The Elegant, Lingerie-Inspired Dress Trend I’ve Seen All Over Europe This Summer

This summer I’ve spotted an elegant dress trend quietly float to the surface amongst fashion crowds. Offering a fresh silhouette and a romantic mood in ways that few other trends do, the basque waist dress trend has been sweeping Europe this season.

With drop silhouette that features a “V” cut construction and hugs the waist in a similar style to that of a corset, the dress trend picks up on a classic design that was originally popularised during the Victorian era. With a lingerie-inspired undertone, the rising dress trend taps into the overarching underwear-as-outerwear theme we’ve seen in the form of the boxer shorts and bloomer shorts trends this summer.

A favourite on Europe’s streets, I’ve seen the pretty dress trend styled with strappy sandals, pointed-toe heels and pretty mary janes in Paris, Rome and London. With an hourglass shape, the basque dress trend presents a fresh retort to the high-waisted and smock dresses that have dominated the rails for so long.

Available in a broad range cuts including trending halter-neck designs and spaghetti strap styles, as well as in a variety of colours including fresh whites and rich chocolate browns, the rising trend is gearing up to take over this summer.

From Reformation’s milkmaid-inspired dress and Free People’s impressive array of minis and maxis to Tove’s vivid pink iteration, read on to discover our edit of the best basque waist dresses below.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BASQUE WAIST DRESSES: