What to Look Out For When Buying Linen Outfits

Warm weather calls for the perfect fabric to feel fresh, confident and versatile (as well as light, for the baggage weight limit!). This is often why linen is the go-to option for many of us. However, it can have its downsides, such as creasing or being difficult to style if you are unsure how to wear it.

Thanks to the structure of linen, it is a highly breathable fabric, meaning it won't cling to your skin, billowing and helping to cool your body - the very reason it is so popular for warmer climates.

If you want to try adding linen looks to your summer wardrobe, whether for the beach, date night, or running around a humid London, this is my guide to getting linen right.

What to Look Out For When Buying Linen Outfits

Let's start with sharing that linen is a no-go if you have a classic style personality - the creasing will drive you mad. So if you fall into this personal style type, look for alternative options that can work in the heat, but have a better structure. For a natural style personality, it can work beautifully, and with the modern styling of linen, dramatic and creative personality types can find unique options too.

Consider a Linen Mix:

Look for a linen mix, which offers different structure and fluidity to complement your personal style and needs.

• Linen-Viscose (Rayon): This blend creates a soft, fluid fabric with better drape than 100% linen, ideal for summer dresses and trousers.

• Linen-Cotton: Combining the durability of linen with the softness of cotton creates a durable, breathable, and less prone to creasing fabric, often used for garments and linens.

• Linen-Polyester: Often used for more affordable, low-maintenance options that are more resistant to wrinkles and easier to care for.

• Linen-Ramie: Combines two natural, durable, and eco-friendly fibres for a breathable fabric that holds its shape well.

Try one piece rather than a full outfit

If this is your first time trying linen for an outfit, I highly recommend trying just a few pieces to see how they feel and work within your wardrobe. The style of linen that is on the market tends to be looser in fit, which can be difficult to style for certain body types. I highly recommend seeing how the piece/s you purchase will work with your current wardrobe before packing a fully-filled linen bag and being disappointed that you have "nothing to wear".

How to style your linen outfit

When you have found one piece you want to use and add to your wardrobe, here are some ways to style it.

Linen top layers

A great way to keep yourself protected from the sun, without overheating, is with a linen jacket, blazer, or long-sleeved blouse left open over your main outfit. Lighter colours that work well with your outfit ensure your shoulders are kept away from the blazing sun, while not overheating.

A linen blazer can also be a strong versatile piece that can be worn for work, as well as on holiday dinners or dates.

Linen trousers and skirts

This can be an excellent foundation for a day-to-day holiday look with wide-leg linen trousers and a vest, a blouse, tee, or silk camisole. While a linen skirt can be a great replacement for the silk midi skirt that is so popular but often can feel a little more clingy at the stomach. If your trousers are more voluminous, consider a slimmer top or cropped jacket to pull you in at the waist.

Linen tops

A linen top is often more light and loose-fitting than the traditional shirt, and can be trickier to style if you want to define your waist. You can tie at the waist to create this definition, or embrace the looser fit.

Linen dresses and jumpsuits

Ever the chic look and often a staple for the summer holidays in the likes of Greece, Spain and Italy, you can find plenty of linen dresses that work for any style. Consider the linen dress as you would any other dress, and remember to take a cooling stick for your legs if you are on the curvier side so you feel comfortable when walking. To mask the creasing on this piece, you may want to look for linen dresses with patterns, ruffles or pleats.

Linen Co-Ords and How to Style Them

Matching linen sets can be an easy go-to if you want to look put together with minimal effort. The great thing about them is they can work with other pieces from your wardrobe as well as one another. If you are a dramatic personality, you may want to consider looking for unique co-ords in fun colours, patterns or shapes so they feel more aligned with your personality; whereas if you are a natural personality look for neutral tones such as beiges, sands, or even navy or deep browns.

You could even invest in a linen three-piece suit for a more androgynous styling and for the office, taking the blazer on its own with a pair of shorts and a tee for a more relaxed evening; pairing the waistcoat with a silk midi skirt; while matching the wide leg trousers with a unique body suit - so your suit can be multiple outfits!

Quick Tips for your Linen Purchase

Here are some more quick tips for you when looking at investing in linen pieces so you aren't disappointed:

• Scrunch it up in your hand and let it go straight away, and you'll see how much it creases.

• Don't iron linen and wear it straight away as it will crease immediately; let it cool down first.

• Wash your linen in cold water on a gentle cycle, avoiding harsh detergents.

For more inspiration, visit my lookbook for linen outfits, or join our Style Club for just £25 per month with monthly Style Surgery, coffee mornings, and a group chat for style advice and much, much more.