra & Sky Women’s Cotton Knit Tank Dress

Walmart
- Sizes available: 0X—5X
- Colorways: 5
- Material: 100% cotton
- Shipping and return policy: Return within 90 days
A cotton tank dress might be the one item you reach for the most during your adventure abroad. This plus-size friendly option will remain breathable during hot days and feel super comfortable on, whether you’re sitting down sipping on an Aperol Spritz or roaming the streets of Italy. For just $13 each, it’s a no brainer.
ZESICA Bohemian Mini Dress

Amazon
- Sizes available: XS—XXL
- Colorways: 34
- Material: 100% rayon
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
For a more affordable option from Amazon, check out ZESICA’s boho mini dress
. It’s StyleCaster-approved and comes in 40 (yes, 40!) different colorways. This frock is a must-buy if you’re en route to Spain, Greece, Italy, or the like.
Bella Dahl Beach Tunic

Revolve
- Sizes available: XS—L
- Colorways: 1
- Material: 49% cotton, 41% viscose, 10% linen
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Anyone who’s traveling to Europe needs to pack a simple coverup or tunic to throw over their swimsuit. This Bella Dahl option would look so good with oversized sunglasses, a straw bag, gold jewelry, and leather slides. Make this your European vacay uniform, stat.
Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue
- Sizes available: XS—L
- Colorways: 2
- Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
- Shipping and return policy: Free within 30 days of purchase
A little black dress is an absolute necessity, no matter where you’re headed. It will pair effortlessly with whatever else you’ve packed for your trip, be it tennis shoes for days spent exploring or heels when you’re ready to dance the night away.
STAUD Paityn Dress

Shopbop
- Sizes available: XS—XL
- Colorways: 1
- Material: 59% viscose, 40% nylon, 1% spandex
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
While this is one of the pricier options on our list, the Instagram photos you’ll get from wearing this out and about will make every penny worth it. It’s made from a super soft knit material that you can comfortably be in all day long. Plus, with a color this eye-catching, we’ll doubt you’ll want to change out of it regardless.
Zara Striped Belted Shirt Dress

Zara
- Sizes available: XS—XXL
- Colorways: 1
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Frolick through France in the Striped Belted Shirt Dress from Zara. It’s the type of garment you could wear anywhere on vacation—a museum, the park, the shops, you name it.
Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch
- Sizes available: XXS—XL
- Colorways: 1
- Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane / Body: 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane
- Shipping and return policy: Return within 30 days, $7 fee
This dress literally has “travel” in its name. It’s made of Abercrombie’s Traveler knit fabric and features built-in shorts (that have pockets!) to make your trip as easy and comfy as possible.
More To Come Lesley Ribbed Dress

Revolve
- Sizes available: XS—XL
- Colorways: 2
- Material: 85% viscose, 15% nylon
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
This striped dress screams “Take me to Greece.” You’ll be matching all of the white and blue architecture and the bright blue sea. If you’re headed to a sunset dinner, it’s this dress—end of discussion.
A New Day Short Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

Target
- Sizes available: XS—4X
- Colorways: 4
- Material: 57% Cotton, 38% Modal, 5% Spandex
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 90 days
I don’t think it’s possible to wear too any striped pieces while in Europe. This midi dress from Target looks like it belongs abroad but somehow costs only $20. It also comes in an extensive size range.
SNDYS x Revolve Long Sleeve Crochet Maxi Dress

Revolve
- Sizes available: XXS—XXL
- Colorways: 3
- Material: 100% cotton blend
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days, exchanges within 60 days
Crochet and sheer dresses have been all the rave lately, and there’s no better time to try the trend than when you’re hitting the beach or the bars. This crochet maxi dress comes in sizes XXS through XXL and in black, tan, and orange. Wear a swimsuit or slip underneath to show a little bit of skin while still staying covered.
The Drop Brinda Maxi Dress

The Drop
- Sizes available: XXS—5X
- Colorways: 6
- Material: 100% cotton
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
This cutout halter maxi dress
is a personal rec from our editors. It fits like a gem, incorporates a bunch of different trends, and feels high-quality. Oh, and did I mention that it has side pockets? *Swoon.* My coworkers and I tried on several dresses from The Drop on Amazon, so be sure to read our review to see what they look like on (spoiler alert: they’re all stunning and Europe-ready).
Shy Velvet Summer Mini Dress

Amazon
- Sizes available: S—XL
- Colorways: 18
- Material: 100% cotton
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days
I am thoroughly obsessed with all of the design details on this summer dress
. The flared sleeves. The tiered skirt. The cutouts. The square neck. The back. I’m sold!
Amanda Uprichard Annalise Dress
- Sizes available: XS—XL
- Colorways: 1
- Material: 100% polyester
- Shipping and return policy: Free returns within 30 days, exchanges within 60 days
Don’t forget the LWD (little white dress)! Europe also calls for lighter hues that’ll pop out among all the beautiful scenery. This one is super simple and cute, and will pair well with all the shoes in your luggage.