There’s one solid, dependable piece of summer clothing that’s somehow chic, casual and comfortable all at once. Any guesses? I wore these constantly last year, and ended up buying multiple pairs in different colors. If you guessed linen pants, then you might already know firsthand how perfect they are for summer dressing! And if you’ve been hesitant to wear them for whatever reason in seasons past, I’m here with 13 style tips about how to wear linen pants that might just convince you to try them out.
1. Mix and match textures
pants | shirt | baseball hat | sandals | tote
One of my favorite ways to wear linen pants in the spring and summer is to pair them with contrasting textures for an interesting look. For instance, if you want a dynamic outfit try choosing a fabric that’s seemingly opposite of relaxed, flowy linen – like structured denim. This will create great contrast in your look, and also keep you a bit warmer on top if you’re creating a transitional outfit for in-between weather.
Next, try adding in a few additional textures with the help of your accessories. A leather pair of sandals, a canvas boat tote, and a twill baseball cap are perfect. Now you have a go-to outfit formula for running errands this summer that’s laidback, but still full of good style.
2. Include a pop of red
t-shirt | pants | sandals | tote bag | earrings
Although you might just have a neutral pair of linen pants (I tend to stick to a simple color palette so that they’re easier to incorporate into a summer capsule wardrobe), you can still create a colorful linen pants outfit by pairing them with a red top. This red and white combo in particular leans into the trending nautical aesthetic for a vibrant summer look.
Next, add texture with your accessories. Try a pair of woven sandals, a coordinating bucket tote, and gold and pearl hoop earrings to complete the ensemble.
3. Add Parisian-inspired accessories
pants | flats | shirt | scarf | sunglasses | bag
You know we love Parisian-inspired style here at MCO! If you’re looking for a French girl-approved look with linen pants, try styling them with a Breton or Mariner boatneck tee on top in classic white and navy stripes. Then, add a pair of classic ballet flats. Accessorize with a French straw market tote. In your hair or around the handle of your bag, add a pop of color with a patterned scarf. Finally, add a pair of chic sunglasses to finish the outfit that’s perfect for strolling your local farmer’s market.
Related: The Best 15 French Summer Outfits to Wear This Year
4. Transition them from winter to spring
pants | clogs | socks | bag | sweater | t-shirt
Linen pants are also a great transitional piece to take your outfits from winter to warmer spring weather. The key is to pair them with a warmer top, so you don’t get too cold. Layers are key for this! Try pairing a white tee with a cozy fisherman sweater. It still gives off spring vibes, but will keep you nice and warm until the weather gets the memo that it’s actually springtime.
As for shoes, if it’s still too cold for sandals, try a pair of clogs and ribbed socks worn underneath. Accessorize with a straw market tote and you’re good to go!
5. Create a tonal outfit
pants | shirt | tank top | sandals | hat | earrings
If you want to elevate your linen pants for spring or summer, try coordinating them with a tonal outfit. Tonal or monochromatic looks instantly make you look put together – without any added effort. And who doesn’t love that?
Try styling a pair of neutral linen pants with a coordinating button-down shirt. Underneath, try adding a white shirt. This won’t take away from the tonal effect, but it does add interest to your look by breaking up the color scheme just a little bit. Accessorize with coordinating accessories, but in different textures. Try a pair of crossover leather sandals or flip flops, a straw or raffia hat, and a pair of gold hoop earrings to finish the look.
6. Pair them with a blazer for work
blazer | t-shirt | pants | loafers | earrings | tote bag
Yes, linen pants are also a great choice for workwear! During the heat of summer, they’re a great choice if you’re looking to cover up and still have a professional appearance, but don’t want to sweat it out in a thick pair of wool trousers. This tailored pair from J.Crew looks elevated, and has belt loops if you’d like to wear one.
You can recreate this classic office look with staple pieces from your capsule wardrobe. First, start with the linen trousers. Next, add a t-shirt, or a white linen shirt if you want to dress up a little more. Then, add a linen blazer. Even though this seems like a lot of layers for summer, the fact that everything is linen will help keep you cool! Lightweight blazers are perfect for the office in the summer. Finally, accessorize with timeless loafers, a leather work tote, and a pair of small gold hoop earrings.
