We’ve finally shaken off the winter blues and are fully basking in the season of blooms. And maybe it’s just me, but my calendar has suddenly filled with one outing after the next: Sunday brunches, park picnics, strolls through botanical gardens, and spontaneous winery trips. With all that on the agenda, I’ve officially started swapping out my heavier transitional layers for warm-weather staples. At the top of that list? Linen.
This breezy fabric is beloved for good reason. Made from lightweight, breathable fibers, linen helps you stay cool as temperatures rise. It’s also the kind of textile that easily adapts to different dress codes, working just as well for a laid-back afternoon with friends as it does for a garden wedding or an alfresco dinner date.
The way I style some of my most coveted linen pieces depends entirely on the occasion. For weekday meetings or coffee runs, I’ll reach for a relaxed linen button-down—crisp enough to feel polished but breathable enough for warmer temps. I’ll tuck it into high-waisted trousers for a clean silhouette, then swap for jeans and a few more buttons undone for happy hour. Plus, we know they make for a great bathing suit cover-up.
For weekend plans, tiered linen dresses or skirts are my go-to for more elevated occasions like garden parties, outdoor jazz concerts, or rooftop dinners. My personal favorite, though, has to be the matching linen set. It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, and they can be worn separately. The easy trousers with a simple tank and the top with a pair of jeans.
But here’s the catch: linen sells out quickly. Once summer is in full swing, the most coveted cuts, shades, and sizes disappear fast. That’s why the best time to shop is now. Before the heat hits and the good stuff is gone. To save you the scroll, ESSENCE rounded up 8 editor-approved linen styles that check all the boxes, and are ready for whatever your spring and summer calendar holds.
Embody picnic energy in this gingham linen set that’s made for rosé-in-the-park moments, street fair strolls, or flirty summer dates. Just add a cool pair of sunnies and a wicker bag or basket to top the look off.
Available at Reformation
This embroidered linen skirt by Tracey Reese’s Hope For Flowers is perfect for brunch with the girls or a stroll around the farmers market. Pair it with a fitted tank and woven flats or open-toe sandals for an effortless warm-weather look.
Available at Hope For Flowers