Now the summer is getting closer and temperatures are rising enormously this week, we are looking for nice items for our 2026 summer wardrobe. And with dress season just around the corner, finding one is a must versatile dress that you wear both during the day and in the evening is high on the priority list. Add a pair of simple ballet flats, a flip-flop heel or a pair of slim sneakers, plus a pair of sunglasses – and you’ve got yourself a summer outfit.
When you think of your favorite fabric for a summer dress, you most likely think of linen, we understand that. Linen is breathable, cooling and wicks away moisture well. And although linen won’t go out of fashion anytime soon – and you definitely don’t have to say goodbye to it this summer – it is true that it can be difficult to keep linen. wrinkle-free to keep. If you don’t want to be glued to your ironing board for hours this summer, we have one perfect alternative that is at least as light, enter: cotton.
The benefits of cotton in summer
Cotton is airy, light, stylish and wrinkles less quickly than linen. A cotton dress is just as breathable and suitable for that damp, stuffy Dutch summer. Perhaps the best part is that these dresses are available in all shapes and sizes. From a midi dress with a flared skirt to a mini dress with spaghetti straps, from Staud to H&M. ELLE features a number of highlights cotton dresses for the summer of 2026.
Shop the cotton summer dresses here
Ba&sh Eris midi dress with smocking
& Other Stories Drawstring mini dress
COS Pima Cotton Halterneck
Mango A-line dress with wrinkled effect
& Other Stories smocked mini dress in cotton poplin
Mango cotton dress with straps
