8 ways to wear linen this summer, from linen shirts to linen trousers and dresses
While linen might be synonymous with linen trousers on vacay, they've become an increasingly popular mainstay of city street style as fashion huns in Paris shrug on oversized linen suits, Copenhagen cool girls style pinstripe linen boxer co-ords and your fave influencers rock summer dresses in linen.
Yep, there are plenty of ways to wear linen, appropriate for all kinds of different style codes and scenarios. Whether it's a jumpsuit for a summer wedding, or a two-piece suit for a day of meetings, linen has seriously levelled up this season.
Keep scrolling for our guide on how to wear linen this summer, across everything from shorts to dresses to skirts, and how to style them. Oh, and if you're curious, you can check out our guide on the best summer shoes to wear with your linen trousers…
Let's start with the classic: linen trousers. This light and breathable fabric lends itself to wide-legged trousers or palazzo pants. For a day out on holiday or casual mooching, you can pair trousers with a pair of trainers and a lightweight tee. For a date or drinks, you can counterbalance the floaty bottom half of the outfit, you might want to try a strapless bustier top in a contrasting colour, and try a heeled flip flop (the surprise hit shoe of the season) and a clutch to accessorise.
If you've already got a pair of linen trousers, you can build the look by investing in a matching jacket and/or waistcoat. This works well for a work-from-office day in the summer or if you just want to channel major European vibes. You can make the fit more or less formal depending on your choice of shoe: a loafer for business chic, and a sandal for a more relaxed vibe.
If you're a prairiecore devotee this one's for you. A midi-length, wide-skirt dress with a fitted bodice is giving all kinds of whimsy and is a great choice for sipping a wine in a piazza while on your hols, as well as a nice option for a dinner party. Just add a pair of jelly ballet shoes (once you see them, they make sense) and you're good to go...
Yes, linen shirts crinkle easily, but do not let that put you off. Opt for a bright hue to add a pop of colour to your outfit and you can rock a linen shirt as everything from a beach cover-up to an over shirt/light jacket. You can even try it with a pair of white jeans for major Mediterranean chic energy. Style with trainers or sandals, and throw in a big straw tote for the ultimate beach accessory.
A linen midi skirt is a great way to tap into the boho chic revival, and other Glasto-adjacent trends from the late aughts. Try a cropped top or vest to balance out the proportions, and you can style with a pair of flat sandals or even a pair of motorcycle boots.
We often associate linen with neutrals like beige, white or black. But if you fancy a more playful colour palette, a pair of stripy boxer shorts and a matching shirt in bright, contrasting colours could be a way of injecting some fun into the trend. Style with an oversized scrunchie and a pair of ballet flats and you're good to go!
Got a summer wedding or a garden party to go to? Don't fancy wearing a dress? Enter: the linen jumpsuit. Pick a dark hue, and style with some statement jewellery (try Missoma, a brand beloved by Doechii and Bella Hadid) and a pair of kitten heels.
While linen can be pretty casual, a pair of tailored linen shorts are a great way to elevate an everyday look. Pair with a tee, baseball cap and a pair of trainers or, if you're feeling brave, clogs, and you're good to go!
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK's Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
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