(The Shopping List)

These Linen Outfits Look As Breezy As They Feel On Skin

A summer essential.

May 11, 2024

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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

$328

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

$80

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

$445

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.

Reformation

Josefina Linen Top

$168

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

$30

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

$168

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

$148

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

$395

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

$235

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

$365

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.