Summer may be in full swing, but it’s never too late to rethink your warm-weather wardrobe—and that’s where lightweight linen staples come in. Not only will the best linen pieces carry you through both formal and casual occasions, but they also tend to be light (a given, considering the fabric), machine-washable (for easy care and maintenance), and, of course, versatile enough to wear multiple times throughout a trip.
Wherever your summer travels may take you, pack wisely by bringing along some tried-and-true linen basics from trusted brands like Madewell, Anthropologie, Everlane, and Left on Friday. Keep reading for a few of our favorite light-as-air pieces of linen clothing for women, from dresses and tops to skirts and jackets.
The linen jacket
Do yourself a favor this season by ditching your favorite overworn sweatshirt (you know the one) or bulky jean jacket in favor of something more lightweight, such as one of these linen jackets. Linen blazers offer a more preppy look, making them a must-have for business travel—especially in the scorching-hot summer heat. For a less formal ’fit, look no further than our favorite button-front linen jacket from Michael Stars, which hits right below the waist and comes in a handful of hues like hot pink and bright green for a fun pop of color.
The linen pant
Nothing screams summer like a pair of breezy linen pants. Wide-leg linen bottoms can easily take you from the beach to the bar—especially if you swap the flip-flops for a pair of heels, wedges, or sandals. (Bonus points if you choose to zhuzh up the outfit with accessories like chunky jewels or a cute clutch.) For an even more laid-back look, consider a pair of elastic waist joggers—which are just as comfy as a pair of sweats though they’re much cooler and appear much more polished and put together—made with, you guessed it, 100 percent linen.
The linen shorts and skirts
The below selection of linen shorts and skirts—which are available across a range of price points, from under $80 to $300—are best described as stylish, airy, and comfy. For a more tailored look, snag a straight-silhouetted mini skirt or a pair of long-ish shorts (the one below from Anthropologie, which boasts a built-in belt, checks all the boxes). Or, for a hint of edginess, opt for a mid-length skirt with a slit paired with a solid or patterned crop top or oversized button-down (if it’s also linen, all the better).
The linen top
A quintessential summer staple, the best linen tops will keep you cool all season long. Our top picks include everything from a button-embellished camisole that can be easily layered with a denim jacket to a nautical striped tee (best styled with leggings, jeans, or bike shorts for a day of sightseeing or lounging in the airport), to a pretty pleated shirt dress that can pull double-duty as a cover-up or chic mini dress for a fun night out.
The linen dress
Whether you’re headed to the beach, the pool bar, or the airport lounge, a great linen dress is breezy and versatile. You’ll find them in all different lengths (from maxi to midi to mini), silhouettes (think: oversized, A-line, fitted), and colors (options range from cheery yellows and baby pinks to basic black). Some frocks also have fun features like tiers, ruffles, and cut-outs. Ahead, a few of our favorite linen dresses from brands like Reformation, Tommy Bahama, and Banana Republic.
The linen button-down
When it comes to the most-worn linen clothing for women, button-downs are at the top of the list. They are great for layering over your favorite tops and dresses or simply wearing solo with a pair of matching pants, shorts, or skirts (that is, depending on the look you’re going for). This timeless summer wardrobe staple has a distinctively relaxed and laid-back style about them—and what’s especially great is that they truly go with anything. Whether you prefer them solid or striped, slim-fit or classic, we’ve rounded up our top picks below.
The linen accessories
Thanks to its durability and weightless feel, it’s no surprise that linen makes an excellent fabric for wearable accessories like baseball caps, tote bags, and cozy scarves. Look for linen blends, like the Olev scarf’s fabric, if you’re worried about wrinkling—they tend to be less prone it, so you need not worry about your accessories getting crumbled, smushed, or ruined should you choose to pack them inside your suitcase or weekender bag.
