Linen dresses have flooded the high street for the warmer months, but these must-have buys are easy to style for every season. A few fashion tips and tricks and you'll wear yours all year around.
Every spring our favourite fashion brands stock their stores high with luxe linen fabrics thanks to its effortless aesthetic and breathable fabric. Linen dresses in particular hang in window display after window display (along side the ever popular jumpuit!).
And we can see why, because far from being a warm weather staple, sales of linen fabrics are growing in popularity for cooler climates too – in fact, according to Precision Reports, the global linen market is expected to rise 10.7% by 2025, reaching a whopping £689 million.
So why are our beloved linens gaining so much attention right now?
Why linen is the material to look out for
If you’re wondering why you should give linen dresses a try all year round, here’s what you should know.
It’s a strong fibre
Linen is considered to be the strongest of all natural fibres and is proven to get stronger when wet! Just ensure to wash your linens on a gentle cycle at no more than 40 degrees, and never wring, twist or scrub the fabric so your clothes keep their shape.
It’s sustainable
Linen grows in poor soils and requires very little fertiliser, whilst the production process uses significantly less water than cotton. It’s also a completely natural fibre that makes it biodegradable.
It’s highly absorbent
This clever fabric can gain up to 20% of their dry weight in moisture without feeling damp meaning no embarrassing sweat patches in warm weather!
It helps regulate your temperature
The long fibres give linen temperature regulating properties. Made from durable flax fibres, the fabric allows air to travel making it perfect for layering during colder temperatures. Linen is also said to boost serotonin levels that can help to boost your mood and relieve anxiety.
Sold? We are!
How to wear your linen dresses all year around
Linen dresses look summer ready with sandals and denim.
While in autumn or winter, linen dresses look stylish layered up with other textured fabrics, like knitwear and suede or leather boots.
Gorgeous linen dresses to buy now
Everywhere from Marks & Spencer to Zara have lust-worthy linens in store now, plus keep your eye peeled for Peacocks’ new purse-friendly range.
Which will you be adding to your wardrobe?
Zara Voluminous Rustic Dress
£49.99, Zara
A flattering V neck and cute puff sleeves make this wearable dress an every day winner. Layer over a neutral chunky cardi and tan boots come autumn.
John Lewis & Partners Floral Handkerchief Hem Linen Dress, Multi
£55.30, John Lewis and Partners
We love a dress with pockets and this relaxed style is perfect for all year round wear. A flattering V neck is perfect for larger busts and the handkerchief hem disguises large calves.
Weekend by Maxmara Linen and silk wrap elegant dress
£234.50, sizes 8-16, Weekend by Maxmara at John Lewis and Partners
This soft linen dress is given a beautiful elevated sheen with added silk. An elegant midi wrap style it fastens at the waist with a pretty bow tie. Yes its pricey but Maxmara is pure quality and this really is a 'forever dress' that can easily be dressed up and down for any occasion.
& Other Stories Striped cotton and linen blend midi dress – yellow
£69, sizes xs-l, & other stories
Sunny deckchair stripes are always a winner for brightening up your day. Layer under a white t-shirt if you prefer arm coverage.
Tu clothing Floral Print Linen Rich Shift Dres
£22, sizes 8-22, Tu clothing
Shift dresses are perfect for apple and pear shaped figures as they skim over curves and don't hug the figure. This bargain summer staple is made from 55% linen and 45% viscose.
Toast Garment-dyed-linen-dress
£130, sizes xs-xl, Toast
One of many wonderful linen dresses available at Toast, this shade looks great with a summer tan and pairs beautifully with bright accessory pops. Also available in citrus green and inky blue.
Boden Livia Linen Maxi Dress – Lupin, Parakeet Palm
£98, sizes 6-22, Boden
A linen maxi dress is oh so chic and this wonderful bright print is certain to be a summer head turner. The V neck button style and tie waist will sculpt you in, while the 100% linen and 100% cotton lining keeps things breezy and cool. Also available in a tropical blue and white print. Check out Boden's other selection of linen dresses as there are so many beautiful styles to chose from.
White stuff Yoko Linen Dress
£55.97 (was £79.95) sizes 6-22, White stuff
Cut for a relaxed fit, this knee length embroidered dress has short sleeves, a notch neck, and tie belt so you can create a waist. Team with western boots and a slouchy cardi in the winter.
M&S Collection Pure Linen V-Neck Shift Dress
£31.60 (Was £39.50), M&S
A summer work wear hero, this chic shift is available in four colour ways. Decisions, decisions. Also available in Chambray, grey & black.
Arket Linen kaftan dress beige
£79, sizes xs-xl, Arket
With a roomy fit and rounded hem this is the perfect summer 'throw on and go' kaftan dress. Also available in a tobacco shade. If you are tall try layering over wide leg linen trousers - stripes or a bright shade would work well.
Jaeger Pie crust collar linen dress
£110, sizes 8-20, Jaeger
We adore Jaeger's contemporary take on the linen dress with this stunning pie crust collar. Come evening layer over a neutral fisherman's knit and let that collar speak for itself.
Peacocks Tropical Print Linen Blend Dress
£20, Peacocks
This lovely ivory tropical print linen dress will look great during the summer months - but you can still wear when September comes around. Just add a light cardigan, and swap sandals for trainers.
Hobbs Linen Twitchill Dress
£96.75 Was( £129), Hobbs
Wear this floral frock with colour pop accessories for summer weddings, and with tights and boots for colder months.
Mango Marbled buttons dress
£34.99 was (£49.99), Mango
Tick the safari trend in this belted style. Switch up the styling by swapping in a printed belt and adding espadrilles.
& Other Stories Lyocell Blend Wrap Midi Dress
£85, & Other Stories
Universally flattering, a wrap dress deserves a place in every woman's wardrobe. Dress it up with sleek heels for parties or wear it for the weekend with simple white trainers.
Zara Rustic Waistcoat With Buttons
£59.99, Zara
The Duchess of Sussex has long been a fan of a waistcoat dress and this Zara style is an affordable way to get her look. Wear it over a smart shirt and tailored trousers for work or tan wedges for summer parties.
