Linen is made from the flax plant; it is strong, absorbent, and one of the oldest textiles known to humans. What makes linen ideal for summer is that it’s lightweight, natural, airy, and perfectly suited for muggy weather as it actually pulls away from sweaty skin rather than sticking to it. It’s also a surprisingly versatile fabric as summer transitions to fall. Here are a few go-to linen pieces and styling ideas for these last weeks of summer.
A shift dress in linen is the ideal summer frock. Whether you go for a V-neck, sleeveless version, or a short-sleeved midi, when paired with sandals, a breezy dress is a great throw-on-and-go garment. As summer rolls into fall, you can layer under a cardigan or wear it as a jumper with a button-up or turtleneck underneath with either boots or loafers. Amazon has a wide selection of linen shifts at affordable price points, while J. Crew has shifts in stretch linen that are a somewhat expensive but higher in quality. I went middle of the road cost-wise, with a shift from an Etsy seller, OdaLux, which is a family-owned business. Regardless of where you score a linen shift, be sure to look for one with pockets, and you can switch up the silhouette with a belt.
For a more office-appropriate outfit, look to a linen shirtdress, which are just as easy to wear as shifts. With a classic A-Line silhouette and an elegant collar, a shirtdress can become a workplace wardrobe staple for summer and early fall. Ann Taylor offers linen blend shirtdresses in neutrals with fabric belting and ladylike puffed sleeves that can be worn with pumps or flats. Garnet Hill features a linen midi shirtdress in a blue indigo ikat pattern, perfect for a late summer beach vacation.
Pants rendered in linen have always been a summer go-to, particularly the pull-on, drawstring variety. In fact, I’m wearing a cropped pair as I type this. Mine are from Banana Republic Factory and come in beige, navy, citron, and stripes. You can pair them with a fitted white tank top or a loose tunic. For a full-length version to see you through autumn, there are L.L. Bean’s premium washable pull-on pants in oatmeal or light blue. I’d say the blue version has the most appeal to wear now with sandals and a striped tee, then wear this fall with an oversized sweater and sneakers.
Beyond the drawstring, there are high-waisted classic trousers rendered in linen, like Everlane’s Way-High drape pant. I like the tawny brown version, which, when worn with a cap-sleeve blouse, can be a chic look for an evening out. Pair it with a t-shirt and blazer for a casual-ish workwear outfit. Loft also features a trouser pant in linen twill, in sailor navy, or paprika, for a more vibrant take on the standard beige linen.
Linen shorts can be worn well into September. Style them with a silky camisole or blouse and strappy sandals for an elegant cocktail moment. For daytime, pair a linen short with a floral button-down and mules. Althleta has a playa linen Bermuda short in a pull-on style with secure zip pockets for when you’re on the go. I’m loving and semi-stalking Boden’s linen pleat shorts, which are currently on sale. In thinking about wearing them now and transitioning them into fall, I’d go with the navy or dusty blue pair. They also come in coral, white, and a to-die-for pink and yellow ombre.
Linen doesn’t stop at dresses and bottoms. Macy’s has a wide variety of linen tops, from linen-blend T-shirts to nehru-style tunics. The INC International Concepts twist-hem blouse in both neutrals and saturated shades literally gives the standard button-up linen shirt a twist with its point collar and tab-rolled sleeves. You could wear this shirt with shorts now, then jeans in the fall. For a more standard silhouette, check out Uniqlo’s premium linen long-sleeve shirt, which you can wear on its own or over a tank top.
Many linen pieces are on sale right now, so it’s a good time to stock up, if not for now, for next summer. Again, while linen is considered a summer fabric, it’s totally suitable for fall. Linen is timeless, and while I’ve highlighted pieces from the women’s section, linen is great for everyone. A drawstring pant and button-up shirt is a look anyone can wear. Of course, if you love linen, you’ll also have to learn to live with wrinkles or invest in a garment steamer.
