Summer’s fashion hero—a white linen dress edit
The ultimate throw-on piece


Nothing will work harder than a white linen dress when it comes to fashion pieces for the summer. As an advocate of the cost-per-wear theory and indeed intentional shopping, it’s a worthy investment and a piece I recommend to all women. Fresh, timeless and versatile, white linen dresses are arguably one of the easiest-to-wear summer styles, offering a fresh immaculacy, paired with nonchalance, in equal measure. The complimentary bright hue adds sophistication to suit all styles, regardless of aesthetic. The clumsiest among us needn’t worry, as it's non-precious with an appeal that grows more charming with crease and wear.
Linen is undoubtedly the fabrication of the summer—boasting a delicately textured weave, its characteristics loan it a breathable quality, which is a practical aspect when contending with the heat. Although, the prominence of white linen dresses is cyclical, 2024’s summer trends favour column shapes and extended hemlines in linen fabrications. Longline styles have dominated designers and retailers, with increased hems thrown in for good measure. There are, of course, dresses with rightfully earned prestige– whether it’s Sleeper’s Atlanta dress or Dissh’s (an Australian retailer specialising in linen apparel) several 100% linen contenders.
There are a few recurring silhouettes, spanning vintage-style A-line mini dresses, to straight-form maxi dresses, and, this summer has offered a handful of directional shapes, through the manipulation of linen with complementary fibres, creating fluted sleeves and hems.
I’ve compiled an edit of seventeen white linen dresses in anticipation of this week’s heatwave, though they’re to invest in this summer against more to come. Expect exceptional quality and enduring appeal.
A White Linen Dress Edit
First introduced in the summer of 2019, Sleeper’s Atlanta dress instantly gained acclaim among fashion types, who donned it far and wide (but namely on holiday). Featuring a shirred bustier, blouson sleeve and full skirting, it’s universally appealing, due to its easy-wearing nature.
Although Reformation’s entire arsenal is tempting, each year they release a particularly charming style for the summer and the Balia dress is among this year’s most coveted. The full skirt follows one of 2024s most aspirational style elements, the dramatic waist panel. It’s undeniably ‘50s, albeit with a modern twist.
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Avalon Afriyie is a British Freelance Fashion Editor and Storyteller based in Paris, France. Since graduating in 2013 with a degree in English and Contemporary Media, she’s written for some of the world’s most esteemed brands and publications. spends her days discovering the wonders of Paris, writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages nestled between.
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