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With temps at their highest all year, keeping cool while looking styled can feel like a balancing act. Denim shorts and a white tee are go-to, warm-weather staples, but I need a little more in my rotation to keep me feeling inspired. Enter the best linen clothing. The effortless, European summer-coded fabric is light and breathable. And honestly? It’s all I want to wear.
Featured image of Brandy Joy Smith by Michelle Nash.
The Best Linen Clothing to Elevate Your Wardrobe
I’m a firm believer that we should all be living in linen right now. To help you navigate the trending—but timeless!—fabric, I’ve rounded up this season’s best linen clothing.
From the perfect pair of white linen pants to statement dresses, every piece in the list below is guaranteed to make you feel your comfiest and coolest, while looking your best. And if you think linen is only a summer essential, think again. The best linen clothing can be paired with warm knits and denim during the transitional seasons, too! So, get ready to add-to-cart because the linen clothing your closet needs is all right here.
Best Linen Clothing: Tops
From vests to button-downs, linen tops are at the top of my wishlist. Pairing perfectly with denim, silks, or coordinating bottoms, a linen top is an elevated alternative to your favorite white tee or tank.
When shopping for linen tops, I look for something that’s a bit more fun and flirty for summer outings. However, most of these can also double as workwear. You can also never go wrong styling a white linen button-down unbuttoned over a white tank with a good pair of jeans. Throw on a sunhat and a pair of fun sandals and you have an effortlessly chic summer fit. Out of all of the best linen clothing, I recommend investing in a linen top (or two), as these can be easily layered depending on the time of year and styled with just about any bottom in your closet.
100% European Linen Strapless Top
Our Managing Editor, Isabelle, has this top in navy and she’s obsessed. (And prepared to buy one in every color.) The simple, universally flattering shape is undeniably elegant, giving—as the name suggests—pure European summer vibes.
I may be biased considering I had a hand in designing this one, but this tank is the ultimate hack for record-breaking heat. Plus, it has coordinating shorts, pants, and a skirt, so you can take your pick to match!
Linen-Blend Button-Back Cropped Tank Top
Your favorite white tank has competition. The button detailing on the back of this top is an added bonus for this elevated basic.
I’m obsessed with this modern take on a traditional linen button-down. Not-your-boyfriend’s-vacation-shirt, this flattering, boxy top is a true closet staple.
If you’re looking for a more playful twist on a traditional linen vest, I’m loving this backless halter top. It feels sexy but still chic, and unique but still classic.
Bows are all the rage this year, and this linen wrap shirt is the perfect subtle way to incorporate the trend into your summer wardrobe.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND Antibes Top
There’s nothing more flattering than an open back, and I love that this linen tank has adjustable tie straps for a more customized fit. Plus, you just can’t beat this color (and the fact it has matching pants)!
Reformation has chic and girly nailed down. This structured, feminine top is sure to turn heads everywhere from the office to out on the town.
This classic linen button-down is the key to easy dressing all summer. Throw it over a dress, a bikini, or a tank and you’re set.
Maxine Button-Back Top in Linen
We all know yellow is having a moment, and yellow linen is my favorite summer spin on the trend—specifically this button-back top.
If you know me, you know I’ve been wearing DISSH’s linen vests non-stop since last year. A tried-and-true classic, this (or one of their other vest styles) is my number one linen top recommendation.
Best Linen Clothing: Bottoms
As someone who avoids denim shorts 99% of the year, finding summer pants, skirts, and shorts can prove to be a challenge. However, I started building my collection of the best linen clothing last summer. Now, these linen bottoms have become a no-brainer when getting dressed.
From DISSH’s coordinating skirts to J.Crew’s long and lean shorts, these bottoms will be the perfect pair to every top you own—linen or not. When shopping for linen bottoms, specifically white ones, be sure they aren’t see-through, and wear nude underwear regardless. (Skims is the best.)
Personally, I’ve been living in Reformation’s linen pants. They pass the sheer test, and they’re so easy to style that I’m tempted to wear them every day. (Don’t worry, I actively remind myself to give my other linen staples some love.) But of course, you can’t go wrong with any of the pieces on this list.
