LE CATCH

There's something about the way Europeans dress during the summer that completely enthralls me. As I watched the French Open final (i.e., Rafa Nadal) yesterday, I couldn't help notice the stylishly dressed audience in the stands, decked out in their woven fedoras, cat-eye sunglasses and crisp, elegant suits. Everyone looked polished and put together, despite the Parisian heat. Further feeding my Euro style obsession this weekend was my Instagram feed, flooded with dazzling images taken by friends attending a lavish days-long wedding celebration in Croatia. Yes, the seaside scenery, the medieval turrets and towers were captivating--as was, of course, the sartorial splendor. Even during the daytime, (see above) Euro chicness was in full tilt. Of course, now I want to pull off continental glam right here at home, and all it will take is a few key pieces, such as this casually refined peplum top by Prabal Gurung, this flowy Robert Rodriguez swing skirt, this feminine Free People sundress, this snappy, Mediterranean-ready Asos mini, these simple leather TKEES sandals (or these by Splendid) and this woven Sensi fedora.

$129, nine west

I love the idea of wearing a sexy little ankle bootie now--and deep into the fall.

1. Peter Pilotto dress, $912, matchesfashion.com
2. Katie Rowland twisted ring, $375, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Olympia clutch, $1495, netaporter.com
4. Nine West ankle boots, $129, ninewest.com

I have many minimalist-leaning friends who wince at the sight of a ruffle. Not me. I like a feminine frill here and there, and now it looks like I may be even more ruffled up, thanks to designers like Isabel Marant and Chanel, who have anointed the ruffled top as the next big thing. Yes, they're unabashedly feminine, but not at all princess-y. Alexa Chung executes the trend perfectly, sporting a cropped Chanel, above, and tempering its fancifulness with a simple midi skirt and tough ankle boots. I like an everyday-ready ruffled top, such as the Mango one, below, to elevate a pair of jeans or shorts. More pretty possibilities include this asymmetrical day to night Cynthia Rowley, this organza lace Isabel Marant, this cropped and fluttery Pixie Market, and this elegant silk Tibi camisole.

Photos: The Telegraph, Fashion and Style

$275, netaporter.com

This flowy cape-like Maje top is exactly the kind of drama I want in my life.

1. Maje caped blouse, $275, netaporter.com
2. Heather Hawkins spiked pendant necklace, $175, shopbop.com
3. Topshop vintage wash jeans, $55, topshop.com*
4. Sara Battaglia clutch, $1125, kirnazabete.com
5. Jimmy Choo pumps, $575, netaporter.com

*Get this price and 15% off all other Topshop jeans through Sunday with the code TSJEANS15. I also like these skinnifying black jeans, these comfy jogger-like jeans, these girlfriend jeans, and these frayed-leg jeans.

If you are a frequent LE CATCH reader, you know I love my stripes. I was thus very excited when Piperlime asked me to guest edit a feature for them on. . .wait for it. . . stripes! Check it out here!

$68, pixie market

This pastel-pretty mini dress is perfect for days hanging around the pool--and tucking into a pair of white jeans and running around town!

1. Pixie Market color-block mini dress, $68, pixiemarket.com
2. Elizabeth and James sunglasses, $190, shopbop.com
3. Pieces tote bag, $76, asos.com
4. Madewell lace-up sandals, $59, madewell.com

I admit, it took me a bit to wrap my head around this summer's new longer Bermuda-style shorts, but now that I actually have a pair I'm totally into them. They manage to be sophisticated and relaxed at the same time. They offer the airiness of a skirt, but the functional ease of pants. With heels, they look especially chic--fresh, modern and dressed up. Here are some options to wrap your head around from Rebecca Minkoff, Alice & Olivia, L'Agence (30% off), and 3.1 Phillip Lim (40% off).

Photo: Damsel in Dior

$180, kate spade saturday

This is how I'd like to pull off effortlessly chic summer style.

1. Kate Spade Saturday dress, $180, saturday.com
2. Kismet by Milka diamond earring, $1276, shopbop.com
3. Anthropologie beaded bag, $58, anthropologie.com
4. Edmundo Castillo sandals, $417, shopbop.com

In my mind, floral-print dresses are as much a part of summer as backyard barbecues and sandy toes. The resort 2015 collections, showing now, are all about florals too. So, I was delighted to come across a mother lode of options at Asos, many of them wedding guest-perfect, all of them under $300. My favorites include this chiffon maxi, this tiered embellished dress, this lace shift, this pleated mini, this retro-sweet neon floral, and this crop top and midi skirt set (pictured below).

Photo: Vogue

$22, old navy

In my mind, you can never have enough beach bags. This roomy $22 tote would be a welcome addition to the stash.

1. Splendid tank top, $65, netaporter.com
2. Ray-Ban sunglasses, $230, shopbop.com
3. Old Navy cotton tote bag, $22, oldnavy.com
4. Saint and Libertine sandals, $195, piperlime.com
5. Gucci silk shorts, $595, netaporter.com