Linen Dresses Are All I Want to Wear This Summer—These Are Perfect
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.
I have a huge crush on Zimmermann at the moment.
The quality of this dress is second to none.
This shade could convert me to wearing more colour.
The playful print would make for a wonderful holiday dress.
Complete this look with a raffia clutch and tan slip-ons.
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.
Cult Gaia does gorgeous summer dresses. Just look at those cut-outs!
I love the mix of prints on this one.
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
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist.
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