A linen shirt dress made the plain way — collar, buttons, pockets and not much else. The weave is slubby and open enough to see, and it moves air rather than trapping it, which is the whole argument for linen once the temperature gets uncomfortable. Buttons run the full length of the front, so you can open the hem or the neck as much as the day asks for.

The cut is straight and roomy through the body so it never sticks to you, and the long sleeves roll back to the elbow cleanly. Two patch pockets sit at the hip, deep enough to be useful. It stops at the knee, which keeps it easy with sandals now and with boots and bare legs later. Linen creases and softens with wear, and this one is cut to look better for it.

• Fabric: linen with a visible slubby weave and an open hand
• Front: full button placket from collar to hem
• Collar: standard pointed shirt collar
• Pockets: two patch pockets set into the hip
• Fit: relaxed and cut straight to the knee