It’s time to break out the Linen—at last. This, one of the underappreciated fabrics, is laborious to manufacture. But because it is an absorbent fiber, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. It can be dressed down to lounge in or dressed up for a luxurious summer evening. Linen has become many things to modern fashion—a summer tradition, breathable and lustrous, casual yet refined, and cool and chic. And precisely because it’s a summer tradition, our favorite designers and brands are breaking out their Linen Collections. Here are a few of our favorite picks!
Ann Taylor Collection: Linen at Last
Blissful Blue Striped Linen Shirtdress (Photo: anntaylor.com)
Breezily cast in lightweight linen, this smartly striped shirtdress is a one-piece wonder that’s up for anything; it sports long sleeves with button tabs, button front, self tie belt, and button cuffs. Blissful indeed.
Stripe Relaxed Ankle Pants (Photo: anntaylor.com)
Since we’re already in a stripe mood, this versatile beauty caught our eye. Sunwashed stripes meet a relaxed, cropped cut to take this stylish pair from 9-to-5 usefulness to weekend escape.
See more from the Linen at Last Collection at anntaylor.com
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Tommy Bahama: The Linen Collection, a Luxe Love Affair
Two Palms Linen Embroidered Maxi Dress (Photo: tonybahama.com)
Bellflower Linen Tunic (Photo: anthropologie.com)
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We love that this gorgeous tunic allows you to breathe with its looseness in the waist. The intricately designed eyelet detail makes it not just a summer top but a work of art.
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Mizuko Linen Dress (Photo: anthropologie.com)
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Wear this a dress with flats or add a belt and wear it as a top—that’s how versatile this linen number is. The design evokes traditional Japanese minimalism with a hint of lighthearted whimsy.
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See more from the Anthropologie Linen Collection at anthropologie.com.
Linen is wonderful in our steamy Southern summers! I iron my linen clothes after washing and then let them wrinkle for that relaxed, casual look.:-)
Yes, I like that maxi dress, too. However, the wrinkles match my face, and also show it’s real linen (the fabric, not my face). Check back for Dr. Pat’s treatise on her linen dress with…was it…buttons down the back? 😎
When you say “linen,” I think “ironing.” I have a couple of gorgeous linen Eileen Fisher dresses and the problem is that after you’ve worn them once (or twice, if you’re VERY CAREFUL) they need ironing. And I’m allergic to ironing. That being said, I’d wear that maxidress in a heartbeat.