How to Style Linen Pants
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Linen pants are one wardrobe basic that every woman should have in her closet for summer. Not only are they incredibly comfortable and easy to style, but they are also ideal for looking chic and staying cool on hot and humid days.
If you have curated your own capsule wardrobe, then you know that versatility is the key when selecting pieces for your wardrobe. I appreciate how easy it is to mix and match linen pants with the rest of my wardrobe and style them for almost any occasion from going out to workwear to beachwear. To help you incorporate linen pants into your summer wardrobe, I’m sharing how to style linen pants for summer and 6 outfit ideas that you can copy.
You can find several variations of linen pants, but certain styles look more elegant than others. A tailored pair of linen pants, preferably with belt loops, is a much chicer option than slouchy styles with visible waistbands and tie strings. Color is also important to consider when choosing this style of pants. Although bold colors are a fun way to make a statement, opting for a pair in black, white, beige and other neutral colors will help you maximize the number of ways you can style them.
How to Style Linen Pants
Styling linen pants can be difficult. A classic pair of linen pants can easily look like baggy pajama bottoms if they aren’t styled correctly. They also require some maintenance, since they tend to crease naturally. However, with these easy tips, you can make linen pants look effortlessly chic with any summer outfit.
Choose a Flattering Fit
Finding a pair of linen pants that fit you well can be a challenge since many styles are very casual and baggy. Skip the oversized, drawstring pants, and instead opt for styles that fit well and flatter your body shape. Whether you prefer wide-leg, straight-leg, or tapered styles, make sure they complement your figure. Look for linen pants with belt loops; adding a belt can help cinch your waist while elevating a more casual outfit. Cropped styles can also look great, but keep in mind that longer pants will make you look slimmer and taller.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Add a few accessories to elevate your linen pants ensemble from casual to chic. A belt not only can help define your waist, but it also makes the casual fabric feel more refined.
Look for accessories made from natural materials like linen, canvas, crochet or raffia. Summery details like shells, pearls and beads also look beautiful with linen. Try a straw hat, woven bag or even raffia earrings to complete your summer look.
Depending on the weather and occasion, layering pieces like lightweight cardigans, denim jackets, or blazers can add dimension to your outfit while providing extra warmth or coverage. If you wear a wide-leg linen pant with a loose-fitting shirt, choose the appropriate outwear and accessories to avoid looking like you’re wearing pajamas. A classic knit wrapped around your shoulders is my favorite way to instantly make a look feel more polished.
Lately, I’ve been loving hair accessories like silk headbands and scarves, and they can easily upgrade a basic linen look. I love how Sofia Richie Grainge wears a scarf in her hair with this luxe linen outfit.
Again, the key is to keep your accessories seasonally appropriate.
Fabrics to Pair with Linen
Linen's casual comfortability makes it a summer favorite. But it can just as easily be styled for spring and fall by pairing it with the right fabrics. During the summer months, it’s best to wear linen with other lightweight fabrics like cotton or try an all-linen look. As the seasons change, linen can adapt. You might mix in richer textures like denim, silk and even leather.
Keep it Wrinkle-Free (or Not)
Keep in mind too that linen has a natural tendency to wrinkle. So, is it ok to wear wrinkled linen? It depends on the occasion. While wrinkled linen is completely fine for everyday wear, formal settings that call for smarter looks might not be the best time to wear your favorite linen trousers.
If you prefer a more polished look, opt for linen pants blended with wrinkle-resistant fabrics. However, wrinkles can also add to linen's relaxed style. Depending on your look, you might appreciate this ultra-casual element.
What Tops to Wear with Linen Pants
As previously mentioned, linen pants can look too casual if not styled correctly. To avoid the pajama ensemble, choose a more fitted t-shirt or tank top. These options will contrast nicely with the looser, creased look of the linen pants. Looser-fitting button-downs can also pair perfectly with linen pants, but make sure to tuck them in or tie them at the bottom to keep your form visible, not hidden under layers of fabric. Linen tops with matching pants can also look great together, but this ensemble is best reserved for casual occasions like beach days.
What Shoes to Wear with Linen Pants
Linen pants can be worn with almost any summer shoe. For a beach day, a pair of leather slides or flip-flops will add to your casual summer ensemble. A pair of basic white sneakers is another everyday shoe option that will upgrade your look without looking formal.
If you want a next-level outfit to wear to work, a party, or a dinner date, then try a pair of heeled sandals, espadrilles or ballet flats. Any shoe made of leather, suede or another high-quality material will instantly make your outfit look more polished. Matching the material or color of your purse, jacket, etc. can also make your ensemble feel more elegant.
Linen Pants Outfit Ideas
What to Wear with Beige Linen Pants
Beige linen pants are a classic summer staple with endless outfit possibilities. A crisp white shirt is a timeless pairing with beige linen pants. Elevate it further with a blazer and statement earrings for an ensemble that is perfect for work or weekend brunch. Beige looks so chic with black, but I prefer to pair this hue with brown shoes and accessories for summer. You might even opt for different neutral shades in your outfit to create a sophisticated monochromatic look.
What to Wear with White Linen Pants
White linen pants are the epitome of summer chic, and their timelessness makes them incredibly easy to style. Try pairing them with a striped top for a timeless combination that’s perfect for a day at the beach or a casual lunch date. Elevate your white linen pants for a summer evening by pairing them with a silky blouse. Go for an all-white look by wearing your white pants with a linen vest. I’ve styled this white linen set below with strappy sandals and a matching handbag for a simple, yet sophisticated summer ensemble.
How to Wear Linen Pants to Work
Linen can sometimes feel too casual for the office, but it doesn’t have to if you style it in the right way. Pair high-waisted, tailored linen pants (preferably in a neutral color) with a button-down shirt, modest tank top, or a simple t-shirt under a blazer. Add a pair of mules, flats or heels to match your work bag, and your office-appropriate outfit is complete. To upgrade your look even more, try adding a silk scarf and/or a leather belt.
How to Wear Linen Pants on Vacation
For a vacation look, pair linen pants with any casual flat shoe like sandals or sneakers. Leather slides, strappy sandals and flatforms are some of my favorite shoes to wear on vacation, and they look great with a pair of casual linen pants. Add a basic t-shirt or tank top, then finish your outfit with a basket bag and your favorite sunglasses for effortless vacation style.
Linen pants can also make the perfect coverup if you’re spending the day by the pool or at the beach. Try a pair of white linen pants over your swimsuit and add some slide-on sandals for a casual ensemble. For extra coverage, layer an unbuttoned shirt over your look.
How to Dress Up Linen Pants
Although linen is often seen as a casual fabric, you can easily upgrade a pair of linen pants for a party. Combine them with a wrap top, one-shoulder tank top or any other fun, flattering evening top, then add a pair of flat or heeled sandals. The right accessories can go a long way to enhance your party look. Try a pair of bold hoop earrings, a colorful clutch bag and any trendy accessories to liven up a classic outfit. You can also experiment with color. Instead of a traditional beige, black or white linen pant, go for a brightly colored pair in green, orange, etc.
What to Wear with Striped Linen Pants
Striped linen pants are having a moment this summer. But what to pair them with? You can never go wrong with a plain white or black t-shirt for a clean base that lets your striped pants take center stage. A crisp button-down is another option that feels more elevated. Tuck it in for a defined waistline, or leave it loose for a more relaxed look. A chambray shirt adds a touch of cool-girl sophistication to your striped linen pants.
Shop Linen Pants
How do you style linen pants? Which of these linen pants outfit ideas is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
