In the minds of stylish women everywhere, nothing embodies summertime better than one specific item: a linen dress. Few staples can withstand the test of time, temperatures, and ever-changing trends with flying colors, yet linen dresses do the impossible. It's no wonder, then, that this specific type of dress has remained the staple of choice among stylish women around the world. The crisp, lightweight, and breathable fabric not only oozes effortless elegance but is also the only fabric that can keep you cool in the sweltering summer heat. Simply put, it's one of the only summer staples that you'll never regret buying. However, choosing the right linen dress to invest in for the season is a different story.
With so many different options online, it can be hard to determine which styles are actually the best linen dresses and which are, well, overhyped, to put it nicely. Luckily for you, we live to spend hours researching the internet to find the season's biggest trends, affordable staples, and noteworthy brands. Ahead, we've curated a list of the 41 best linen dresses for women based on quality, versatility, functionality, brand recognition, price point, recent trends, and editorial discretion. Whether you're looking for the perfect linen dress to wear to a wedding, planning a vacation, or just want to breathe new life into your summer wardrobe, you're sure to find a linen dress that you won't want to live without.
Best Linen Dresses at a Glance
- Budget Conscious: H&M Linen-Blend Strappy Dress ($48)
- The Luxury Investment: Toteme Linen-Blend Midi Dress ($590)
- Work-Friendly: Alex Mill Lauren Dress in Linen ($250)
- Boho Inspired: Free-est Essentially the Best Cotton-Linen Mini($60)
- Date Night Ready: Reformation Ara Linen Dress ($198)
- Vacation Ready: Vrg Grl Tia Linen Mini Dress ($170)
- Wedding-Friendly: Staud Laura Linen Dress ($450)
- The Compliment Magnet: Faithfull Hedy Strapless Linen Maxi Dress ($290)
- The Minimalist's Staple: Jenni Kayne Kinney Linen Midi Dress ($425)
- The Maximalist's Staple: Cala de la Cruz Paloma Linen Midi Dress ($495)
Shop More of the Best Linen Dresses
Under $150
If the term "easy breezy" were going to be embodied in a single dress, it would be this one.
You'll look cool in this cobalt-blue dress all summer.
The contrasting trim on this linen shift dress is so chic.
No one will guess that this strapless linen dress isn't designer.
We love a dress that can be worn from the boardwalk to the boardroom.
Gingham is always a good idea.
The backbone of every stylish summer capsule is a "boring" white linen dress.
We wouldn't judge you if this espresso brown had you salivating a bit.
There's no better place to shop for a boho-inspired linen dress this summer than Free People.
The color of this dress is so opulent.
Who doesn't love a little off-the-shoulder moment?
You don't have to twist our arms to get us to buy this dress.
The halter neckline? The contrasting trim? The price tag? Ten out of 10.
We're suckers for a shirred dress, especially if it's as affordable as this one from Topshop.
Under $350
Is it just us, or does this linen dress make you want to redownload a dating app so that you have an excuse to buy it?
You'll wear this little black linen dress so much that it will make the price tag well worth your while.
Hot Girl Summer starts with shopping this saffron linen dress.
Yet again, Aritzia aces the assignment.
The styling possibilities with this slip dress are truly endless.
Please take a moment to admire the pintuck detail on the bodice of this dress.
Calling all print enthusiasts: We've found your new favorite piece for summer.
The pearl embellishments are too precious to handle.
The way this dress just told us to book a vacation ASAP.
Mango never misses the mark.
Our editors swear by Aligne dresses for summer.
Another solid red dress option for the summer!
Now, here's a summer dress that won't have you getting the side-eye from your manager at work.
Worth the Investment
It doesn't get more timeless than this Toteme dress.
The bubble hem on this dress will have you feeling like a ballerina.
Hear that sound? It's Positano calling you to wear this pretty two-tone frock by the water.
You'll want to take a moment to zoom in on the hardware of this halter dress. Trust us—it's worth it.
We're dreaming of wearing this sleeveless dress somewhere in the French Riviera.
Prediction: Every fashion person will be wearing a dress from Posse this summer.
Rest assured, you'll be the best dressed guest at the wedding in this Staud dress.
Minimalists, allow us to introduce you to your new favorite dress.
Matteau's dresses make for the perfect long-term investment.
Embrace your inner siren with this sea-inspired printed dress.
Everything about this Cult Gaia dress is drop-dead gorgeous—from the green to the angled drop waist to the slinky shoulder straps.
Gasp! The silhouette of this dress is too good.
You'll feel like a Greek goddess in this chocolate-brown column dress.
We love everything about this Liberowe dress.
Common FAQs
1. Why is a linen dress a worthwhile buy for the summer?
As temperatures begin to rise, it's imperative to have pieces in your wardrobe that will keep you comfortable no matter the weather, and linen dresses are often the best pieces for the purpose. Because they're made from a breathable material, linen dresses don't trap hot air close to your body, allowing you to stay cool during the summer.
2. What should I look for when shopping for a linen dress?
When shopping for a linen dress, you should find a dress that fits all (or most) of the requirements on your must-have list. If you're unsure what to include on that list, consider the following factors: quality, versatility, functionality, price point, brand recognition, and personal preferences.
3. How do I determine whether the material of a dress is high-quality?
Be sure to look at the percentage breakdown of the textile on the clothing label, as brands often use terms like "linen blend" but use very little of the material in the final piece. Ideally, the piece should be made from at least 40% linen; however, if it's blended with other lightweight materials such as cotton, it will still be of good quality.
4. What occasions can I wear a linen dress for in the summer?
Because they're a staple, you can wear linen dresses anywhere. It all depends on the style of piece and how you actually style it. A linen dress is the ideal item for a day by the beach, a wedding, a vacation, a first date, and really anything else during the summertime that will require you to be outside in the heat.
5. Which brands make the best linen dresses?
We've included a selection of the best linen dresses from some of our favorite brands above. If you didn't find a dress that you wanted to buy, you can also shop options from Reformation, Nordstrom, Faithfull, Staud, Aligne, Dissh, Madewell, Free People, and many others.
Why Trust Us
Who What Wear is a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource. Our fashion and beauty editors uphold Who What Wear's editorial standards and values every day with high-quality, expert-backed stories and product recommendations.
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