Gorgeous linen pants at under $40? Dreams do come true. The fit is lightweight and loose but still flattering thanks to the tapered, high waist. These would look so chic with a simple slide or Birks.
Deiji Studios is one of my favorite brands that I’ve discovered this year. These striped linen pants feel like pajamas but look like a million bucks.
These are hands down the best linen pants I’ve tried. Both my mom and I grabbed a pair last time we were at Reformation and I’ve barely taken them off since! Pro tip: Nude underwear, always.
Clean Button-Tab Shorts in 100% Linen
Bury me in these shorts and a white t-shirt with “stylish, smart, and tasteful” inscribed on the tombstone. No one will know if it’s written about me, or these shorts.
365 High Rise Linen-Blend Shorts
A classic linen short silhouette, these affordable shorts from Gap will never go out of style—so cost-per-wear is essentially $0. (Girl math.)
Everyone needs a good mini skirt in their closet and I highly recommend this natural shade from Daily Drills. It goes with everything but pairs perfectly with the brand’s coordinating Tie Tank + linen vest.
Long shorts are taking center stage this summer, and this linen pair from J.Crew is the perfect way to emulate influencers’ style with ease.
Skorts are one of the best things since sliced bread, and I’ve been eyeing this chic dual-tone linen skort from DISSH forever. Pairing perfectly with both white and black tops, I think it’s finally time I add to cart.
This versatile skirt from Reformation can be buttoned up or down, depending on how big of a slit you want. And, mark my words, plaid is having a resurgence.
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen
These striped linen pants are the perfect statement pant to add to your wardrobe. Classic and timeless, yet still fun and funky. Proof that you can have it all.
I’m in love with the detail on this linen midi skirt. For summer brides and those vacationing somewhere gorgeous, this one is for you.
Best Linen Clothing: Dresses & Jumpsuits
Linen dresses or jumpsuits are the most obvious choice for an easy, (literally) breezy summer look. There’s nothing better than a one-and-done outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and cool in the heat. Ideal for daytime cookouts, dinners al fresco, and even summer weddings, the best linen clothing can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
I’ve been gravitating toward linen dresses every weekend. With a swap from a sneaker to a sandal, these looks can take me through my entire day. I’d style the below linen dresses and jumpsuits with a strappy sandal, a raffia bag, and a pearl necklace for a simple—never boring—look that’ll earn compliments everywhere you go.
Some of you may still be on the fence, but bubble dresses and bubble skirts are gaining major traction. This drop-waist mini dress is an excellent way to dip your toes into this trend.
Scalloped-Trim Shift Dress in Linen
Another butter yellow beauty, the scalloped detailing on this dress will earn you best-dressed points at any summer wedding.
Emi Linen Fit & Flare Midi Dress
Managing Editor, Isabelle can’t get enough of this dress. The fit is universally flattering, with a nipped-in waist and breathable linen for a classically feminine silhouette. She has it in white and found that the inner lining keeps the fabric from being see-through.
This dress is a complete showstopper. I’m imagining wearing this wandering the streets of Italy in search of the perfect pasta pomodoro. Tomato girl summer forever.
Flattering and feminine, this jumpsuit is an easy yes. I’d style this with a ponytail and a statement earring for a fun night out.
Full Of Sunshine Cotton-Linen Mini
This dress is business in the front, party in the back. If you’re wary of backless dresses, I recommend using KT Tape as an affordable, secure sticky bra alternative.
Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress
This dress is giving yacht club vibes without the price tag. Easily dressed up and down, this linen dress is perfect for packing on vacation.
Summer is the season of bold dressing, and this printed mini dress has my name written all over it. Perfect for Euro Summer styling and backyard BBQs alike.
This is the only LBD I want to be wearing this summer, except in this case it stands for “Linen Black Dress.” With its halter neckline and midi length, this dress pairs perfectly with both flats and heels.
It’s rare for a piece of clothing to pair well with sneakers and heels, but this linen romper looks superb with both. I’m also a sucker for a square neckline and a one-piece.
Although a bit of a splurge, I dream about this dress and had to include it on this list. Backless and beautiful, this is my ideal summer wedding guest dress.
