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:
It wouldn't be a linen-dress edit without including Sleeper.
Our editors are so taken with this designer-looking dress.
This red always looks great with brown.
A timeless staple released year after year.
This is an elegant option for summer weddings.
I have a huge crush on Zimmermann at the moment.
This blue-and-white combination is classic for summer.
Halterneck silhouettes are key this season.
There’s something striking about a bright orange dress.
The quality of this dress is second to none.
You can’t go wrong with a COS dress.
This shade could convert me to wearing more colour.
The playful print would make for a wonderful holiday dress.
Just add espadrilles and a basket bag.
Just swap our sandals for heels to take this dress from day to night.
Yes, it has pockets.
The perfect vacation dress.
I’m so impressed with the details on this dress.
An undefeated summer style.
The kind of dress you'll appreciate every summer.
Complete this look with a raffia clutch and tan slip-ons.
Another classic style from Raey.
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.
This print has me dreaming of holidays.
The colour of the season.
Cult Gaia does gorgeous summer dresses. Just look at those cut-outs!
I love the mix of prints on this one.
Linen and puffed sleeves go hand in hand.
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
-
31 Maxi Coats From Shopbop, COS, and Mango That Have My Undivided AttentionFloor-sweeping styles only.
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and NordstromThese are too chic to pass up.
-
Laura Harrier Keeps Wearing the "Dated" Shoe Trend I Bet Will Make a Huge Comeback in 2025French women agree.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
The Designer Behind Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Just Debuted a Jewelry Collection at ReformationIt'll go fast.
-
Reformation's Latest Celebrity Collab Embodies the Boho Trend—These 11 Pieces Floored MeGet them before they're gone.
-
30 Zara, Mango and H&M Items That Look Triple Their PriceYou should make room in your closet.
-
The Reformation Dress Taylor Swift Just Wore to the US Open Is Classic Taylor SwiftAnd it's still in stock (for now).
