There’s something sentimental about linen and its reminiscence of the fleeting summer season. The cross-weave permits the light to penetrate it, yet the density can withhold the most structured of shapes. Suffice to say, it makes a welcome change from the cotton pieces I have hung up in my wardrobe.
It’s a wonderful thing when a fabric can be celebrated. The charm is in the netted textile that allows for a whistling zephyr, enabling our body temperature to regulate. Plus, the rumpling that comes with wear adds a lovely relaxed feel. Aside from linen shirts, I tend to gravitate towards midi- and maxi-length dresses. I’ve also found it’s an easy way to add colour to my summer wardrobe, as the material disperses natural light, softening the intensity of vibrant hues.
The linen dresses in my possession have a special place in my heart because they evoke memories of lazy summer days. Think André Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name vibes. That’s the very feeling I envisage whilst wearing a linen dress—wanderlust during the height of summer and being one with nature in Northern Italy. (I can dream.)
You could argue that a summer capsule is incomplete without a linen dress. Whether it’s a mini, a maxi, a sheath, a figure-fitting ’90s silhouette or a contemporary shape, there’s a way everyone can enjoy the fabric this summer.
Keep scrolling for my edit of the most glorious linen dresses for summer! The window of opportunity is short but oh so sweet.
SHOP THE BEST LINEN DRESSES:
Sleeper
Atlanta Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Gingham Linen-Blend Midi Dress
It wouldn’t be a linen-dress edit without including Sleeper.
Mango
Linen Dress With Stone Detail
Our editors are so taken with this designer-looking dress.
Three Graces London
Rose Linen Midi Dress
This red always looks great with brown.
& Other Stories
Linen A-Line Dress
A timeless staple released year after year.
Reformation
Frankie Linen Dress
This is an elegant option for summer weddings.
Zimmermann
Devi Shell-Embellished Cutout Scalloped Linen Midi Dress
I have a huge crush on Zimmermann at the moment.
& Other Stories
Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
This blue-and-white combination is classic for summer.
Aligne
Holly Halterneck Midi Linen Dress
Halterneck silhouettes are key this season.
Reformation
Casette Linen Dress
There’s something striking about a bright orange dress.
Reiss
Elsie Linen Side Tie Midi Dress
The quality of this dress is second to none.
COS
Gathered Linen Midi Dress
You can’t go wrong with a COS dress.
Massimo Dutti
Waffle-Texture Linen-Blend Halter Dress
This shade could convert me to wearing more colour.
Alémais
Aether Abstract-Print Linen Midi Dress
The playful print would make for a wonderful holiday dress.
Zimmermann
Devi Paisley-Print Linen Mini Dress
Just add espadrilles and a basket bag.
Just swap our sandals for heels to take this dress from day to night.
Anthropologie
Lara Cut-Out Midi Dress
Reformation
Selia Linen Dress
The perfect vacation dress.
Boteh
Slit-Skirt Shirred Linen Dress
I’m so impressed with the details on this dress.
H&M
Linen-Blend Shirt Dress
An undefeated summer style.
Arket
Sleeveless Linen Dress
The kind of dress you’ll appreciate every summer.
Cult Gaia
Charlize Cutout Twill Midi Dress
Complete this look with a raffia clutch and tan slip-ons.
Raey
Wrap Linen Halter Dress
Another classic style from Raey.
Whistles
One Shoulder Linen Blend Dress
The one-shoulder detail brings an element of formality that’s ideal for smarter occasions.
An example of evening-appropriate linen. Wear with strappy heels and an oversized blazer.
Kitri
Gianna Coco Palm Print Maxi Dress
This print has me dreaming of holidays.
Nobody’s Child
Yellow Linen-Blend Pipin Midi Dress
The colour of the season.
Cult Gaia
Terese Embellished Cutout Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
Cult Gaia does gorgeous summer dresses. Just look at those cut-outs!
Alémais
+ Lou Benesch Kenzie Patchwork Printed Linen Midi Dress
I love the mix of prints on this one.
Linen and puffed sleeves go hand in hand.
Ralph Lauren
Floral Off-the-Shoulder Linen Dress
You needn’t worry about accessories, because a dress like this does all of the talking.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up: I’ve Just Found M&S’s Best Dresses—21 I Really Rate for Summer