A linen dress is a great summer capsule wardrobe item, whether it’s for holidays or the office. For holidays a simple linen dress is casual, comfortable and cool. For the office go for a stiffer flax that won’t crease as much as a finer linen. Be prepared to accept that linen does crease and will soften up as it ages. To refresh it, iron with steam and after washing iron when still damp.
Here are some of my favourite choices for work, weekend and holiday:
For a work dress look for something that is lined and in a stiffer linen which will prevent too much creasing. Wear with a matching or toning jacket in a linen – don’t spoil the look by going for a too heavy fabric. Or wear a simple light weight cardigan.
Your weekend dress can be more relaxed and doesn’t need a lining, add a wooden bead necklace and a pair of wedges for a laid back stylish look.
A holiday dress should be light weight and simply styled to keep you cool in the heat. Wear with flat sandals or flip flops, sunglasses and a big hat. Just perfect for slipping over your swimwear at lunch time or for a day of sightseeing.
Where to buy:
Biscuit coloured dress by LK Bennett, Mint dress form Hobbs, Colour block dress by Jaegar
Soft orange shift dress by Weekend Maxmara, Safari style dress by Jigsaw, Tie waist dress by Oui
Gathered front paisley dress by John Lewis, Laundered white dress by Pure Collection, Long stripe dress by Weekend Maxmara