Okay, we'll admit it. We're linen obsessed. From understated, minimalist dresses to breezy trousers, there's a lot to love about the warm-weather hero, and there's no wardrobe that couldn't benefit from having a light linen option stored away ready for an impending heatwave. Spring and summer are the best seasons for slipping into easy, fuss-free layers, and the linen shirt in particular has been providing the fashion set with plenty elegant of options for years and years.
From Meghan Markle's airport looks to Angelina Jolie's holiday wardrobe, linen shirts appear time and again when looking for spring and summer inspiration, and now that the weather has started to become warm enough to break out airy shirts, there's no better time to talk about the different ways to wear them.
Even though the linen shirt is a timeless classic, it can be easy for it to feel quite "samey". Thankfully, we've come up with a handful of easy-to-replicate outfits that bring the shirt up to date with just a few key pieces and some standout accessories. So before you pair a plain white shirt with a safe beige trouser, here are four easy outfits all built around the linen shirt that feel effortlessly cool. You're welcome.
HOW TO WEAR A LINEN SHIRT:
1. LINEN SHIRT + MATCHING SHORTS + SANDALS
Style Notes: A shirt and shorts paring is a masterclass in how to look put together in just five minutes, no planning required. Simply pull on and add a minimalist sandal and a basket bag for a summer look ready for the beach, weekend errands or brunch with friends. Throw on a blazer or light jacket and you're all set for spring, too.
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COS is an editor favourite for elevated wardrobe staples, so it should come as no surprise to hear that we love this classic linen shirt.
You can see here how good these shorts look paired with a belt and bright top, but wearing them with a matching white shirt will elevate them even further.
If there's any accessory to be seen with this spring and summer, it has to be a raffia basket bag.
Pared-back perfection from Aeyde
Can't decide between classic gold or trending silver? Wear both at once.
2. LINEN SHIRT + A-LINE SKIRT
Style Notes: If there's one trend you can rely on to return every summer, it has to be safari. From utility pockets to khaki greens and sandy browns, the urban explorer aesthetic manages to appeal to everyone in some way, shape or form. Whether it's cargo shorts, chunky sandals or camo dresses, the easiest way to elevate a linen shirt from simple to chic is by putting together a look fit for exploring far-flung destinations (even if you don't have a holiday booked...yet).
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A universally flattering shade of green.
Be still my beating heart. A poplin skirt that feels entirely modern.
I'll never tire of Dragon Diffusion bags, especially the styles large enough for everything but the kitchen sink.
I know, I can't quite believe these are high-street either.
The only thing more versatile than a pair of black sunnies? A pair of tortoiseshell ones.
3. LINEN SHIRT + LINEN DRESS
Style Notes: And here we present the solution to your "should I take a jacket?" queries–styling a loose shirt as outerwear. When it's slightly too windy for bare arms but far too warm for a denim jacket, add a linen shirt and nonchalantly roll up the sleeves for a laidback take on occasion dressing. In fact, we're wondering why we didn't do it sooner.
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This looks just as good tucked into denim as it does worn open over a midi dress.
Dress it up for an evening out and down for the weekend.
The red is so striking.
Matching your shoes to your handbag is a timeless trick to pull your outfit together.
This will look just a chic with your casual shirt and jeans combo.
4. LINEN SHIRT + JEANS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: After carefully planning your outfits all week, the weekend is your time to relax in a simple look that is as polished as it is practical. This pairing is proof that jeans and trainers will go with just about anything in the right colour palette, and this off-duty spin on the linen shirt is a look that even the most inconspicuous A-lister would approve of.
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With six different colourways, you're spoilt for choice.
Agolde jeans have become the stuff of legend thanks to their exceptional quality and fit.
These are the most comfortable trainers I own.
An editor favourite.
Is it just me, or does every off-duty celeb, editor and model own aviator sunglasses right now?
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