I’ve worked in the fashion industry as a stylist and editor now for almost a decade, and it’s only recently that I’ve started getting to grips with summer dressing. As a minimalist, winter is easy— just layer classics like shirts and cashmere in a mix of neutral colours, throw on a good coat and you’ve got a dependably chic look. But summer I’ve struggled with in the past— part of me is drawn to all the colour, prints and frilly dresses but then I remember it’s just not very me. As well as having to navigate not boiling to death on a London tube while still looking polished and not too, well, naked.
It can be tough, but a few summers ago— in a desperate bid for inspiration— I looked to some of my favourite stylish people across all ages to figure out what it was they were all doing so right. Turns out, it was linen that was the common denominator in all of their outfits— from dresses to shirts and even tailoring. Of course, I went straight out and started building up my collection and I’ve never looked back. The epitome of summer ease, linen, unlike certain recognisable prints or colour trends, is timeless and the quality is long-lasting, so you can pull out the same classic pieces year after year. As soon as the temperatures rise, the light fabric works for relaxed weekends pottering around the house, it works for the office and it even works as occasionwear— what’s not to like?
Despite linen being so superior in style, quality and looking darn polished, luckily you don’t actually have to spend loads to add it to your wardrobe. Linen has become a huge category for the high street and, honestly, some of the best pieces I’ve found this year have been from more affordable spots.
Unsurprisingly, Arket— the minimalist mecca— does amazing linen pieces and I can personally vouch for their shirts, shorts and linen trousers which I lived in last summer. H&M also has an excellent edit of everyday pieces this year, most of which sold out instantly before it was even warm enough to wear them. Don’t worry, though, there’s still plenty of new linen pieces landing on their site every day. For smarter linen, I suggest looking to & Other Stories, whose dress and tailoring collection rivals any designer pieces I’ve seen to date.
Keep scrolling then, for 30 of the very best linen pieces worth investing in this summer. You’re welcome…
The perfect white linen shirt.
Such a great work option.
I love throwing these on on weekends.
I’m looking to switch my neutrals up with classic blues this summer.
These shorts are so comfy! The perfect holiday pair.
Arket have introduced linen co-ords this year and I’m obsessed with these short-sleeved shirts paired with the drawstring trousers above.
A slouchy shirt always looks expensive, and doubles up as a great beach cover-up.
These are a great smart-casual option.
I have a feeling you’d rely on this dress all summer.
I have these in both colours because they’re so good.
Part of H&M’s premium selection, you can have confidence this dress will last you a long time.
H&M also have great plus size linen options.
These were a best-seller last year.
Does it get more classic?
This shirt is perfectly oversized.
These look so comfy.
I can’t believe how expensive this affordable blazer looks.
A dress you’ll wear again and again.
I love these trousers styled with fisherman sandals.
This is such a pretty dress for summer events. I tried it recently and would recommend sizing up.
A light but smart summer jacket.
I just invested in these because I’m sure they’ll sell out by summer.
I bought this dress 3 years ago and it’s still one of my favourites.
An easy, pull-on style.
I can totally imagine wearing these day-to-night on holiday.
There’s just a few sizes left in these perfect trousers.
This lilac shade is the colour of the season.
Throw this over jeans now and then pair with the matching skirt below for summer office days.
This would also look cute on its own with a ribbed vest for heatwaves.
Up Next: H&M’s Linen Collection Is the Easiest Way to Look Expensive This Summer
