It's True: Every Outfit I Love Right Now Features This Chic Summer Staple

woman in white linen dress

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Jessica wears a white linen dress from Posse.

For some reason, linen has never really been a fabric that I've warmed to. I think it's due to my reluctance to buy clothing that is so obviously restricted to the summer months which, in UK terms, usually means a period of about eight weeks. I'd much rather buy something I can justifiably wear all year round. Historically, I have also never been someone who feels comfortable in that "bohemian beach-dweller" vibe that so often dominates summer collections.

But this season, due to the glorious weather ahead, I have conceded that actually linen might be just what I need right now, and the more I browsed 2023's offering, the more I found my attitude changing. Far from the free-flowing frocks that previously defined the trend, now linen comes in a wider range of styles, including short sets and clean-lined tailored trousers (though we're still huge fans of the linen dress).

1. Linen Blazer + Linen Shorts + Ballet Flats

@deborabrosa in a linen blazer and shorts

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: Short suits are a hot ticket item this season, particularly in linen, as it’ll help keep you cool even on the hottest summer days.

Shop the Look:

2. Linen Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers + Clogs

@_livmadeline wearing a linen shirt, wide-leg trousers and clogs

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Breezy and chic, it’s easy to understand the appeal of a linen shirt. Make like Liv and pair yours with some wide-leg trousers and comfy clogs for a simple warm-weather outfit solution.

Shop the Look:

3. Linen Shirt + Swimsuit + Basket Bag

@spiritedpursuit wearing a linen shirt with a swimsuit and basket bag

(Image credit: @spiritedpursuit)

Style Notes: Why save your best linen buys for the city? Use a bright or printed linen shirt as a stylish beach cover-up.

Shop the Look:

4. Linen Midi Dress + Strappy Sandals

@smythsisters wearing a linen midi dress and strappy sandals

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: If you want to achieve the linen look with minimal effort—or take it to one of the summer events in your calendar—opt for a breezy midi dress in the natural fabric. We'll be wearing strappy sandals with our linen frocks this season.

Shop the Look:

5. Linen Blouse + Colour Pop Midi Skirt

Woman in white shirt and yellow skirt

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Chances are you already have a white linen shirt in your wardrobe. Give it a new lease of life with the addition of a bold skirt, just as Monikh has done here.

Shop the look:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.