I'm Building All My Outfits Around This One Chic Summer Item

Women in black and white linen outfits
(Image credit: @anoukyve; sylviemus)

When it comes to summer dressing, I'm all about outfits that exude an easy and effortless elegance. Lately, every look I've been liking and saving on Instagram has one thing in common—linen. Linen is one of my favorite fabrics for summer. There's no doubt the chic and breezy texture exudes a casual sophistication and looks just as chic on the beach as it does in the city, proving just how versatile linen can be. While it's always handy to have a steamer or iron on hand for a crisper city look, a few wrinkles and crinkles just add to its raw, natural charm.

If, like me, you're building most of your outfits around linen pieces then, take a look below as I'm sharing plenty of fashion-forward ensembles that you can re-create for a laid-back luxe look this summer. These outfits will keep you cool and looking chic in the sweltering heat. Keep scrolling to shop the looks for yourself.

Woman wearing a linen shirt and pants outfit.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Elegant white linen pants are an essential piece to have in your summer wardrobe. When you don't have time to think, simply pair them with a contrasting black linen blouse (or tank top) and matching black and white accessories to complete the look.

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woman in black linen set

(Image credit: @sylviemus)

A favorite among the fashion set, a linen vest and matching skirt are unquestionably one of the most polished ways to wear the laid-back fabric this summer. Style with minimalist mules to finish the look.

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Woman in pale yellow linen dress

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)

A linen dress will be your wardrobe savior on sweltering hot summer days. Buy one in this season's of-the-moment butter yellow color trend to add a fresh and fashion-forward touch to your look. Chic black accessories add the perfect finishing touch.

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Woman wearing a tank top and linen pants.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Striped pants are trending this summer. Opt for a linen pair and simply style with a chic white tank top to not overcomplicate the look. Add a pretty necklace to complete your cool outfit.

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Woman in red linen top and jeans

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

An effortless linen top is a chic option to pair with jeans and denim shorts this season. Choose a bold hue to amp up your basics.

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Woman in black linen shorts set.

(Image credit: @linhniller)

When the temps start to rise, opt for a black linen vest and matching black shorts for a look that will keep you cool and looking chic in the city.

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Woman wearing white linen blazer and skirt.

(Image credit: @olympiamarie)

A white linen blazer exudes a casual sophistication and is the perfect piece to throw on with a miniskirt, long shorts, a dress… The list goes on. Add plenty of gold accessories for good measure.

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Woman in white linen dress.

(Image credit: @champagnemani)

There's nothing as simple and elegant as a long white linen dress. Opt for one with a fitted bodice and A-line silhouette that can easily be worn day or night.

Woman in white linen shirt and shorts

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

A relaxed linen button-down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you'll wear this summer. Style it over a bikini as a cover up, with a tank top and linen pants for an easy weekend look, or with effortless shorts as seen here.

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white linen vest and pants

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

I can't overlook the classic combination fashion people love—a matching white linen vest and wide-leg pants. Pair with comfy flatforms and a pop of color for a cool finishing touch.

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Judith Jones
Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.