As you try to beat the heat this summer, consider adding some linen clothing into your summer wardrobe.
“Linen is a summer favorite because it is a plant-based fabric (hello, sustainable!) that is breathable in hot summer months,” explains Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple.
Fashion and jewelry designer Carla Rockmore also calls out its versatility, calling linen “practical but also dreamy.” It’s a no-brainer for those scorching days since it looks polished yet has a relaxed, comfortable feel. “Linen has natural moisture-wicking properties that help you stay cool, all while looking chic and sophisticated,” Berlin says.
So next time you’re feeling hot and bothered, consider changing into a linen look and picking up one of these stylist-approved linen pieces.
Best linen dresses for women
Berlin loves this easygoing summer dress from Quince. It's made from sustainably grown European linen and it comes in eight color and print options. And we can never pass up the opportunity to highlight when a dress has pockets!
This halter-neck dress is a great day-to-night transition piece. The linen has a nice weight to it, making it appear more formal than other flowy linen styles. It's one of my personal favorites this season, and I've loved styling it with strappy sandals to complement the neckline.
"You can’t go wrong with a linen slip dress," Rockmore says, noting that they're easy to dress up or down. "This linen dress from Free People is giving me all the inspiration I need to pack for my Euro summer!"
Rockmore recommends this option for a more structured look. The style is made from 100% linen for the ultimate breathability and has a classic cut. "This dress will last you every summer for the rest of your life," Rockmore says.
Stylist Jordanna Sharp likes this midi dress for an easygoing outfit that can be dressed up or down. "Linen is an easy, elevated option during summer months; it's breathable, comfortable and also adds that effortless summer feel," she says. Sharp suggests pairing this dress with a strappy flat and raffia bag "for an elevated daytime vibe."
A linen shirtdress offers tons of styling possibilities for summer. Wear it unbuttoned with pants and a tank top underneath, throw it on as a swimsuit cover-up or dress it up with some heels and statement jewelry.
Best linen tops for women
"If you can only add one linen piece to your wardrobe this summer, it should be a basic, oversized, linen button-down like this piece from J.Crew," Rockmore says. "It could be incorporated into so many outfits with ease! Wear it loose or experiment with a crisscross applesauce or half tuck for a more fitted look."
"A linen matching set is the perfect grab-and-go solution for a laid-back summer evening event," Rockmore says, recommending this relaxed fit button-down and the matching cargo-style linen-cotton pants from Gap. The neutral color can easily go with other pieces in your wardrobe, so you can wear the pieces separately too.
"Vests are such a great way to make an outfit feel interesting and put together," Sharp explains. "For summer, linen vests work perfectly for office to weekend." To keep the look simple and chic, she says to pair this piece with the matching shorts.
Best linen pants and skirts for women
These cropped and relaxed linen pants are a great everyday option, recommended by Berlin. Choose from a dozen colors and prints to seamlessly incorporate them into your summer wardrobe.
This tiered midi skirt has a high-low hem that makes it easy to style with boots, sneakers or sandals. I've worn it on some of the hottest days we've had this year, and the breezy style kept me cool and comfortable. And its pockets are a plus too!
When it comes to linen pants, a loose, wide-leg cut like this Buck Mason pair will be your best bet since the textile is suited for a relaxed look.
Maxi skirts are one of our favorite summer trends. This column skirt will help elongate your legs with its high-waist fit and fun slit detail.
Best linen tops for men
"I like this style layered over a tee or tank for more fashion-forward styling," Berlin says, but she also says it's "perfect on its own."
Linen brings an easygoing feel to the traditionally preppy look of a polo shirt. This one comes in three colors and is fabricated from a 100% linen jersey that is light and breathable.
Linen is known to get wrinkly (it's just a part of its relaxed charm), but if you're after the linen look sans creasing, this shirt has been treated to withstand wrinkling for a clean, crisp look.
Sharp recommends this European linen shirt that's polished enough for the office. "Pair it with a chino and sneaker for a business casual look," she says.
Best linen pants and shorts for men
One of Berlin's picks, these staple summer shorts come in 5-, 7- and 9-inch lengths for the perfect fit.
Substitute your usual slacks for these classic cut linen pants, another one of Berlin's suggestions for the gents. They're available in five lengths, and we recommend going for a crop for the summer.
Sharp likes these shorts styled with loafers and a simple white tee for an easy vacation look.
These drawstring pants are made with textured linen for a laid-back feel. Available in three washed-out shades, they're perfect for channeling your inner beach bum.