Expecting consistency from the Great British weather forecast is never wise, but now we've arrived in May, we think we can safely say that we've firmly settled into spring dressing. A trench coat is the only outerwear we're reaching for, woven ballet flats have confidently replaced boots in our daily ensembles, and our jeans have taken a back seat in favour of floaty midi skirts, which have (finally) become an almost-daily option. Hurrah!
So, can you blame us for thinking ahead to even warmer times as we start to plan our summer sartorial shopping lists? Top of which, is a long-sleeved linen shirt and shorts co-ord.
Consisting of a classic button-down shirt paired with boxer-style shorts, crucially in a matching fabric and colourway, the two-piece set still manages to feel polished despite its relaxed silhouette and easy wearability. While cotton, soft-touch tencel, and even terry cloth designs are all options, you can't beat the versatility of linen. Whether you're packing for a summer holiday abroad and want to successfully stay cool in the heat, or are enjoying an off-duty weekend closer to home, a linen co-ord oozes laidback cool.
“We first launched our shirt and short co-ords back in 2022, and they have remained stalwarts in our collection ever since,” Pip Durell, founder and CEO of With Nothing Underneath, tells Cosmopolitan UK.
“There's just something about a matching set. It's the ease of it; how it's tailored but also casual, meaning they can take you from the city to the country to the beach. Essentially you double up the impact whilst doubling down on effort – it's the ultimate in nonchalant dressing.”
Its status as a spring/summer hero is no doubt down to the endless styling options a shirt and shorts set provides. Wear it in place of a sarong as a more casual swimsuit cover-up, style it with a ribbed tank top, statement earrings and kitten heel sandals for summer days and date nights alike, or try wearing yours with loafers to add a bit of prep – Pip's go-to when she's wearing WNU's mocha multistripe co-ord in London right now.
If you're looking to add a few sets into your wardrobe rotation, Next's premium 100% linen co-ord in a pretty, cornflower blue colourway looks far more expensive than its price tag, with the shirt costing £45 and the shorts even less at £32.
There are plenty of covetable designs available to shop. Below, find a round up of some of our favourites...
Next Blue N. Premium 100% Linen Shirt and Shorts
WNU The Boyfriend Linen Shirt and The Boxer
Whistles Burgundy Stripe Long Sleeve Beach Shirt and Shorts
Vero Moda linen oversized shirt and shorts set
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