7. Balance them with a fitted top
linen pants | top | sandals | earrings | bag
You can balance out the flowy, breezy nature of linen pants with a fitted top. This will create harmony in your look and give off a more elevated appearance than two loose, oversized pieces. To keep cool, try a sleeveless blouse in cotton poplin – it’s another breathable fabric for the warmer months.
If you’re dressing for happy hour, try a pair of wrap sandals, pearl and gold earrings, and a woven or raffia-style bag. These pieces are perfect for the season, but also look classy and chic!
8. Go for classic color combinations
pants | shell tank | earrings | bag | sandals
If you want to create elegant linen pants outfits, stick to classic color combinations. For instance, you can never go wrong with black and white if you want to style a classy look for summer!
First, start with your white linen pants. On top, try another wardrobe staple – a black tank top. These come in a wide variety of styles, but I prefer one with a higher neckline to balance out the lack of sleeves. Complement the neutral tones of your outfit with minimalist accessories – like a straw tote, sandals, and gold hoop earrings. If you want to incorporate more of your personal style, you could always try adding a statement belt to this look.
9. Style them with swimwear
pants | sandals | tote bag | swimsuit | sunglasses | earrings
Packing for summer vacation? Don’t forget your linen pants. They’re multipurpose, and will be easy to mix and match with your other travel staple. Style them for the airplane or car ride, a walk to the beach, or a day spent sightseeing if you want to be comfortable, yet stylish.
For a day spent by the water, layer them over a classic one-piece swimsuit. It’s the perfect layering combo that will still give you coverage, but be easy to transition for a dip in the ocean or lake. Accessorize with woven sandals, a straw beach bag, sunglasses, and a tropical-inspired pair of shell stud earrings.
10. Elevate them for date night
vest top | linen pants | flats | bag | earrings
Elevate your linen pants for date night by styling a classic black and white outfit. This timeless color combination will instantly upgrade your favorite pants for a casual day to a pair fitting for dinner and drinks. On top of your black linen pants, style a white vest top. This piece has structure and an interesting shape, which will provide great contrast to the flowy, laidback style of your linen pants.
Accessorize with coordinating pieces like black ballet flats, gold and pearl earrings, and a structured handbag. Then, enjoy your night!
11. Try a white linen shirt on top
pants | shirt | sandals | cuff | belt | earrings
Style a linen-on-linen look for one of the most comfortable outfit ideas on this list. Even though your legs and arms are covered in this look, you’ll stay cool in the breathable, flowy linen material. That’s what makes this style great for work, or if you’re looking for extra sun protection!
If you’re spending the day out and about shopping, accessorize with chic wrap sandals, a chunky gold cuff, and a classic leather belt. Finish the look with gold hoop earrings for the final touch.
12. Wear them with a denim jacket
linen pants | denim jacket | bag | sandals | t-shirt
Another great piece to style with your linen pants is a denim jacket. The structured denim will help to provide contrast against the light, flexible material of the linen pants for an elevated look. Plus, the denim jacket is perfect when the spring weather is still a little chilly, or you’re dressing for a cool summer night!
Add interest to your look with a striped t-shirt. Then, accessorize with leather sandals and a woven top-handle bag.
13. Dress them for cooler weather
linen pants | trench coat | mary janes | tote bag | shirt
Last, but not least, here’s how to wear linen pants to work or in cooler weather. First, your color palette. Stick to neutral colors to elevate the look of your linen pants for the office or colder temperatures. Second, stick to a monochrome palette. This will unify your whole look! Next, add a light jacket – a trench coat is perfect. Finally, accessorize with office-ready details like a pair of closed-toe flats, a work tote, and a pair of pearl stud earrings.
Chic Linen Looks
There’s so much to love about linen pants. They’re comfortable, light, airy, and so easy to style for spring and summer! Hopefully, these 13 outfit ideas have inspired you to pull out your linen pants for the season and start creating beautiful looks with them. And if you’re shopping for your first pair this year, I promise you’re going to love them!
Ready for more summer outfit ideas? Up Next: Modest Summer Outfits: How to Stay Chic in the Heat
