When it comes to summer fabrics, linen is a bonafide MVP. The flax-derived material is lightweight, natural, airy, and perfectly suited for muggy weather. Linen actually pulls away from sweaty skin rather than sticking to it — a unicorn fabric when it comes to summer apparel. The cons, of course, are that linen can often be rough to the touch, prone to wrinkles, and expensive.
But, fear not — for this edition of Hype Machine, we found 11 highly-rated linen (or linen-blend) dresses that are actually stylish, affordable, soft, and manageable when it comes to pesky wrinkles. Best of all, these breezy frocks are all recommended by experts in the field — real customers who sweat, live in humid areas, or need to look presentable in triple-digit-pushing temps. Now, it's time to join their ranks and get yourself a linen dress that you, too, will whisk around in all season long.
Welcome toHype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Aerie Linen Corset Dress
The Best Linen Mini Dress
Soft, trendy, and super affordable at less than $23, this '90s-style Aerie linen dress is sure to become your summertime staple.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 81 reviews on AE.com
Linen Breakdown: 45% Viscose, 55% Linen
What They Are Saying: “Perfect dress for warmer weather. Love the straps are adjustable, length is perfect. I am 5'11" and have a 36" inseam. I struggle finding dresses that are not to short. This one is perfect. Fabric is light and breathable. I highly recommend this dress.” —Memphis, AE.com reviewer
Yes, we know — this Everlane dress is frequently sold out online. But we included this style because Everlane tends to restock fan faves, and you may also find this dress in stores! Be sure to check out the brand's entire Linen Collection as well.
The Hype: 4.53 out of 5 stars; 32 reviews on everlane.com
Linen Breakdown: 100% Linen
What They Are Saying: “Slightly oversized fit, very comfy, great length (I’m 5’-5”), and there are FOUR POCKETS! I’ll be living in it the rest of the summer.” —SarMat, everlane.com reviewer
Everlane The Linen Workwear Dress, $, available at Everlane
Urban Renewal Eco Linen Seamed Midi Dress
The Best Eco-Chic Linen Dress
Urban Renewal, the eco-conscious house brand from Urban Outfitters, has designed a super flowy linen-blend dress that has shoppers of all body shapes raving.
What They Are Saying: “I wasn’t really sure how it would look because of my body shape (I’m curvy with a small waist). Some of these types of dresses are not flattering on me but this one is so cute!! I’m definitely ordering it in another color!!” —tayfultzy, urbanoutfitters.com reviewer
Urban Renewal Eco Linen Seamed Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
menique Organic Summer Wrap Linen Dress
The Best Handmade Linen Dress
Leave it to independent fashion designer menique to create a gorgeous wrap dress that has shoppers doling out five stars at every turn. Unsurprisingly, it's also an Etsy bestseller.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 59 reviews on etsy.com
Linen Breakdown: 100% Linen
What They Are Saying: “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND STYLISH DRESS I HAVE EVER OWENED!!!! the quality of the item - EXCELLENT if it was as described - EXACTLY if your expectations were met - YES!” —Irina R., etsy.com reviewer
menique Organic Summer Wrap Linen Dress, $, available at Etsy
Quince 100% Organic Linen Short Sleeve Dress
The Best Linen Dress For Work
With a modest length, optional sash, and a collared shirtdress neckline, this linen dress is a sure bet for any office setting.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 40 reviews on onequince.com
Linen Breakdown: 100% Organic Linen
What They Are Saying: “It’s very hot here in Texas so I bought this as something to dress up a little and stay cool. The cut is super flattering and the fabric is nice and soft already. I’m interested to see how the fabric does over time but so far very pleased. I even stayed in it to watch tv on the couch and my husband was confused why I hadn’t changed into pajamas yet. It was because it was so comfy I didn’t even think about it!” —Morgan C., onequince.com reviewer
Quince 100% Organic Linen Short Sleeve Dress, $, available at Quince
Lunya Linen Silk Double V Midi Dress
The Best Sleepwear-As-Daywear Linen Dress
Luxury sleepwear brand Lunya has spun a gorgeous linen-silk dress that can be worn straight from your sheets to the streets.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 4 reviews on lunya.co
Linen Breakdown: 47% Linen, 35% Cotton, 18% Silk
What They Are Saying: “Absolutely love this midi! The fabric falls nicely and the deep V back is very alluring. Since I live in SW Florida, it's perfect for hot summer days or nights.” —Katherine D., lunya.co reviewer
Lunya Linen Silk Double V Midi Dress, $, available at Lunya
Madewell Linen-Blend Clara Midi Dress
The Best Trend-Forward Linen Dress
Most brands offer linen dresses in straight-forward silhouettes in a single solid color. Not so at Madewell. This laid-back linen dress has a front slit, a wispy flutter, and a subtle plaid print all over.
The Hype: 3.9 out of 5 stars; 52 reviews on madewell.com
What They Are Saying: “I tried this on in the store and the material is so dreamy. It's lightweight linen and so soft! It is lined so it is not see-through, which is so nice for summer because who wants to layer when it's hot out? [...] The slit is not too high and there are pockets! Get this one while you can. If you live in a hot climate, it's summery and feminine and lovely.” —SPARROWLARK, madewell.com reviewer
Madewell Linen-Blend Clara Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Universal Standard Dune Linen Shirt Dress
The Best Size-InclusiveLinen Dress
As with all Universal Standard styles, this linen dress is offered in sizes that range from 4XS through 4XL — and it has a perfect hint of stretch, too.
