Whether you’re working from home, heading to the office, or off to a sunsoaked brunch in the city, a fresh and decidedly modern linen shirt will translate into almost any setting. To show you how to wear a linen shirt effortlessly and stay cool in style, we’ve pulled together our top styling tips.
Keep reading, because these five linen shirt outfit ideas will show you just how versatile this classic wardrobe foundation is. This is laid-back luxury.
1. Pair a linen shirt with denim
What happens when you combine two of the most iconic wardrobe essentials; the linen shirt and denim jeans? You have a style palette to be reckoned with. The linen shirt’s natural texture pairs well with classic denim, from jeans in a slim-straight fit, to wide-leg denim, to skinny styles. A white linen shirt can suit anything from vintage denim for a 90s inspired look to mid-wash and dark denim for something more modern. These two classic staples will never go out of style.
In summer, pair a crisp white linen shirt with a tailored dark denim skirt for an elevated off-duty outfit. This ensemble is perfect for a casual brunch or a shopping day that can easily extend to afternoon drinks with the addition of statement earrings and strappy leather sandals.
2. Style a linen shirt with shorts
Style it right and you'll never tire of a breezy linen shirt. But your linen shirt doesn’t have to just be relegated to work or casual dinners. For a chic summer look, pair your linen shirt with shorts. A white or beige linen shirt works well for warm days matched with a pair of tailored shorts in complementary tones like beige or tan.
3. Mix and match with skirts
For a breathable and chic outfit, look to pairing a linen shirt with a fitted mini skirt. The combination strikes the perfect sartorial balance between relaxed and refined. Opt for head-to-toe in a similar hue for a statement that won’t go unnoticed. Instead of your usual button up linen shirt, opt for styles with statement details like vibrant prints, exaggerated sleeves and interesting necklines for a twist on the norm. Pair with a blazer and chunky loafers and add layered gold jewellery for a directional look.
4. Add a linen shirt to your workwear wardrobe
A crisp linen shirt can breathe new life into your summer workwear wardrobe. Tuck a white or pale blue linen shirt into a pair of wide-leg trousers or linen pants for an office-appropriate look that still feels fresh and fashion focused. You could even pair a linen shirt with a light-hued skirt or tailored shorts on warmer days. Wear with sandals or ballet flats for the day or add a strappy heel and a bold shoulder bag to elevate your look for after-work dinners.
A black linen shirt with a black midi skirt creates an effortless workwear outfit that can be elevated with accessories. For casual days, add a tan belt and tan leather sandals with a shoulder bag. Or, dress your look up by wearing sleek black mules or closed-toe heels and a sharply tailored blazer.
5. Take your linen shirt from day to night
The beauty of this classic wardrobe staple is that it can be elevated so easily. From dinner dates to the latest event on the social calendar, you only need to make a few easy changes to take your linen shirt into the twilight hours.
Tuck your linen shirt into a pair of wide-leg jeans or a long skirt for a fresh evening look. Add a bold pair of stiletto heels or wedges to elevate your ensemble. To turn things up a notch, a statement necklace, sparkling clutch bag, and dash of red lipstick will have you date-night ready in no time.
What are the advantages of linen?
Perhaps both the brains and the brawn of fabrics, linen is one of fashion’s oldest fibere, made from the flax plant. There is a reason why it has stuck around: desirable antibacterial properties, strength and durability for an extended life, moisture absorbency and it only gets better (more comfortable) with age.