You don’t need us to tell you it’s hot outside right now. Wherever you are in the UK, the sun is shining – and while usually this is good news we wouldn’t dream of complaining about, when it comes to knowing what to wear, we can’t help but gripe.
Be it a sweaty commute to work or weekend plans you want to look put together for, getting dressed is tricky AF when you have to factor in the thermostat. Allow us to introduce our secret weapon for staying cool *and* looking stylish: a linen dress.
Linen is known for its comfortable, breathable properties, making it more than ideal for warm-weather dressing. The only (minor) downside of the natural fibre is its propensity to creasing, making linen trousers an all-around casual look. Luckily, the same does not apply to linen dresses. Opt for a midi silhouette and embellished detailing and, when paired with heeled flip flops, it’s instantly dressed up to wedding guest territory. Alternatively, simple summer sandals keep the easy, casual wearability linen is known and loved for.
So, no matter where you’re going and for what occasion, there’s a linen dress for you. To help you find the right style, we’ve collated below the best on offer to shop right now.
Linen shift dress
If it's maximum breathability you're after, look to a linen shift dress. With its simple, straight-cut silhouette that hangs loosely from the shoulders, it offers a relaxed fit that is surprisingly flattering for most body types, especially if you opt for a mini length.
Linen shirt dress
If you prefer a little more coverage, a linen shirt dress is a classic style – and for good reason. With options for sleeve and hem length, we'd recommend looking for a design with a coordinating belt or adding your own to cinch you in at your narrowest point and offer a more flattering fit.
Drop-waist linen dress
Abercrombie & Fitch Premium Linen Drop-Waist Belted Midi Dress
Drop-waists have been a trending dress silhouette this summer and we're not mad about it. Despite initial doubts, we're pleased to report a drop-waist is more flattering than you might think. If you're looking to mix up your summer style, give one of these linen numbers a try!
Linen midi dress
Prefer to stick to something tried and tested? You can't go wrong with a midi dress. It's the number one favourite dress silhouette amongst the Cosmo UK fashion desk, while still offering plenty of versatility in design. This 100% linen Forever New contrast number is top of our wish lists RN.
Open-back linen dress
Stradivarius Flowing Linen Blend Maxi Dress with Crossed Back
Abercrombie & Fitch Open-Back Halter Linen-Blend Mini Dress
Bring a little drama to a linen dress with an open-back or back-tie detailing. Whether you opt for A&F's halter mini with a low back in a pretty pattern or opt for Pink City Print's tie-back maxi that still allows you to wear a bra, these styles prove you can dress up a linen dress for a more formal occasion.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
