Summer is rapidly approaching, and lightweight fabrics will reign supreme as you take on the soaring heat and humidity index. Much like the best linen pants, the best linen dresses are ready to solve all of your summer wardrobe needs. Seamlessly pair a minimalist style linen dress with a breezy blazer and slides for sleek office wear; alternatively, don floral or ruffle-adorned linen summer dresses for special festivities.
"Linen has a lovely softness and airiness to it, making it perfect for the warmer weather," says Nicky Zimmermann, Co-founder and Creative Director of the Australian brand Zimmermann, best known for its beautifully crafted billowy warm-weather dresses.
The versatility of a linen dress is also unrivaled. "We design our linen pieces with unique embroideries and delicate lace details that can be worn over a swimsuit during the day and dressed up for dinner," Zimmermann explains.
Whether you prefer an unfussy minimalist style or a feminine floral maxi version, we present you with 16 of the best linen dresses to shop right now.
Minimalist Linen Dresses
Swap your crisp white button-downs for a chic linen dress with subtle strap details that will read sophisticated even on the hottest of days. The ideal day-to-night piece, a streamlined linen dress will seamlessly fit into your suitcase or weekender bag without taking up space.
Floral Linen Dresses
Pair a bold floral dress with your favorite reliable sneakers for the day, and slip into espadrilles for the evening. A linen dress inherently wicks away moisture and can do double duty as a beach cover-up with a cute bucket hat and a beach bag while on vacation. Pro top: Bring a portable steamer to keep your floral linens from becoming too wrinkle-laden.
Geometric Linen Dresses
A relaxed fit and breathability are the two MVPs of warm weather dressing. Go bold with a geometric printed linen dress and a quirky printed accessory, like a striped straw bag or a dotted tote.
Ruffle Linen Dresses
Innately casual, a linen dress can rise to the occasion with details like lace and ruffles via cascading hemlines and all-over texture. A delicate linen fabrication will be a welcome change during outdoor wedding ceremonies and garden parties when other fabrics (like cotton) are far less breathable.
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