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.