Polka dots, florals, gingham – there's no shortage of look-at-me prints around right now. Similarly, spring's trending colours feature an eye-catching primary palette, from cobalt blue to lemon yellow and chilli red. However, for the minimalists among us, there's still plenty of choice when it comes to more subtle ways to stay on trend. Rather than a pattern or colourway, look instead to an item's silhouette and composition.
When it comes to dresses, drop-waists and fit and flare are both proving to be popular shapes, while denim designs come into their own this time of year, the hard-wearing fabric working just as well in a more feminine form. But allow us to recommend a style that combines both elements – silhouette and material – in one ensemble for an effortlessly wearable look: the linen shift dress.
Lightweight and breathable, linen is well-suited to the warm-weather months, making it a staple in our wardrobes throughout the spring and summer. Its easy-crease appearance is simply part of its charm, hinting at lazy days spent lounging in the sunshine.
The loose and flowy shape of a shift dress leans into this vibe perfectly with its throw-on-and-go feel. Hanging loosely from the shoulders in a straight-cut, relaxed fit, it's a surprisingly flattering silhouette for most body types. Try adding a belt or knotting a scarf around your waist if you want to create a little definition.
Coming in a variety of lengths, it's a mini hemline that makes a truly classic shift dress. It's perhaps the only mini dress I'm willing to make an exception for as a dedicated midi dress lover.
Style it with a pair of simple flat sandals and a basket bag for casual outings. Or, dress it up for evenings abroad with a pair of espadrille wedges and statement earrings. A leather jacket thrown on top would make it work just as well closer to home, for summer nights spent in pub gardens.
Linen shift dresses are hardly a new notion, but we're currently seeing them everywhere, confirming this is *the* dress to snap up now. Whether you're off on a summer holiday or want to be prepared for when sunny days arrive, these are officially the best linen shift dresses available to shop on the high street right now:
The White Company Linen Tucked Shoulder Shift Dress
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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!
