Nothing is more summery or more classic than a crisp, cool linen dress. The height of summer chic, linen hangs beautifully but unlike cotton has more substance and rigidity making it excellent for classic shaped dresses. Because linen is a more open-weave cloth, it tends to need a more tailored approach to its design, but that doesn’t mean that you will always look like you are at a wedding or a business meeting. It can also have a smart casual look which makes it essential wear for holidaying in Saint Tropez or walking around Paris on a weekend break.
Natural fibres like linen are also ideal for summer dresses because they breathe well and naturally keep you cool. Viscose and polyester tend to stick to you in the heat, whereas cotton and linen offer cool relief. Linen is also a fabric which has been overlooked in the past because of its tendency to crease. Modern finishing has made this less likely and even when creasing does occur, it doesn’t hang around long.
Linen is a great fibre for summer dresses, especially if you are staying in the UK. It is cool enough for a hot July day, but can also be accessorised to make it perfect for when the showers come along. Next time you see Wimbledon on TV, look at what the style icons are wearing. I bet most have linen dresses on. In fact, dresses made from natural fibres in great prints are always the order of the day at such events.
I recommend wearing maroon, pink, blended silver, light blues and greens, or ripe, fruity colours – anything that looks feminine and friendly and does not remind people of early napkins, tablecloths or curtains. This way, you look summery, vibrant, glamorous, and comfortable at the same time.
For ideas of classic linen looks, think Jackie Kennedy style shift dresses, classic linen trouser suits, or even beautiful flower printed fitted items. Skirt dresses look great in linen. In fact anything tailored will be stunning, as the fabric suits a more angular look. Also think garden parties, Ascot or anywhere you can accessorise with a floppy hat. Linen dresses are fantastic with accessories. Because the linen is rigid, it looks great with flowing chiffon scarves, ethnic jewellery and anything that complements its rigidity with volume and pattern. Also every woman should have a pair of plain white linen trousers either cropped or full length in their wardrobe, they are a staple of everyones’ wardrobe to take you from day to evening, pool to party
Also there are now different weights of linens, so you can buy heavier weight ones (ideal for Spring), and lighter weight for summer, For a whole range of linen dresses and accessories to complement them, as well as lots of other natural fibre fabric summer dresses.
Fiona Muller is a trained textile designer and has written a textile thesaurus. She is interested in fashion and how it can work for anyone regardless of age, size or race. More information visit – www.east.co.uk
