Linen Shirt Dresses are a polished and effortless way to dress up for work on warm summer days. They have a timeless appeal and use classic lines and silhouettes for a refined look. Linen Shirt Dresses are a perfect staple if you want to build up your capsule wardrobe.
Along with its classic, timeless style, linen shirt dresses are made from breathable materials that are comfortable in warmer weather. These materials are usually eco-friendly and are of better quality than standard dress materials. Linen is also quickly cared for and if taken care of properly, will last for many years. The material also has moisture-wicking properties that will keep you fresh all day.
I also love wearing dresses for the summer season. They are easy to throw on and a linen shirt dress is an easy way to look very put together without much work. Just add on your favorite pair of heels and you’re ready to go!
Casual vs. Polished Linen Shirt Dress
If you start shopping for linen shirt dresses, you’ll find that there are many different kinds to choose from. There are styles that look more casual and styles that are more dressy that would be more appropriate for the office. Here are some key features to keep in mind if you’re looking for a Linen Shirt Dress that would be good for work.
First, you need to consider length. Anything shorter than knee-length would look too casual for the office. Shorter-style dresses would be better for brunch or the beach. You’ll also want to think about the length of the sleeve. Short sleeves and longer linen dresses are ideal. But, if you find that you have the perfect-fitting linen dress without sleeves, you can easily throw on a lightweight cardigan or blazer for a finished look.
You also want to consider color. Classic colors such as navy, black, white, and beige are great for work and can easily be mixed and matched with different accessories. Bright colors can be worn too, but balance it out with more muted accessories and additions to your outfit.
Some linen shirt dresses come with a belt or embellished buttons. If you want to wear your linen dress to work, make sure these added elements are simple for a polished look. Larger, more elaborate add-ons may look fun but can take away from your stylish look.
Where to Find Polished Linen Shirt Dresses?
Polished Linen Shirt Dresses can easily be found in many stores. It’s a recurring trend for the summer months and more recently has been popular with those who are loving the “old money aesthetic”.
Because of its popularity, you can find linen shirt dresses at many fast fashion stores such as H&M, Forever21, or Zara. If you want more quality pieces, check out classic stores such as Ralph Lauren or J.Crew and you’ll find a few varieties of linen dresses.
I would opt to purchase a higher-quality linen dress. This will ensure that you have a well-made dress that will last. It will also mean better stitching and higher-quality fabric.
What to Wear with an Unlined Dress?
Linen can be a tricky fabric. Some dresses are constructed from linen material that is thick and is great to wear without a lining. Other times, you’ll find that you need an extra layer to balance the sheerness of the linen. An extra layer is also great for smoothing out any lines and helps a dress hang more properly.
If you’re in need of a slip check out this Vanity Fair Slip. It is anti-static and ranges in size from small-5X. It also has a reversible neckline so that you can pair it with a straight or v-neck style neck. Also, different lengths are offered so that you get the perfect length to match your linen dress.
The EaseWay Women’s Basic Cami Dress is another great option for a slip. It comes in several classic colors that you can match to your linen dress. It is made from a soft, lightweight, stretchy material that will keep you comfortable. There are sizes for XS-2XL.
If you want to just have a slip skirt, try the Jones New York Women’s knee-length slip. It has a comfortable elastic band and you can easily wear it underneath any skirt or dress. It comes in classic hues such as nude, white, and black.
List of Best Linen Shirt Dress for Work
Below is our list of Best Linen Shirt Dresses for work. We found dresses that are polished and perfect to wear to any professional setting. We took into consideration fit, style, and overall look to narrow down our list to the best.
JCrew Short-sleeve Linen Shirt Dress
The JCrew linen shirt dress has a classic look. It is in a relaxed fit that gives you a little room for more comfort. There are classic, petite, and tall sizes available so you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for your frame.
Pair it with a simple belt if you want to add some shape to the overall silhouette. It is also made from Irish linen, which is considered to be the best in the world.
- Sizes: XXXS - 3X
Ralph Lauren Linen Shirt Dress
The olive fern color on this Ralph Lauren linen shirt dress is beautiful. The additional tie is not too much, but a perfect addition to this elegant dress.
This dress has a fit and flare silhouette that is flattering to many body types. Many reviewers rave about the great fit and versatility of this dress.
- Sizes: 0 - 18
Mango Linen Striped Shirt Dress
The striped print on this Mango shirt dress is great for the summer months. It’s a modern take on a classic linen shirt dress. The attached belt is also a cool addition that brings that whole look together.
The silhouette of this dress is in a straight style. So, if you’re looking for something flowy, I would size up. This dress can also be dressed up or down depending on the event. Pair it with strappy sandals for the weekend, or add on some nude heels for work.
