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Sorry Scandi, This Summer Is *All* About Portuguese Girl Style

Here's how to get the Lisbon look

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Portuguese Style UNI
Zara/Macy's/Old Navy/Abercrombie & Fitch/Design for PureWow

For every fashion trend, there is another that is the total opposite. For quiet luxury, it was loud garbage. For bratcore, it was the demure look. And when it comes to regional trends, Scandi style has found its own antithesis in the Portuguese girl aesthetic. Whereas the former is all about practical minimalism—albeit with some unexpected sporty or masculine details thrown in—the latter is all about bright colors, bold (and occasionally clashing) patterns and a relaxed vibe that feels boho in the best way. That said, if you want to take your fashion aesthetic from beautifully basic to boldly beachy—with a cool, city-girl twist—get ready to take a page from the book of Lisbon fashion influencers like Vicky Montanari, or brands that nail the vibe, like Lisa Says Gah.

What Is the Lisbon Look?

Unlike Scandinavian style, which takes a minimalist and functional approach to fashion, the Lisbon look is eclectic, mixing trends to achieve some distinctly funky flair. Feminine silhouettes, fun prints (incorporating everything from fruits and flowers to stripes and gingham), resort-worthy fabrics (not limited to eyelet and beads) and bold colors are *highly* encouraged when it comes to emulating the sartorial spirit of the country. You can also opt for matching sets that effortlessly combine different trends, as Lisbon fashion influencer Raquel Costa Gomes often does. Who knew butter yellow and eyelet could look so good together?!

How to Embrace Portuguese Girl Style

To embrace Portuguese girl style, opt for colorful prints (from gingham to stripes), flowy silhouettes (such as wide-leg pants and A-line dresses) and lightweight or textured materials (like eyelet and crochet). And if you're stuck on what to wear, ask yourself: Is this look beach-worthy but also chic enough to show off in the big city? If your answer is yes, then you're already on your way to getting the Lisbon look. But if you need some styles to help get you started this summer, look no further. I've rounded up ten pieces that nail the coastal-cool Portuguese aesthetic, so you'll be looking like a Lisbon gal in no time—no plane tickets required.

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If the coastal-inspired print of lobsters and lemons wasn't a dead giveaway, I'll confirm: This midi dress is precisely what a cool girl in Lisbon would wear to brunch or a wine date. It also features a drapey, woven fabric made from a blend of viscose and nylon, so not only does it have good movement, but there's no question about its breathability. And I didn't even get to the tie straps and front-twist detail (with a cute cutout to boot), which allow you to adjust the dress to your body or, as one happy buyer says, get it to "fit like a glove."

Between the lovely lemon print, beautiful balloon sleeves and titillating tie front, this airy linen and rayon blouse (with elasticized cuffs) has got it all going on, and I think Portuguese fashionistas would agree. Want to complete the look? Be sure to scoop up the matching belted shorts while you're at it. Just don't forget to use coupon code FRIEND at checkout to get these two pieces at their discounted prices.

While the hand-painted look of those big blooming flowers was the first thing that caught my eye, there's a lot to love about this summer-ready maxi. As one buyer explains, "I had a beach-themed party to attend and this was the perfect dress! It is so comfortable, perfect pop of colors and I got so many compliments." What they didn't mention is that it's made of viscose and polyamide, and has a side slit so you'll feel comfy while showing off a little leg. Another reviewer also swears the puff sleeves aren't overwhelming, so you'd better scoop up this floral frock before all your fellow cool girls flock to it first.

Gingham is huge in Portugal right now, and I can see why. It has an effortless summery vibe to it that makes you want to have a picnic on the beach, STAT. That said, I don't think I need to explain why this trendy top will help you achieve the Lisbon look. But just in case I do, I'll just say that the exaggerated Peter Pan collar, puffed elbow-length sleeves and front tie closure are all very much in vogue as a funky play on the feminine.

Take a scroll through any Portuguese fashion influencer's IG and you're likely to come across easy, breezy striped pants that look a lot like these. No wonder Old Navy is flagging them as a sellout risk! With a relaxed look and feel (shout-out to the wide legs and elastic drawstring waist) they're no doubt comfortable enough for a day outdoors, whether that's on the sand in the sun or at a cafe, sipping some galão. The affordable price tag also proves that you don't have to break the bank to look as fab as the trendsetters in Portugal.

I certainly can't resist adding this maxi to my cart, so how could you?! For starters, it's made of a flowy blend of polyester and elastane that will hug your curves, and is fully lined, so you don't have to strategically choose your undergarments. But it's the off-the-shoulder styling, sheer overlay and statement-making sun print that take it from chic to Portuguese chic.

In addition to crochet styles, beaded purses have been popping up from Lisbon to New York this spring, and I'm not mad at it. Not only is this type of handbag trending everywhere, but it's also a fun way to elevate your outfit with a surprising pop of texture, which brings me to this Anthropologie pick, featuring colorful, intricate beadwork to create a delicious spread of tomatoes. But I'll let one buyer tell it: "This bag is so stinking adorable! While it’s a bit smaller, there’s still plenty of room for essentials. I actually love that the strap is softer and a bit thinner in width than [designer options]. This will be super fun for summer outings."

A trendy stripe print? Check. A flowy fit? Check. Bold colors? Double check. Needless to say, this gorgeous green-and-brown striped midi isn't likely to disappoint, especially if you want to get the Lisbon look in no time. The best part is that the puff sleeves, which attach via a series of ties, are fully removable, which makes it look like an entirely different dress. Simply put, you're getting two chic styles in one with this beauty.

I'm not going to lie—I've been eyeing this crochet set way before I noticed Portuguese style picking up again. It's colorful, cute and beautifully beachy. It's also made of 100 percent cotton, so it's breathable and lightweight enough for even the hottest outings. The stylish scalloped hem is just an extra touch that makes this set even more timely, so I suggest adding these shorts (and the matching top) to your cart now, even if you don't have a trip to Portugal planned.

10. Pink City Prints Esme Dress

Pink City Prints

According to one buyer, this gingham-print dress looks more hot pink in person, but if you ask me, that's all the more reason to secure it for summer as it'll stand out amid the traditional red-and-white styles. However, it's not just its colorway that will have this fun, feminine frock turning heads; it also boasts an eyelet ruffle trim (on the collar, sleeves and hem, to be exact), two interior pockets (because why the heck not?!) and a back tie, so you can get a cinched-in look all-around. In other words, it's worth every penny, especially since every cool girl in Portugal is wearing one just like it right now.



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