Few pieces evoke summer quite like the breathable, easy-to-wear linen dress.

Words by Lauren Caruso

Photo by Claudio Lavenia / Getty Images

There are few pieces that evoke summer quite like the linen dress: Breezy and breathable, it's one of the best wardrobe options for a warm, humid day. You likely already have a linen blazer and trousers in your rotation, but on truly swampy days when you barely want anything touching your body, a linen dress is the obvious answer.

Not only is the linen dress easy to style—just grab a pair of espadrilles or slides and a cardigan or denim jacket in case of a draft—but because linen is a durable natural fiber derived from the flax plant, it's lightweight and biodegradable. Plus, the best linen dresses are so comfortable, they're akin to wearing pajamas in public (but without all the concerned glares). Honestly, why would you wear anything else this summer?

Of course, you don't have to stop at the traditional white linen sundress, which may conjure Little House on the Prairie vibes. This season, designers have reimagined the summer standby into fun, colorful iterations and even more exciting silhouettes. Ahead, 19 linen dresses for minimalists and maximalists alike.