- Sizes: 0 - 12
Banana Republic Sedona Linen Dress
The Sedona linen dress from Banana Republic has a flattering wrap-style construction. Don’t worry, this dress has a lined inside that will help with the sheerness. The silhouette has a relaxed fit with a classic A-line skirt.
Because of its relaxed fit, it fits a little looser. If you want a fit close to the body, I would size down. This dress also comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes.
- Sizes: S - XL
Vineyard Vines Tie-Front Linen Dress
Vineyard Vines is known for its preppy, summer looks. The Westerly Tie-Front linen dress is no exception. This has a classic A-line skirt and is perfect for the office.
There is a shaping tie waist that can easily be adjusted. It gives this traditional linen dress a modern, feminine touch. The description mentions that it runs small along the bust, so there is a recommendation to size up when ordering.
- Sizes: 00 - 24
Boden Linen Maxi Shirt Dress
This linen shirt dress by Boden is perfect for taller ladies or those who want to have a longer inseam. It is a maxi style and has a flattering tie waist to define your shape. If you want a shorter fit you can also opt for the petite-sized version.
This dress is also not short on pockets. There are two side seam pockets and two front button pockets. A dress that has pockets is a huge win for me!
- Sizes: 2 - 20
Reformation Zienna Linen Dress
This Reformation linen dress is made from a quality lightweight linen material. It has a modern front slit that can be adjusted to your preference by buttoning the buttons.
If the fit needs to be adjusted, Reformation will do any alterations free of charge. It takes about ten business days, but you’ll have a dress specifically tailored to your body that you’ll be able to wear for years.
- Sizes: 0 - 12
Theory Short-sleeve Linen-blend Shirt Dress
The brand Theory is known for its well-made, polished pieces. This linen shirt dress is no exception. It has a classic A-line skirt and refined pearlescent front buttons.
This dress has classic lines that are a bit of a throwback to understated dresses from decades before. This timeless style will always look stylish and put together.
- Sizes: 00 - 12
Poetry Garment Dyed Linen Shirt Dress
The Poetry linen shirt dress has a slightly different shape. It is a more contemporary take on a linen shirt dress. There are buttons down to the waist, but then the dress cuts to a skirt that flows down past your knees.
Many reviewers mention how comfortable this dress is, but also noted that it is a bit oversized. So, if you would like a more slim look, get a smaller size. Or, you could also add a plain belt to accentuate your waist.
- Sizes: 2 - 18
Karen Millen Linen Belted Shirt Midi Dress
This Karen Millen dress is very sophisticated. It follows the “old money” trend and the relaxed silhouette also gives a little comfort to this dressy linen dress. There is also a figure-defining wrap tie and tortoise shell buttons for a refined finishing touch.
There are a few colors available for this dress. But, I would stick with the traditional stone and ivory colors for the office. The bright pink and green colors are great for brunch or a more casual setting.
- Sizes: 2 - 12
Rag & Bone Helena Linen Blend Shirt Dress
The description of this Rag & Bone linen shirt dress mentions that it is menswear inspired. It has a notched collar and button-up placket that puts a different spin on this dress.
There is a figure-flattering tie that brings some femininity to this dress. This dress would look great with a fitted blazer to balance out even more the feminine and masculine features of this dress.
- Sizes: 2 - 12
Madewell Kacie Linen Blend Shirt Dress
This linen shirt dress by Madewell has flowy flutter sleeves and a beautiful neutral print. This is a great option if you want a linen dress but with some pattern. This pattern is very subtle and would be appropriate for the office.
To make it more office ready, pair it with closed-toed heels or flats and throw on a fitted blazer for a finished look. You could also add a belt to make it dressier.
- Sizes: 0 - 16
Lulus White Linen Midi Dress
This midi linen dress from Lulus is flattering and feminine. The tie waist belt is removable if you prefer to wear it without. There are also pockets included!
This midweight linen material has no stretch, so if you’re looking for something roomier or looser for comfort, I would size up. The fabric is a bit sheer even with the lining, so make sure you throw on one of the slips mentioned above for more coverage.
- Sizes: XS - XL
What to Wear With Linen Shirt Dress?
There are easy ways to style these linen shirt dresses for work.
For footwear you can pick:
- White leather sneakers for smart casual look.
- Loafer mules for a smart casual look.
- Loafers for a business casual look.
- Strappy flat sandals for casual summer look.
- Espadrille flats for a dressed up casual look.
For Accessories you can pick:
- You can carry a leather work tote that will make your outfit look polished and sophisticated. Checkout what work essentials you should carry in your tote bag.
- Add link chain necklace to elevate your outfit.
To layer up, you can pick:
- Black Blazer for a business casual look.
- Sweater jacket for a casual look instead of denim jacket.
- Boucle Jacket for polished business casual look.
