The wear-everywhere dress to see you through the summer – from £30
Last summer, Pamela Anderson shone in the south of France wearing a sleeveless white linen dress (look to Reiss, Marks & Spencer and French Connection this season) paired with black ballet flats. Then there's Sienna Miller, who has been seen in elegant yet easy-going linen everywhere from Centre Court at Wimbledon to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
Recent catwalks have also offered inspiration, with plenty of linen love throughout the spring/summer 2025 shows. Cutouts gave dresses contemporary edge at Roberto Cavalli, while relaxed draping and fluid silhouettes were on offer at Issey Miyake – for a high-street take, head to Massimo Dutti.
Under £100
Linen is a near unbeatable fabric when it comes to staying cool (literally as well as sartorially). Its natural structure makes it exceptionally breathable, with moisture-wicking properties that will see you through a sweat-inducing day – John Lewis & Partners reported that searches for 'linen dress' were up 44 per cent in April versus March.
'Linen has always been synonymous with summer,' says Claire Miles, head of womenswear buying at the department store. 'It's lightweight, versatile and feels put together even on the warmest of days. I always make sure I have a linen dress in my wardrobe as I can wear it to the office, to dinner and on holiday.'
Under £200
For ultimate versatility, opt for neutral shades; olive green incarnations or muted stripes provide an alternative to classic black and white that still feels wearable. 'For a different twist, try a halterneck style in a bright summer shade,' says Miles. Boden's sunshine-yellow sweetheart-neck maxi fits the bill nicely, and also makes a great wedding-guest option.
If you're in the market for a more unexpected styling twist, Miles suggests layering a linen dress over jeans for year-round wear. Regardless of whether you're a fan of that somewhat divisive idea, one thing is clear: a linen dress is an easy win.
Over £200
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Enrico Pinto is a cartoonist and architect from the south of Italy. He lives in Paris and he is working on his second graphic novel. His work has been published in The New Yorker, Internazionale and Le Fooding.
