16 Captivating Embroidered Dresses with Ethnic Flair

Fashion styles and tastes vary dramatically across cultures and countries. But the art of embroidery on clothing holds a universally charmed status, beloved all over the world for its intricate, skillfully crafted beauty. The origins of embroidery are deep-seated, imbued with folklore and symbolism. Today, embroidery’s romantic allure continues to captivate — especially when it comes to the most feminine of pieces, the classic embroidered dress. From simple summer frocks to theatrical evening gowns, stunning embroidery elevates every style.  Discover this timeless art with our pick of 16 embroidered dresses, representing 4 different global styles renowned for their rich embroidery traditions. 

Ukrainian and Russian Style Embroidered Dresses

Dating to prehistoric times, the art of embroidery in Ukraine and surrounding regions is rich in myth and symbolism. Its most famous piece is the shirt, or vyshyvanka, featuring embroidery on the sleeves and around the neckline and cuffs. Our four picks for embroidered dresses in the Ukrainian and Russian styles represent this popular design, with embroidered motifs ornamenting breezy fabrics with a folk-inspired, pastoral feel. 

Maxi dress with lemon print

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When life gives Yuliya Magdich lemons, she turns them into a stunning dress. Magdich’s designs are a nod to her grandmother’s handspun embroidered clothing, like this floor length dress emblazoned with brightly coloured trim and cheerful lemon motif.

Shop Yuliya Magdich $1920

Belted linen dress with gold embroidery

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A traditional “Zbiranka” embroidery technique in golden thread adorns the neckline of this linen dress, finished with handmade tassels. A rope belt allows it to be worn as a wrap or open as a robe.

Shop My Sleeping Gypsy $610

Vyshyvanka style midi dress

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In a contemporary interpretation of her native Ukrainian folk clothing, Vita Kin designs this midi dress from breathable linen, decorated with artisanal vyshyvanka style embroidery.

Shop Vita Kin $1890

Linen-blend dress with tassel belt

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Delicate pearlescent embroidery designs grace the bodice and sleeves of this silky teal piece, in Vilshenko’s modernized take on traditional Russian patterns.

Shop Vilshenko $1319

Indian Style Embroidered Dresses

When talking about embroidery traditions, India is not a nation to be missed. Located along the ancient trade routes, with Persia on the west and the Silk Road on the east, each region of India developed its own distinctive embroidery style, such as Kantha, Kashmiri, Aari, Chikan and others. Indian textiles are valued by today’s designers for its quality craftsmanship. We sourced four eye-catching embroidered dresses, each representing the characteristic elements of Indian embroidery: exotic colors, naturally inspired motifs, and lush ornamentation. 

Belted A-line dress with cotton cording

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A vision in white, this crisp cotton frock has a fresh garden party vibe with all-over cotton cording embroidery. Elbow-length puff sleeves and a self belt lend a vintage sensibility.

Shop Sachin & Babi $425

Silk shift dress with beading and embroidery

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Evoking the spring forests of Rajasthan, this creamy silk shift is perfect for attending a summer wedding. It is hand painted in traditional pichwai art and bejeweled with pearls and sequins.

Shop Anita Dongre $1667

Cotton slub dress with floral embroidery

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Known as a pioneer of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar revives her country’s traditional textile techniques. Colourful floral designs define the neckline and waist in this dark blue cotton slub dress.

Shop Ritu Kumar $173

Stamped silk dress with blouson bodice

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Saloni Lodha’s designs evoke a meditative journey inspired by her childhood in India. This swirly dress shows sunny yellow embroidery on forest green stamped silk, and a feminine silhouette.

Shop Saloni $‌825

Mediterranean Style Embroidered Dresses

From coast to coast, the Mediterranean region is known for its use of fine embroidery. In Turkey, it rose in popularity during the Ottoman Empire, decorating palatial textiles and furnishings. In Greece, the Avlea embroidery style featuring silver and gold thread and intricate beading techniques was used among European royalty and clergy, and is still beloved by designers to this day. Our embroidered dress picks span these iconic embroidery styles around the area, from Istanbul to Positano.   

Midi dress with floral embroidery and ribbon

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From the Istanbul-based designer comes this nostalgic cream linen dress in a modest cut, scattered with embroidered navy and periwinkle blossoms and finished with navy ribbon trim.

Shop Lug Von Siga €715

Cotton voile dress with gold embroidery

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This spectacular piece from Positano-based Emporio Sirenuse takes its cue from the grand ballerino dresses of choreographer Rudol’f Nureev. Ornate patterns are hand-embroidered in golden thread on Indian linen.

Shop Emporio Sirenuse €960

Pinafore style maxi dress in rose tulle

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Taking a fresh lens to ancient Greek philosophy, Costarellos brings whimsical frills to this shimmering tulle gown. Multicolored embroidery and metallic trim add shine to the playful pinafore bodice and maxi skirt.

Shop Costarellos € 1525

Drawstring dress with tassel trim

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Vivid emerald and golden florals adorn this semi-sheer dress from Red Valentino, finished with a tassel drawstring and wide ruffle hem.

Shop Red Valentino $1735

English Style Embroidered Dresses

Equal parts formal and fresh, English embroidery can be traced to the 10th century, when it was known around Europe as “opus anglicanum” — Latin for “English work.” First evidenced in church and religious tapestries, embroidery in England grew even more famous in the 1500s, thanks to the efforts of Elizabeth I. England is credited with bringing us the classic favourite, broderie anglaise or “eyelet” embroidery style in a lace-like pattern. Its romantic appeal takes on both vintage and modern interpretations in our timeless embroidered dress selections.

Broderie Anglaise shirt dress with puff sleeves

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Classic white broderie anglaise elevates this timeless maxi shirt dress, accented with bold red embroidery. Beulah employs socially vulnerable women to hand-craft the weaving and embroidery motifs.

Shop Beulah London $733

Button down dress with pintucked bodice

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An airy silhouette and button-down bodice impart a laid-back feel to this sweet summer piece, crafted from off-white cotton with all-over eyelet lace embroidery and pintucked detail.

Shop Gather and See $157

Mini dress in monochrome print

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Fun and flirty is the name of the game in this playful mini dress from global-fusion designer Borgo De Nor. Its monochrome broderie anglaise print, puffed sleeves, and a cinched silhouette effortlessly transition from day to night.

Shop Borgo de Nor $563

High-waisted skirt with embroidery detail

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Vibrant broderie anglaise embellishes this high-waisted, calf-length skirt in navy cotton poplin that easily switches seasons from spring to fall. Pair with Chloé’s matching high-neck blouse for a dress-like ensemble.

Shop Chloé $2395