Now that summer is here, all we can think about is the fact that holiday season is just a stone's throw away. If you're lucky, a quick getaway somewhere warm will be just around the corner. But even if you haven't got plans for a spell abroad, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a UK heatwave. (Can't blame a girl for trying, right?)
Summer dressing can be a minefield – there are endless factors to consider. This season we're all about loose silhouettes and breathable fabrics to help you keep cool while retaining your sense of style.
Bettina Looney wears a midi linen tube dress from Erdem, paired with orange silk platform heels shoes.
In order to cope with the heat, natural fibres are your best friends. Lightweight cotton makes for excellent cropped t-shirts and ribbed camis, although when it comes to dresses, we have a particular soft spot for the undeniable summer fabric staple that is linen.
Derived from the stems of the flax plant, linen was first thought to have been worn in Egypt around 6,000 years ago. Once the seeds are removed, the fibres are separated, spun into yarn and then woven into the fabric that we know and love.
Alexandra Guerain styles an asymmetric linen dress with layered necklaces
No summer wardrobe should be without linen this season – its absorbency and breathability are just a couple of reasons why it is so popular in dressing for warmer climes. Not to mention the fact that it is also biodegradable and recyclable, if you're keen to keep an eye on the environmental impact of your holiday wardrobe.
10 stylish linen dresses to pack for a summer getaway:
Jessi Linen Dress
Reformation
Simple, elegant and easy to style in a multitude of ways, this crew neck mini is quite literally the perfect summer mini. I love the idea of pairing it with sandals for a day at the beach and then adding a set of baggy blue jeans for when the temperature starts to drop.
Linen Blend Midi Dress
Next
Pretty pastel pinks will forever be a summer favourite, especially when made in dress form with a flattering square neck line and slim-fit waist detailing.
A-Line Linen Maxi Dress
H&M
Made from pure linen and shaped with a V-cut back and a box pleat A-line skirt, this H&M maxi screams sophisticated comfort. Wear with a set of kitten heels for a decedent date night dinner or with your favourite slides for a day of sightseeing in the sun.
Striped Linen Blend Midi Shirt Dress
Zara
Shirt dresses will forever be a vacation wardrobe staple because not only do they look good with everything, they're also overly comfortable and breathable. This classic striped option would look amazing with white strappy sandals or ballet flats and a set of oversized retro-inspired sunnies.
Thalassa linen dress
Nicholas
If a bold pop of colour is your kryptonite then look no further than this blue patchwork option from Nicholas. Personally, I love an asymmetric hem because it puts all emphasis on your footwear choice. Imagine wearing this with a set of floral-adorned heels. *chefs kiss*
Halter-neck linen dress
Mango
Featuring an open-back detail tied with a dainty strappy bow, this red hot halterneck option from Mango screams holiday mode in the best way.
Halliday lace-trimmed floral-print linen maxi dress
Zimmermann
Known in the fashion sphere for creating some of the world's most lust-worthy floral dresses, Zimmermann can do no wrong in the world of holiday dresses. This sleek linen option with a dainty lace bodice feature is perfect for a romantic escape.
If your summer holiday involves sipping fruity cocktails at a rooftop bar with your besties then please, please buy this dress for the occasion because if you don't I will. Crafted from breezy linen and featuring a tiered design with adjustable straps, you're guaranteed to get compliements.
Break From Toronto Linen Mini Dress
Peppermayo
Featuring a shirred elastic drop waist, a strapless neckline and a dainty frill skirt hem, this butter yellow and lilac floral mini dress is the gift that keeps on giving as you can also wear it on your hips as a midi skirt. Talk about being the perfect carry-on luggage ensemble.
Julietta Linen Off-The-Shoulder Maxi
Free People
Puff sleeves will forever have a special place in my heart because they instantly elevate the look into a visual symphony. This Free People dress not only features puffed sleeves but also an off-the-shoulder neckline and a cute back tie closure.
How we chose the pieces:
- Style: When scouring the internet's top designer fashion sites for linen dresses, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend for SS24 or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability. Curating your holiday capsule wardrobe will be a total cinch…
- Price: Catering to different price points is really important to us. Granted, we spend a fair amount of time lusting after designer pieces, but we've included some equally stylish options that are kinder to your wallet.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Assistant, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
