Summer in the city is unmatched because the warm weather opens up endless possibilities. You can head to the beach for the day or hop on a plane. Basically, you can be out in the world living your best life. But with the prospect of hotter days comes with its own set of wardrobe challenges. Having a Hot Girl Summer, in theory, is great until you’re actually overheating because you don’t own the right clothes. Having an arsenal of summer clothing that can keep you looking cool (in every definition of the word) on a summer day is a must—which is something that veteran New Yorkers and Parisians know well.
You see, it’s not just about having great sandals or dresses on hand, but the secret I’ve found (after doing some deep scrolling) is owning great linen separates. Linen is the one fabric that’s so polished, versatile, and functional that it promotes itself into staple status among the fashion set. So in that vein, I’ve done some deep scrolling to identify the six linen staples the New York and Paris fashion sets wear in the summer. These are not only the best linen clothes for summer you can buy, but they’ll also guarantee you survive the scorching heat in style no matter where you live.
Key Staple: Linen Tops
Is it even possible to waft about New York or Paris without wearing at least one cute linen top? Jokes aside, this staple has staying power in any wardrobe as it’s not only light-weight, but with iterations coming in the form of polished button-downs or puff-sleeve tops, it’s one of the best linen pieces to buy for the summer, hands down.
This top is so precious.
The perfect lightweight top for a night out.
It’s a linen blend bustier, but it’s so good.
At the top of my wish list for summer.
Linen button-up tops are a must-have for the summer.
I'm a sucker for a linen vest.
Yep, packing this for my next vacation.
The halter neckline on this top is hot, but the linen fabric will keep you cool.
Key Staple: Linen Skirts
The next linen staple that the Parisian and New York fashion set wear all summer long is skirts. It doesn’t matter what form it comes in (a maxi or mini, starch-white hues or vibrant pink); it’s clear that this piece has become a must-have basic that’s far from boring.
Linen pencil skirt? Yes, please.
The shade of this skirt is scrumptious.
Easy breezy.
How chic is this chocolate brown linen skirt, though?
This color is everything.
Ideal for a day by the sea.
Linen slip skirts are the staple I didn’t even know I needed in my life.
So chic.
Key Staple: Linen Dresses
As a New Yorker, I can fully attest to the power of owning a linen dress. In fact, I live in them all summer, and I know I’m not the only one. Women around the world swear by linen dresses because they’re the easiest way to look chic all summer without breaking a sweat.
Made with cotton and linen, you can rest assured this minidress will keep you cool on a warm summer day.
My all-time favorite linen dress is from COS.
Perfect for the office.
An embodiment of Hot Girl Summer.
It comes in six other shades too!
The bodice on this is so flattering.
Stunning all around.
I dream of this dress on a daily basis.
Key Staple: Linen Pants
Linen dresses aren’t the only staple beloved by the fashion set, so are trousers. But what makes linen pants a hero piece among the fashion set? Versatility, of course. Not only can you find them in various hems, fits, and hues, but they can be dressed up (think: a full linen suit) or down (styled with a cute crop top) they can come in a set or fit seamlessly into what you already have. In conclusion, linen pants are the breath of fresh air that every summer wardrobe needs.
Pleated pants are always a yes in my books.
These will go with everything in your closet already.
White will always be the color of the summer.
It's giving.
I’d wear these with my swimsuit by the pool.
Butter yellow linen pants? I’m losing it.
The low-rise on these is phenomenal.
These will give your leggings a run for their money.
Key Staple: Linen Blazers
Blazers have always been a beloved wardrobe staple among the fashion set, so it’s only rationale that they’d hold a significance well into the summer too. But with warmer temps, it only makes sense to swap wool and other heavy-weight blazers for linen. Trust me when I say, you’ll love your linen blazer just as much as any other outerwear piece in your closet.
So fresh, and so clean, clean.
This linen blazer comes in six different colorways.
A blazer that will be a mainstay in your wardrobe for years.
Just when I thought I couldn't love linen blazers more, this blue one exists.
Love, love, love.
The perfect boxy blazer.
Your work wardrobe will thank you for buying this blazer.
Ok Zara, go off.
Key Staple: Linen Shorts
If you’ve made it here, you’ve hopefully concluded that linen is the staple of the summer among New Yorkers and Parisians. It’s not only incredibly functional but fashionable too. And if that weren’t enough to sell you, then just think of one of the last (and one of the best) linen pieces to purchase: shorts. This staple, like other linen clothing, makes dressing stylishly in the summer a breeze.
You’ll own these for years to come.
Simple yet luxurious.
Hot.
The perfect pair of neutral-hued linen shorts.
It doesn't get more timeless than these shorts.
The hemline and the fabric comprehension of these shorts will ensure you're comfortable all summer.
We love a matching linen set.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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