Meet the Linen Dresses Every It-Girl Will Be Wearing This Summer

Breathable styles that blend timeless elegance with go-anywhere comfort.

collage of women wearing linen dresses
(Image credit: Launchmetrics, Getty Images)

Fleeting summer trends come and go, but one thing remains certain: the best linen dresses are here to stay. Made from gauzy fabric, this lightweight style offers instant relief from scorching heat, making it a must-have in every minimalist capsule wardrobe for warm weather. Plus, when it comes to styling, a streamlined linen dress does all the heavy lifting. Just slip one on, and all that’s left is to add a pair of summer shoes, sling a woven bag over your shoulder, and adorn your look with some whimsical jewelry.

My closet is overflowing with a collection of linen dresses for these reasons. Long days at the office call for Aritzia’s Countess dress, which features a modest neckline and a hem that falls below the knee. For sun-filled moments by the beach, I often rely on J.Crew’s Cabana frock, which can easily be dressed up for a shoreside dinner with elevated wedges and a designer handbag. As for the styles I’m craving, Veronica Beard’s Loreta dress is high on my wish list because of its elegant fit-and-flare silhouette that’s perfect for upscale occasions like a charming garden party.

If you want to add a touch of ease and sophistication to your summer wardrobe, look no further. I’ve curated a list of linen dresses that I’m wearing—and loving—this season.

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Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.