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 firmly 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 Capri sandals to fishermans, then halternecks to bandeaus, 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.
1. White Linen Dress + Black Sandals
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. Halterneck Linen Dress + Fisherman Sandals
Halternecks are a key dress trend this summer, and linen only elevates them. Tick off two major looks in one with a pair of perennial fisherman sandals.
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3. Long-Sleeve Linen Dress + Simple Sandals
Who said your linen dresses need to be sleeveless? If you prefer more coverage up top there are plenty on the market to choose from, but the Faithfull the Brand number below is my absolutely favourite. Wear with simple sandals to offset those brilliant puff sleeves.
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4. Column Linen Dress + Chunky Sandals
Simple silhouettes always look so expensive, especially when linen is involved. Take a column or slip cut, add a shoulder bag and ground with some chunky flat sandals for a perfectly-proportioned look.
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5. Full-Skirt Linen Dress + Slider Sandals
Bright colours look great set against woven linen fabrications and allow you to inject some of your personality into your summertime looks. With a hue this statement, grab your favourite black, tan or ecru sandals—they'll all work.
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6. Bandeau Linen Dress + Capri Sandals
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
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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