A linen shift dress is summer dressing at its most straightforward and effective. Linen breathes and moves and looks effortlessly put-together even when you are barely trying. The shift silhouette is simple and clean which lets the fabric and color do the work. Linen wrinkles which is part of its charm and also part of why it works for casual daytime events. The weight of the linen matters. You want something substantial enough to hold its shape without being stiff. Knee-length proportions feel right for a baby shower. Neutral colors and simple stripes are your best bets here. Linen and linen-blend fabrics from quality sources will actually get softer and better looking every time you wear and wash them. This is the summer dress that works because linen fundamentally works.