Summer is officially here. And after months of dreary weather, the goal is to be outside and look great while doing so. But, it’s tricky navigating summer fashion, especially for those of us who are prone to sweating. Between leaning into swimwear as outwear and the sheer trend taking over, it’s clear to see why everyone is playing around with different fabrics in their wardrobe. And linen is one to know. Linen notably is a very airy fabric that is quite literally meant for warmer weather.
No matter where you’re headed over the next few months, linen looks just as good on a beach as it does in the city, so start figuring out your outfits right now. Ahead, we’ve got some much needed style inspiration for you to consider.
With a Simple White Tee
A nice pair of linen pants is great for anything—whether it be for work or a day out with friends. For a quintessential summer outfit, go for something like this: a simple white tee and some light colored linen slacks. This look is effortless but still interesting and stylish.
A Matching Set
When in doubt, throw on a matching set. It’s the easiest way to quickly get out the door during those summer days filled with last minute plans. Not only is a set chic, but it allows you to look put together, even if you don’t feel it. And with a nice linen set like this, you can really dress it up or down. Adding heels will lends a bit of splash to it and throwing on some sandals makes it perfect for a more lowkey event.
With Sheer Balloon Pants
Most people lean on linen pants as their go-to, but a linen top is a necessary addition to your summer wardrobe as well. This halter top in the fabric paired with sheer balloon pants is such an elegant way to wear the linen trend this summer.
Summer White Dress
Summer white is the color of the moment. All-white is undoubtably in, so when exploring linen, if you’re into a monochromatic moment that feels very summer, this is an easy way to dive right in.
Pop of Color With a Neutral
When I think of a totally stylish summer work day outfit, it’s this. Between the lime green short-sleeve button-front top with a peplum hem and the taupe wide-leg linen trousers and brown woven flat leather sandals, this look screams professional person beating the heat. If you’re looking for darker shades of linen, then look no further, your inspo is right here.
Double Layered Linen
If you’re so obsessed with linen that you want to double it up, then try something like this. Pairing a tan linen blazer with a cream crochet knit sweater, layered over a white top, with a cream linen maxi skirt, is the way to do it. The maximalists are throwing all our linen pieces on in one look.
A Crop Top and a Miniskirt
This linen look is so very Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl coded, and very girl on-the-go. If that’s the vibe you’re going for, then this sleeveless white button up top with scalloped edging and beige linen wrap skirt is a simple yet effective outfit to run out the door in.
A Minidress Moment
Another quick and easy summer outfit idea is a linen dress. This sleeveless cream shift dress is a great example of something easy to throw on during the warmer days. And you can accessorize it as much or as little as you want, depending on your plans.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
