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These Linen Outfits Look As Breezy As They Feel On Skin

A summer essential.

by Amanda Ross

May 11, 2024

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Milan Fashion Week 2022 linen outfit

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I’m the sort of person that think there are only two seasons: the winter holiday stretch and summer. Basically, on January 2, I’m ready to trade in sweaters for camisoles and warm pants for thigh-baring shorts — the stretch between late winter and late spring always feels like such an endless slog. Naturally, a major part of why I love the summer so much is the clothing options, especially linen outfits. Are you familiar with that meme that’s like, “I can’t wait for fall/winter so I can really start dressing?” Forget artful layering — I’ll take a one-piece sundress and loud, sidewalk-smacking flip-flops any day of the week.

Linen in particular might be my most reached-for fabric of the summer — next to bathing suit elastane, anyway — for several reasons, but its light, airy feel and extremely versatile look rank at the very top. You can pair a simple tank with a loose pair of linen pants for errand-running, then trade out the top for a more button-up alternative and low pair of heels and be ready for virtually any dinner. At the same time, a free-flowing linen dress is the sort of summer essential that can be worn for a near 24-hour period, taking you from a farmer’s market to a night out with no adjustments necessary.

Ahead, explore some of the linen pieces on my radar for the reason, ranging from the more obvious must-haves to understated accessories that benefit from the fabric’s easy-going feel.

Frank & Eileen Wide-Leg Linen Pant

Wide-Leg Linen Pant

There are much more casual ways to wear a pair of linen pants, but finding one with a more trouser-like waistband makes it so easy to pair with less-formal tops. This impossibly soft pant is loose and comfy, but would look great with tucked-in tops.

DISSH Banks Natural Linen Vest

Banks Natural Linen Vest

The casual vest is everywhere right now, and it’ll probably find its true peak this summer. With a loose, linen take on the look, it can be layered over tank tops or worn as a blouse on its own, made to feel especially cool with a relaxed pair of jeans or even dress pants.

Theory V-Neck Volume Dress in Good Linen

V-Neck Volume Dress in Good Linen

A linen summer dress is about as essential as it gets for the season, and it’s a perennial classic for a reason. The lightweight fabric filters out the heat while adding such a femme feel. The cinched, belted waist on this Theory dress adds an undeniably prim element.

Josefina Linen Top

Josefina Linen Top

This linen Reformation top is taking over TikTok right now, fans drawn to its cheeky cutouts, scalloped edges, and summery fabric. You might be one of a half-dozen others wearing it to a bar on any given Saturday, but its sultry feel is impossible to resist.

Gap Linen Blend Bucket Hat

Linen Blend Bucket Hat

While technically a linen blend, this Gap hat fulfills all of my Coastal Grandmother fantasies. The minute it touches the head, you’re pruning hydrangeas at your Southampton summer home, awaiting a visit from your urban sophisticate daughter — and possible a new lover.

Rails Carly Skirt

Seemingly simple, this linen skirt amped up by the apron-like ties at the waist. It creates fun layering and breezy movement without adding extra weight or fabric bulk.

Schutz Enola Sporty Linen Sandals

Enola Sporty Linen Sandals

Regardless of your feeling on more bohemian footwear, this take on classic chunky sandals feels more luxe thanks to the gold bamboo-style buckles. It’s brought back down to earth — though doesn’t necessarily feel earthy — by the linen material and raw, frayed edges.

Bondi Born Women's Leiden Cargo Pant

Women's Leiden Cargo Pant

Cargo pants were an undeniable trend of last summer, but trading the more canvas-style materials in for a linen alternative keeps the fun going for another year. The drawstring waist and big external pockets are wonderfully relaxed, but the cinched ankles add a fun, unexpected element.

St. Agni Crescent Linen Bag

Crescent Linen Bag

Leave the free-with-subscription canvas tote at home and instead try out a true linen bag, destined to become your most reached-for purse of summer. This St. Agni piece is surprisingly roomy but just as versatile as expected.

STAUD Lauretta Pleated Linen Midi Dress

Lauretta Pleated Linen Midi Dress

Fact: this STAUD dress feels exactly like wearing a nightgown, except it’s socially acceptable to wear it to the office, on a date, and anywhere else you might want to be taken seriously. With an accordion-style waist and relaxed fit, it only looks like you put in real effort.