The Anti-Trend Summer Dress That Stylish French and Italian Women Cling To

Collage of women wearing linen summer dresses.
(Image credit:  @styleidealist; @monikh; @fakerstrom)

In the minds of stylish women everywhere, nothing embodies summertime better than one specific item: a linen dress. Few staples can withstand the test of time, temperatures, and ever-changing trends with flying colors, yet linen dresses do the impossible. It's no wonder, then, that this specific type of dress has remained the staple of choice among stylish women around the world. The crisp, lightweight, and breathable fabric not only oozes effortless elegance but is also the only fabric that can keep you cool in the sweltering summer heat. Simply put, it's one of the only summer staples that you'll never regret buying. However, choosing the right linen dress to invest in for the season is a different story.

With so many different options online, it can be hard to determine which styles are actually the best linen dresses and which are, well, overhyped, to put it nicely. Luckily for you, we live to spend hours researching the internet to find the season's biggest trends, affordable staples, and noteworthy brands. Ahead, we've curated a list of the 41 best linen dresses for women based on quality, versatility, functionality, brand recognition, price point, recent trends, and editorial discretion. Whether you're looking for the perfect linen dress to wear to a wedding, planning a vacation, or just want to breathe new life into your summer wardrobe, you're sure to find a linen dress that you won't want to live without.

Best Linen Dresses at a Glance

Shop More of the Best Linen Dresses

Under $150

A woman standing outside against a rock wall wearing a white linen maxi dress with white flip flops, a raffia bag, aviator sunglasses, and a red lariat necklace.

(Image credit: @monikh)

Under $350

A woman standing next to an old building by the water wearing a red off-the-shoulder linen maxi dress with snakeskin sandals and a raffia shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Worth the Investment

A woman standing in front of an old building wearing a black linen halter maxi dress with black slides and a white bucket bag.

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

Common FAQs

Woman wearing a white linen maxi dress.

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

1. Why is a linen dress a worthwhile buy for the summer?

As temperatures begin to rise, it's imperative to have pieces in your wardrobe that will keep you comfortable no matter the weather, and linen dresses are often the best pieces for the purpose. Because they're made from a breathable material, linen dresses don't trap hot air close to your body, allowing you to stay cool during the summer.

2. What should I look for when shopping for a linen dress?

When shopping for a linen dress, you should find a dress that fits all (or most) of the requirements on your must-have list. If you're unsure what to include on that list, consider the following factors: quality, versatility, functionality, price point, brand recognition, and personal preferences.

3. How do I determine whether the material of a dress is high-quality?

Be sure to look at the percentage breakdown of the textile on the clothing label, as brands often use terms like "linen blend" but use very little of the material in the final piece. Ideally, the piece should be made from at least 40% linen; however, if it's blended with other lightweight materials such as cotton, it will still be of good quality.

4. What occasions can I wear a linen dress for in the summer?

Because they're a staple, you can wear linen dresses anywhere. It all depends on the style of piece and how you actually style it. A linen dress is the ideal item for a day by the beach, a wedding, a vacation, a first date, and really anything else during the summertime that will require you to be outside in the heat.

5. Which brands make the best linen dresses?

We've included a selection of the best linen dresses from some of our favorite brands above. If you didn't find a dress that you wanted to buy, you can also shop options from Reformation, Nordstrom, Faithfull, Staud, Aligne, Dissh, Madewell, Free People, and many others.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Freelance Fashion Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.