The Understated Dress Style Fashion People Always Wear With Sandals

In my book, there are three non-negotiables when it comes to summer style. First, up, dresses. I know trousers and skirts are having a moment right now but nothing beats throwing on a breezy dress on the balmiest days. Secondly, let's turn our attention to the breezy fabric in question; ask anyone in fashion and they'll tell you that the textile most synonymous with summer is linen, thanks to its lightweight weave which helps keep you cool even in the hottest climes. And thirdly, there's flat sandals—the shoe that rounds off any warm-weather outfit and, in my opinion, always looks cooler than a heeled iteration. Put them together and you get perhaps the easiest summer outfit solution of them all: a linen dress and sandals.

With a heatwave on the horizon, I thought now would be the perfect time to serve up a fresh dose of linen-dress-and-sandals outfit inspiration, featuring some of the fashion people who are currently backing the combination. From thong sandals to fishermans, then a-line silhouettes to minis, here are seven looks that prove that, although simple, this outfit formula is far from boring or basic. Scroll on to see them and to shop any pieces you might need to re-create them as you go.

How Fashion People Are Wearing Linen Dresses with Sandals for Summer 2025

1. White Linen Dress + Black Sandals

Style Notes: White linen is to summer what black leather is to winter, but there's no need to wait until November to channel the latter; use it in sandal form to give your white dress a cool contrast.

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2. Black Linen Dress + White Sandals

Style Notes: Black will never go out of style and white sandals only elevates the sophisticated hue. Tick off two major looks in one with a pair of perennial fisherman sandals.

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3. Puff-Sleeved Linen Dress + Simple Sandals

Style Notes: Who said your linen dresses need to be sleeveless? If you prefer a bit more coverage up top there are plenty on the market to choose from, but the Mango number below is my absolutely favourite. Wear with simple sandals to offset those brilliant puff sleeves.

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4. Maxi Linen Dress + Chunky Sandals

Style Notes: Long silhouettes always look so expensive, especially when linen is involved. Add some chunky flat sandals for a perfectly-proportioned look.

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5. Mini Linen Dress + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Mini silhouettes will always serve you well when the temperatures rise. Simply grab your favourite black, tan or ecru flip=flops—they'll all work.

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6. Bandeau Linen Dress + Capri Sandals

Style Notes: Strapless dresses are all the rage this season, with the sleek silhouette loaning itself to more detailed sandal styles, such a Capri lace-up.

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7. Linen Shirt Dress + Thong Sandals

Style Notes: For a look that will work just as well for the office as it will for weekend brunches, cue a linen shirt dress worn with simple thong sandals.

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