This Summer, Linen Is Best Served in Unexpected Silhouettes

Sponsored

Up to 75% Off for Bulk Beads & Jewelry Making Supplies

The girls are perspiring because summer is in full swing. (The girlies are me.) Even though we constantly have a river of sweat collecting in our backs and an intense desire to burn anything that has underwire, we still want to look cute when we go out on the town. Here’s where linen becomes useful. Linen is the perfect counterbalance to a summer schvitz since it’s light and breathable but robust enough that you don’t feel too exposed.

Even though you probably already own a few linen pieces (a puff-sleeved flowery dress and a pair of white drawstring trousers or shorts, for example), there is a whole new universe of linen available that seems distinctly fresher for next summer. Imagine an enormous blazer that says “businesswoman special” and a micromini dress made of linen that would look amazing with a lush mani. But make it summertime. And what better brand to offer non-basic linen clothes than Reformation, the company that popularised linen milkmaid dresses?

Here, we examine four brand-new Reformation summer linen outfits. Additionally, there are already a few non-basic linen items in our virtual shopping carts.

The micro mini-dress

This tiny dress is surprisingly short without making you feel overly exposed. This is because, despite its short length, it boasts a gorgeous A-line design that truly floats away from the body and doesn’t even somewhat resemble bodycon. The girls are tucked in even though the stems are out thanks to the straight neckline that reaches a considerable height and covers the entire décolletage. Bonus: The spaghetti straps may be adjusted to your desired length and tied in a lovely bow at the back.

The Aubree Linen Dress runs a little big, but for the previously mentioned summer sweat reasons, I kind of liked the extra room.

The oversized blazer

I had no idea how much use I’d get out of a spacious blazer during the sweltering summer months, but it makes sense when worn again in breathable linen in a neutral shade. (You only need to know that I’ve been known to refer to my enormous Frankie Shop topper as my “emotional support blazer”).

In my honest opinion, the Classic Relaxed Linen Blazer from Ref looks great worn over a linen mini-dress, teamed with linen Bermuda shorts, or layered over some coastal granny drawstring trousers for a stylish summer suit look. Style tip: For a “business-casual, but make it summer Friday” vibe, push and roll the sleeves.

The unexpected wear-everywhere dress

The unexpected wear-everywhere linen dress

My bingo card for the “most versatile summer dress” did not include a halter-neck linen dress, yet here we are. The halter neckline of this nipped-waist dress, which cuts very high, ends in a slim—dare I say sexy—single strap that descends the back. The Percy Linen Dress is a hit for a range of occasions, from a wine bar date to a baby shower brunch, thanks to its contrast of sweet and seductive. Her modest side is accentuated with a small cardigan wrapped around her neck and a basket bag, while her nocturnal ensemble includes a box clutch and high-heeled mule. A queen with many facets!

You might want to go up a size if you’re in between sizes because this full-skirted linen dress runs a little small.

The cool vest-shirt hybrid

These days, a vest that can be worn as a shirt is practically a wardrobe essential, and Ref has several incredibly versatile linen variations. I tried the Aspen shirt (above), which gives Europe summer vibes and looks extremely stylish when coupled with a miniskirt. However, I’m also digging the Brennan Linen Vest, which feels very office-siren-appropriate and borders on halter-top territory.

Along with this subdued tomato red, this linen vest also comes in neutral white and black. It runs a little small. The buttons with the gold rims also give it a vintage vibe.