The Understated Dress Style Fashion People Always Wear With Sandals

by Maxine Eggenberger

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.

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@lucywilliams02

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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@daniellejinadu

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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@_jessicaskye

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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@monikh

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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@coco_floflo

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.