What They Are Saying: “After wearing it once, I’m ready to go buy it again in another color. The fit is perfect and it’s somehow that magical combination of looking super stylish while feeling amazingly comfortable. Oh, and it’s got pockets!” —Emily R., universalstandard.com reviewer
Universal Standard Dune Linen Shirt Dress, $, available at Universal Standard
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 473 reviews on magiclinen.com
Linen Breakdown: 100% Linen
What They Are Saying: “I was hesitant to order a linen dress, but after wearing it, this will definitely be a favorite dress. Lots of compliments the first day I wore it to the office. It was very comfortable and had very few wrinkles at the end of the day. I loved the first dress so much that I ordered the other three colors. I’m very pleased with these dresses.” —Rita T., magiclinen.com reviewer
Magic Linen Royal Toscana linen dress, $, available at Magic Linen
Sau Lee Linen Maxi Dress
The Best Going-Out Linen Dress
You'd never know at first glance that this romantic maxi dress is constructed from pure linen. We recommend it for a summer wedding or cocktail party.
What They Are Saying: “I’m a HUGE anthro dress fan/buyer and this dress is everything I wanted it to be. The skirt drapes beautifully and the cut in the back gives it something truly special. I highly recommend this one!!” —Katy, anthropologie.com reviewer
Sau Lee Sau Lee Linen Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Mordenmiss Cotton Linen Midi Dress
The Best Linen Dress On Amazon
You can't go wrong with this linen dress that's only $37 on Amazon — it comes in multiple colors and has an easy-going shape, pockets, and roomy short sleeves.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars; 793 reviews on amazon.com
Linen Breakdown: 70% Linen, 30% Cotton
What They Are Saying: “I have it in three colors, and always get compliments when I wear it. I am 5'5" and a little fat (but wear it well, of course) - usually size 16-18. I got the XXL and it ROCKS. Oversized just like I wanted, breezy and cool. Also so cute. I rolled up the sleeves a little and tacked them with thread to make it perfect.” —saul, amazon.com reviewer
Mordenmiss Mordenmiss Cotton Linen Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Super Sale Alert: There’s a good chance items featured in this story are currently marked down during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. For more need-to-know details on this year’s best deals, peep our guide to shopping the main event here.
The beauty of Nordstrom Rack can also be one of its greatest pitfalls — the retailer’s inventory of discounted goods from a seemingly endless list of brands is so vast that it can wear out the most fervent of online shoppers. But, instead of succumbing to its bottomless pit of sale selections, we decided to embrace it. Employing the site’s savvy “Best Value” filter, we curated a hit-list of the most desirable deals on favorites from the likes of Everlane to Cole Haan and beyond.
Although lackadaisically perusing those IRL aisles or clicking hours away online is definitely its own form of retail therapy, sometimes scoring the best price on the best brand in one fell swoop is just what the shopping doctor ordered. We scoped out summer dresses for up to 70% off, Frye leather totes for 49% off, and other gems that deserve a top spot in your cart. Take a look ahead at all the must-have markdowns happening at Nordstrom Rack at any given moment — and pardon while we dive back in to search for more.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Summer Dresses
Come June, we can’t cart up frocks fast enough. From casual maxis to formal minis, Nordstrom Rack has up to 70% off on many that your heart will desire.
Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Steve Madden Detected Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Journee Spritzs Over-the-Knee Lace-Up Boot, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Mia Jody Ribbed Block Heel Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Marc Fisher LTD Oshay Pointed Toe Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
SOUL Naturalizer Harvest Wedge Boot, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
STEVEN NEW YORK Near Block Heel Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Activewear
Looking for activewear? Leggings, joggers, sport bras, and heaps of active clothes are up to 70% off in Nordstrom Rack's Active Shop now through March 10.
Everlane The Authentic Stretch Skinny Bootcut Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Everlane The Mid Rise Skinny Jean, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Everlane The Authentic Stretch Mid Rise Skinny Crop Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Cole Haan
Not only does this affordable shoe brand hold mega sales over on its site, but it also spreads some love to Nordstrom Rack. Score a pair of casual white sneakers or a nice leather loafer for up to half off.
Cole Haan Arletta Espadrile Wedge Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Cole Haan Piper Pointed Toe Leather Mule, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Cole Haan Francie Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Topshop
Just recently, Topshop.com said goodbye and reinvented itself over on Asos.com. But, we can still find some hidden gems on super sale over at Nordstrom Rack. Check out a collection of outerwear, jeans, blouses, and more for up to 79% off.
Topshop Tie Dye Velvet Flare Trousers, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Topshop Leopard Bengaline Mini Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Topshop Croc Embossed Lace-Up Corset Belt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Topshop Livvy Spot Jumpsuit, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Nike
Nike Tanjun and Revolution 5 sneakers are up to 23% off. Take a peek at the activewear section too for discounts on joggers, sports bras, and more accessories.
NEST Fragrances Classic Candle - Orange Blossom, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Nest Fragrances Linen Fabric Refresher, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Nest Grapefruit Votive Candle - 2oz., $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Ganni
That's right, the oh-so-cool Danish cult-favorite has styles hiding amongst the Rack's overflowing shelves of super-sale finds. Score all your most coveted fashion-girl pieces from flowy wrap tops to bucket hats and leopard slip skirts for up to 86% off.
Pants, mules, shorts, and more Madewell classics are up to 75% off. (If nothing is speaking to you, we rounded up our own sale picks from retailer’s very own dot-com.)
