These 5 countries were voted the best dressed in Europe – here's why

Home to three of the world's four fashion capitals and hundreds of designer label headquarters, it's clear Europe is steeped in style history and continues to dominate the retail landscape. But which country is the most fashionable of them all?

In a bid to find out, retail website Love the Sales carried out a survey asking Brits to rate their European neighbours' style credentials. That means we were out of the running, but with a host of other nations to choose from, there's a lot of competition for the top spot.

Here are the highest rated countries and why they earned their place in the most fashionable five...

1. Italy

Italy came top, with 23% of those surveyed saying it's the most on-trend nation in Europe.

Known for luxury leather handbags, ultra-feminine womenswear and vertiginous heels, Milan is the most glamorous of the four fashion capitals, with brands such as Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci never failing to deliver a polished performance on the catwalks.

As for menswear, Italian tailoring is always sharp and sophisticated. No wonder Armani Prive has become the tuxedo go-to for many of Hollywood's finest.

"Italy coming in first place may also be an indication of our love for Italian luxury," says Stuart McClure, co-founder of Love the Sales. "The 'Meghan Effect' may have a role to play – the Duchess of Sussex's penchant for Aquazzura heels caused a frenzy, with her favoured styles selling out almost immediately."

2. France

In second place, France took 18% of the vote, with 5% more women (21%) appreciating French style over men (16%).

Paris fashion week plays host to some of the most famous designer brands, including Chanel, Dior and Hermes, with French designers striving for one ideal above all others; that elusive 'chic'.

French style is largely about looking like you made no effort at all, and timeless pieces like boxy tweed blazers (whether they're from Chanel or Zara), leather biker jackets and crisp white shirts are favoured over rapidly changing trends.

3. Spain

It may not have a high-profile fashion week, but Spain is rated highly amongst Brits in the style stakes, coming in third place. That may be because Spanish brands dominate the global retail industry, with the likes of Zara, Mango and Stradivarius seen on high streets all over the world.

These fast fashion brands are expert at taking catwalk moments and bringing them to a wider audience, which is why Spanish fashionistas are unfailingly on trend.

4. Belgium

The smallest nation in the top five, Belgium is evidently big on style, placing fourth in the poll.

The lowland country has become a hotbed for design talent, with homegrown heroes Martin Margiela, Raf Simons and Dries Van Noten achieving critical acclaim on the international fashion stage.

Epitomised by Margiela, Belgium fashion has long preferred an avant-garde aesthetic, reflected in street style today with youngsters choosing cool, off-kilter designs over conventional clothing.

5. Sweden

From the glamour of Italy to the minimalism of Scandinavia, Sweden rounds out the top five.

"It may be unexpected to see Sweden listed alongside the big players like Italy and France, which are traditionally thought of as leaders in the world of fashion, however it is no surprise the Brits love the effortlessly chic style of the Nordics," says celebrity stylist Nisha Grewal. "Their simple, comfortable design is timeless and therefore sustainable. From the classic minimalist look to their bolder brights."