I Just Came Back from Croatia—6 Elegant Trends I Spotted Everywhere I Went
I'm going to preface this article by saying if you haven't been to Croatia, it should absolutely be on your travel bucket list. From the sparkling crystal-blue waters and the incredible historical architecture to the warm hospitality and delicious fresh food, the European country is a jewel, and I'm already planning to return to the cluster of islands next year to explore more. Having said that, I packed a lot into my five-day trip there, flitting between luxurious port towns as well as the bustling city of Split, so I do feel like I have a decent grasp on what Croatia is all about. And let me tell you, I found the people there to be just as stylish as their European counterparts who tend to steal a lot of the fashion spotlight (yes, I'm talking about the French and Italians).
From locals to those visiting the area, there's a sense of getting dressed up that goes hand in hand with the Croatia mood. In place of sporty-looking shorts and graphic tees (which, in fairness, can look very fashionable if worn in a certain way), there was a noticeable lean towards more polished-looking outfits, which, as a fashion editor, I very much appreciated.
So, what should you pack for a holiday in Croatia if you want to meet the stylish standards? I'd suggest the six following trends, which I saw over and over again whilst in the country. Needless to say, they're all pretty elegant.
What to Pack for Croatia, Based on the Fashion Trends I Saw There
1. Red Dresses
((Image credit: @abimarvel ))
Style Notes: Honestly, I lost count of the number of beautiful red dresses I saw stylish people wearing everywhere I went in Croatia. A key colour trend this season, the piece is something I've come to associate with chic destinations in Europe, and Croatia is no exception.
Shop Red Dresses:
Bryson Dress Es
Reformation Bryson Dress Es
H&M, Square-Neck Jersey Dress
H&M Square-Neck Jersey Dress
Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi
free-est Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi
2. Silver Earrings
((Image credit: @nnennaechem ))
Style Notes: I'm traditionally more of a yellow-gold person but, after seeing so many standout pairs of silver earrings whilst on my travels, I'm fully convinced I need a pair for my next European break later in the summer. Shell and swirl shapes are definitely the most popular in Croatia, of which there are plenty on the market here to choose from.
Shop Silver Earrings:
Spiral Earrings
MANGO Spiral Earrings
Seashell-Shaped Clip-On Earrings
COS Seashell-Shaped Clip-On Earrings
The Abundant Dream Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings
ALIGHIERI The Abundant Dream Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings
3. Balloon Skirts
((Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist ))
Style Notes: We called the puffball skirt trend a while ago and now, it has officially taken over wardrobes across Europe. In Croatia, I spotted more midi styles than minis, which speaks to the overall elegance I witnessed there. I love how Hannah Lewis styles her with a simple vest top—a look I'll definitely be re-creating when I go again next year.
Shop Balloon Skirts:
Bubble Bliss Skirt
free-est Bubble Bliss Skirt
Zara, Balloon Midi Skirt
Zara Balloon Midi Skirt
Midi Puffy Skirt
Monki Midi Puffy Skirt
4. Long Shorts
((Image credit: @kimturkington_ ))
Style Notes: Just like we're seeing here, I saw more long shorts in Croatia than I did ultra-short pairs. Comfy, wide-leg pairs come in especially handy when exploring old cities such as Split and Dubrovnik when you can clock up quite the step count without even trying.
Shop Long Shorts:
Linen Blend High Waisted Bermuda Shorts
M&S Collection Linen Blend High Waisted Bermuda Shorts
Bella Pleated Linen-Blend Shorts
TOVE Bella Pleated Linen-Blend Shorts
Tailored Shorts
& Other Stories Tailored Shorts
5. Hip Belts
((Image credit: @cassdimicco ))
Style Notes: If there was one accessory that dominated everywhere I went in Split, it was hip belts. Slung over jersey dresses or even the balloon-hem skirts we've already discussed, they help to change the entire feel of a simple piece. An ideal styling solution if you're short on luggage space.
Shop Hip Belts:
Laurel Hip Belt
FP Collection Laurel Hip Belt
Benny Suede Belt
KHAITE Benny Suede Belt
Buckle Leather Belt
MANGO Buckle Leather Belt
6. Tops with Scarves
((Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck ))
Style Notes: Scarves keep cropping up in the chicest looks this summer, by which I, of course, mean lightweight styles over wool. However, if you're unsure about how to style it, take all the guesswork away by investing in a top with one built in. Then you can't go wrong! This is the trend that stood out most to me in Croatia, largely because of how unexpectedly popular it proved to be.
Shop Tops with Scarves:
Sallie Silk Top
Reformation Sallie Silk Top
Massimo Dutti, Asymmetric Halter Top
Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Halter Top
Sleeveless Top
Taller Marmo Sleeveless Top