The first heatwave of the year is here, giving us a taste of the over-20-degree temperatures that summer has in store for us. In this summer mood, all I want to wear is the Reformation Balia Linen dress.
I'll admit, I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to dresses. Whilst there are those who can be spotted in a refined frock all year round, I began introducing dresses back into my capsule wardrobe just a few years ago. With just a few styles in my collection, it means I'm harder to impress than most, and any new addition has to be the perfect fit, easy to style and have an innate elegance that transcends moving trends. I know, it's a big ask, but Reformation's dress ticks all the boxes with ease.
Coming from a brand that is known for excellent dresses, including one I wore recently (and still can't stop thinking about), for our guide to wedding guest dressing, I naturally had high hopes. Even so, this dress surpassed them.
The silhouette of the dress is what first drew me to it. The V-shape waistline, the scoop neckline and the fuller skirt create an incredibly chic silhouette, primed for both everyday and dressier occasions. With warmer days ahead, it's worth noting the 100% linen fabrication of the dress, which is lightweight and yet far from see-through. Each aspect has been carefully considered for the wearer, with the straps discreetly secured with buttons in the back, which also have extra holes to allow you to adjust for the perfect fit. The back of the bodice is smocked, so whilst the front looks neatly corseted, there's plenty of stretch to keep things comfortable. And yes, it even has pockets.
For the warmest days, this is exactly how I'll style it: with minimalist sandals and a basket bag. But even if the temperatures do dip, a classic cardigan and ballet flats can take over from bare arms and flip-flops. Trust me, once you try this dress on, you'll be restyling it constantly just to wear it over and over again.
Currently, the style comes in a selection of colours and prints, with additional petite and extended sizing options in selected shades. In terms of sizing, I tend to sit between an 8 and 10 for dresses, and the 8 was a perfect fit.
Keep scrolling to shop the Reformation Balia Linen Dress, and then take a browse at more linen dresses I really rate.
Shop the Reformation Balia Linen Dress
You'll call upon this timeless dress year after year.
A white linen dress will work incredibly hard in your wardrobe.
The blue gingham has all my attention.
Bold, brilliant, and sure to turn heads.
Reformation is a master of playful prints, and this strawberry style is one I can't stop thinking about.
Possibly the chicest denim dress I've ever seen.
Sunny yellow shades are trending, so expect to see this dress move quickly.
Dress up for weddings and events this summer.
Shop more linen dresses:
It's attention to detail that makes Nobody's Child's dresses feel so high end, like the rounded edge of this bandeau dress.
Primed to quickly become your warm-weather favourite.
There's a seriously 60's feel to this dress.
This particular shade of green feels to elevated.
Throw on over a bikini this summer to go straight from beach to dinner.
Discreet shirred side panels add to the comfort and form-fitting design of this dress.
I'm booking in al fresco lunches just to wear this dress.
Just add accessories.
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