When anyone asks how your summer is going you can respond: Good, I’m wearing linen.

Linen is like a lever you can pull to de-escalate your obligations and worries. It likes to float above you, hovering over your skin with cool intentions. Like harnessing a crisp breeze off the water, linen has a way of shutting down the temperature noise and helps you to live among the heat in the most luxurious way.

Rule #1 about linen: forgive the wrinkles. Move on and move past it. It’s what linen does. Embrace it and lean into the comfortably disheveled and insouciant aesthetic that tells onlookers that you aren’t concerned about it. Your iron took a leave of absence and we’re wearing an attitude of complete indifference. Besides, the straight-from-the-suitcase wrinkle will lessen in the tropics. Wrinkles, rumples and creases are expected of the fabric. After three piña coladas, it’s less of a worry.

Summer linen outfits for men and women mean lightweight soft comfort on repeat. From linen sets (a blatant flex) for vacation outfits, linen is the summer fabric that sets the tone (and oftentimes the temperature). With the help of our A.K. Rikk’s personal stylists, we run through a few options for summer linen outfits that give that casually carefree vibe.

Your office job and a classic white dress shirt are a natural pairing–but when you add linen an easygoing summer aesthetic emerges. This cropped piece from TWP is how you wear linen at your day job to then quickly transition to drinks on the patio and hot gossip. Simply add trouser pants or tailored shorts as well as heels and this season’s scarf trends for a pop of print and color.

“This shirt is the ultimate staple for your summer wardrobe. It immediately dresses up a pair of shorts or softens the look of a pair of wide-leg trousers. I’ve also styled this on clients with midi skirts or over a bodycon tank dress. It just works with everything!” -Brie Stoner

Summer nuptials often take place outside. Don’t sweat it. When you link up with a good linen dress shirt you’ve mastered climate control. From 100 Hands, this blue paisley shirt is a special occasion option that moonlights as resort wear linen for destination weddings or can be worn when dressing up for dinners by the water. Pairing with wide-leg linen pants and leather sandals means you can walk the beach après-dinner.

“I love linen in the summertime! It's the perfect fabric to feel casual and cool in the highest temperatures. If I had this shirt to style, I would pair it with a Barena navy linen pant, a Rag and Bone straw hat, Orlebar Brown flip flops and some ZEGNA sunglasses.” - Chris Stanko

When it comes to what to wear with linen, think equally breezy pieces to create a summer linen clothing capsule that’s nonchalant but polished enough. Linen is key for steamy weather so this breathable white tank top from L’agence comes in clutch. Complete the look with a skirt and sandals and pile on the gold and nautical-inspired jewelry.

“I love a good linen vest! It's so versatile for your wardrobe. Paired with a blue jean or a skirt, the options are limitless! Layer it for those chilly days with a long sleeve underneath or with a blazer for a business event. This is the piece to have!” - Gabi Salais

It’s about feeling relaxed. Elevated summer linen outfits start with trousers with an easygoing personality. These watery blue relaxed-fit trousers from Orlebar Brown move beautifully and lightly with the body. The comfortable drawstring waist nudges along the nonchalant allure while complementing striped tees and luxury flip flops or sneakers speak of an unconcerned styling that’s loose and luxurious.

“These pants are what I love about linen: it’s breathable. You can wear them in the hot, muggy and high humidity weather. I also love to wear long-sleeve linen shirts with shorts. My motto is: wrinkle with class!” - Blair Dame

Linen knows how to drape. It seems to know the curves of your body and follows along dutifully, weightlessly in tune to your design. This Zimmermann dress features a painterly island landscape that’s ethereal and suspends loosely for comfort. It’s made extra special with shell charm detailing at the straps. Weave in flat sandals, raffia handbags and oversized sunglasses to execute summer linen trends.

“This dress is a beautiful example of why I love Zimmermann! The island map print instantly transports you to the tropics. No one does a linen print like Zimmermann. I love how feminine this dress looks with the scoop neckline and fitted bodice that balances the midi length flared skirt so nicely.” - Bethany Hensen

With every summer party invite where you wonder what to wear, a linen shirt is the happy middle ground. Casual yet refined, featherweight and the next best thing to wearing nothing, this short sleeve grey shirt from Theory is cut from delicate linen with a modern grid pattern to keep things sophisticated. Throw on shorts, a leather belt and a thick silver chain necklace and head straight to that impromptu, last-minute party. 

“I love this camp shirt from Theory! It’s a super versatile piece to mix into your wardrobe. You are able to dress it up or down by buttoning up or wearing it open with a white tee.” - Chase Hayward

Linen as self-care? We’re convinced. Saying goodbye to rigid denim, itchy fabrics and ultra-structured pieces and replacing them with linen’s soft, lightweight and soothing simplicity is a way to de-stress. It’s a chill fabric that helps you unwind. It speaks a soft language and invites an effortless charm. It’s evident in this Ralph Lauren Collection dress with short sleeves and a belt that can be removed so you can wear this piece more casually–even open as a beach cover-up.

“This dress is a woman's dream. It transitions from workday sophistication to weekend chic with ease. Designed with versatility in mind, it’s the kind of piece you'll reach for again and again—easily styled to suit any occasion while keeping you comfortable and confident all day long.” - Jennifer Unger