When it comes to summer fashion, dresses tend to get most of the attention, immediately followed by footwear as we ditch heavy winter boots in favour of sandals and feet-freeing flip-flops. But there’s something to be said for the power of a great top.
Unlike in other seasons, the warm weather months provide the perfect opportunity for a top to take centre stage. No longer is it hidden under jumpers, jackets, and much-needed layers. However, to ensure a top has that same ‘throw on and go’ effortless ease as a sundress, you need to make sure you have a few key styles in your summer style arsenal (AKA your wardrobe).
Top of your shopping list should be a long-sleeve linen blouse. Different to a button-down shirt (another essential, especially when paired with coordinating linen shorts), a blouse has a more feminine, sophisticated and stylish feel. All design features that add to its versatility, so that when you pair it with a simple pair of denim shorts worn to the beach on holiday or closer to home on off-duty weekends, you’re sure to look polished and put together. Similarly, you can dress it up with satin wide-leg trousers and kitten-heel sandals for after dark. Just add a pair of statement earrings.
Zara's linen-blend blouse is the perfect example. Featuring a polo collar and exaggerated cuffs, it has a flattering V-neckline and provides the perfect oversized fit without being too baggy. Available in four on-trend colourways, including pale pink, light beige, and crisp white, it’s the brown and blue striped design that immediately caught our attention.
Below, find more of our favourite long-sleeve linen blouses available to shop on the high street right now:
Boden Serena Pleat Neck Linen Top
Uniqlo 100% Premium Linen Skipper Collar Shirt
Monsoon Riley Pintuck Linen Top Pink
The White Company Linen Gauze Pintuck Boho Blouse
Reiss Evie Linen Balloon-Sleeve Top in Coral Pink
Whistles White Gloria Linen Blend Blouse
Monsoon Frida V-Neck Linen Blouse Blue
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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!
