Must-Have Dresses for your Euro Summer
You’ve booked the hotel and flights, the itinerary is planned to perfection, and you’re already dreaming of warmer weather to come. There’s just one thing left on your pre- Euro summer to-do list... get the wardrobe. Good thing we’ve got the hottest summer dresses on standby.
2026’s Top Euro Summer Dress Trends
Beach-bound
If you want to look like you just stepped out of a summer fragrance ad, crisp linen is a must-have summer look. We’re embracing beachy linen styles with flow and movement. Think shirt dresses or other breezy numbers that are ideal for long, hot summer days, but look equally as fabulous when cinched with a statement belt at cocktail hour.
shop the look
A White Dress is your Wardrobe Winner
A white summer dress in cotton, lace or linen is a summertime classic and long-time friend to the fashion It-girl. Whether it’s a simple sheath or a flowing maxi dress, nothing will ever look better in the sunshine. When it comes to styling, you have options. Go for beachy boho with a flowy silhouette and beaded jewellery, or embrace the quiet luxury aesthetic with a more structured cut and a pair of sculptural sunglasses.
shop the look
You Can’t Be Too Bold
If maximalism is your style, you’ll be pleased to know that loud prints and bold colours have never been more in. To get the look, we’re loving using beach dresses as our canvas. These styles lend themselves so well to bright palettes or out-there prints and patterns that turn heads. To style, let the dress do the talking. That means keeping your accessories minimal – a sleek sandal and light scarf will do just the trick.
shop the look
Mini Dresses, Always
Mini dresses are the quintessential summer dress, and that means you need way more than one in your wardrobe for the seasons ahead. If we’re talking trends, the only way to wear your mini dress this summer is with a pair of chunky boots and a wide-brimmed hat (we love this look for festivals). If we’re talking timeless, opt for mules and a structured bag.
shop the look
River Island’s summer dress selection ranges from structured and sophisticated to soft and scaled back, with a choice of dresses ideal for beach days, pool parties, picnics and more. Shop now and step into summer in style this year.