5 Linen Outfit Ideas To Try This Summer That Look So Chic

last updated 24 June 2024

Jessica wears a white linen dress from Posse.

For some reason, linen has never really been a fabric that I've warmed to. I think it's due to my reluctance to buy clothing that is so obviously restricted to the summer months which, in UK terms, usually means a period of about eight weeks. I'd much rather buy something I can justifiably wear all year round. Historically, I have also never been someone who feels comfortable in that "bohemian beach-dweller" vibe that so often dominates summer collections.

But this season, due to the glorious weather ahead, I have conceded that actually linen might be just what I need right now, and the more I browsed 2023's offering, the more I found my attitude changing. Far from the free-flowing frocks that previously defined the trend, now linen comes in a wider range of styles, including short sets and clean-lined tailored trousers (though we're still huge fans of the linen dress).

1. Linen Blazer + Linen Shorts + Ballet Flats

@deborabrosa in a linen blazer and shorts

Style Notes: Short suits are a hot ticket item this season, particularly in linen, as it’ll help keep you cool even on the hottest summer days.

Shop the Look:

J.Crew

Madelyn Blazer in Linen Blend

A linen blazer is a great way to look smart with feeling too hot in the warmer months.

J.Crew

Pleated 9" Trouser Short With Belt in Linen Blend

Wear together or separately.

& Other Stories

Ruched Leather Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are a year-round staple.

House Of Dagmar

Wide Oval Sunglasses

So sleek.

2. Linen Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers + Clogs

@_livmadeline wearing a linen shirt, wide-leg trousers and clogs

Style Notes: Breezy and chic, it’s easy to understand the appeal of a linen shirt. Make like Liv and pair yours with some wide-leg trousers and comfy clogs for a simple warm-weather outfit solution.

Shop the Look:

H&M

Linen-Blend Shirt

H&M is known for its affordable but quality linen pieces.

Nobodys Child

Petite Khaki Green Linen-Blend Drawstring Trousers

Khaki is just as versatile as black or white in the summer.

BIRKENSTOCK

Boston Suede Clogs

These are by far the most comfortable shoes I own.

3. Linen Shirt + Swimsuit + Basket Bag

@spiritedpursuit wearing a linen shirt with a swimsuit and basket bag

Style Notes: Why save your best linen buys for the city? Use a bright or printed linen shirt as a stylish beach cover-up.

Shop the Look:

H&M

Oversized Linen Shirt

You can also style this with your favourite linen trousers.

Hunza G X Helena Christensen

Brooke Stripe Swimsuit

This comes in so many different colours.

Loewe

Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin

The bag that all of our WWW editors love.

4. Linen Midi Dress + Strappy Sandals

@smythsisters wearing a linen midi dress and strappy sandals

Style Notes: If you want to achieve the linen look with minimal effort—or take it to one of the summer events in your calendar—opt for a breezy midi dress in the natural fabric. We'll be wearing strappy sandals with our linen frocks this season.

Shop the Look:

Abercrombie & Fitch

Linen Blend Strapless Midi Dress

There's something so elegant about a bandeau dress.

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Daphnae Leather Sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals is an ideal brand for minimalists.

Dragon Diffusion

Martha Drawstring Basket Bag

We love Dragon Diffusion here at Who What Wear.

5. Linen Blouse + Colour Pop Midi Skirt

Style Notes: Chances are you already have a white linen shirt in your wardrobe. Give it a new lease of life with the addition of a bold skirt, just as Monikh has done here.

Shop the look:

H&M

Linen-Blend Popover Blouse

A timeless style that you'll keep for years to come.

La DoubleJ

Floral-Print Midi Skirt

So fun!

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.