I got an early taste of European summer magic earlier in June at Bodrum's newest luxury property, Maxx Royal Bodrum. The resort itself was stunning—everything a luxury hotel should be-but what really stood out to me–and the point of today’s article–was how much people dressed up.
Guests treated getting dressed as part of the vacation itself. Breakfast wasn't an excuse for a swimsuit and cover-up; dinner wasn't an afterthought. People brought outfits—real outfits—and the entire property felt elevated because of it.
It reminded me of how casual America can be and how, in so much of Europe, getting dressed is still considered part of the pleasure of going out. This is the exact attitude we should be channeling this summer, no matter where we are.
And mind you, this was a closed-off resort contained entirely in a secluded cove. No one was going anywhere else. No one had an after-function. The occasion itself was just hanging out at the resort (granted, the property had seven different restaurant concepts and a Scorpios nightclub). An outfit change between breakfast and lunch, and another for lounging beachside and another outfit change for dinner seemed to be the page everyone was on.
America has a culture of mocking people for "doing too much." Dressing up without a clearly defined occasion can be dismissed as try-hard or overly performative. We often approach getting ready as a task to complete before the fun begins.
I think that's partly why Americans have become so captivated by the idea of "European summer." It's evolved beyond a travel trend and entered our cultural lexicon as a shorthand for a particular way of living. Say the words and the same images come to mind: linen dresses drifting through cobblestone streets, lingering seafood lunches, aperitivos by the sea, yachts bobbing in impossibly blue water. It's aspirational, yes—but it's also a complete aesthetic.
What struck me in Bodrum was that vacation dressing wasn't just about having something to wear. It was part of the experience. Taking your time to put together an outfit wasn't a chore or something to rush through. It was part of the day's enjoyment. It also felt like a gesture of respect—for yourself, for everyone around you, and for the atmosphere everyone was creating together.
European summer is a fully formed genre with its own visual language, wardrobe, soundtrack, and expectations. And my trip to Bodrum kicked off what I know will be an incredible summer of colorful fits and unhurried days. See below for what I wore on my 5-day trip filled with color and texture and accessories.