The Best Linen Pieces to Wear All Summer Long

A dear friend once told me that May 15th was “linen day” in her family, the unofficial start of the season when linen becomes not only acceptable, but practically required in New England. I’ve happily adopted the tradition ever since. With that date fast approaching, I have crisp shirtdresses, breezy trousers, polished sets, and effortless summer staples on my mind. Below, I’ve rounded up the most beautiful linen pieces to buy now and wear all summer long, from pieces made for warm city days to seaside weekends and everything in between.

• This elongated green linen shirt is the kind of piece you throw on over a swimsuit at the pool or wear belted as a mini dress with sandals and gold jewelry. Pair with the matching linen shorts for a polished set. This chunky necklace instantly elevates solid linen and a fun shell bag adds interest to the gorgeous green hue. (Also, my diamond and gold earrings are not only back in stock, but on sale!! Looks like they're going quickly so if you had your eye on them, now is the time!)
• For days when you want to look pulled together with zero effort, this striped maxi dress is your answer. Just add sandals and a straw tote and you're out the door.
• Ann Mashburn's linen shirt dress in Atlantic blue is the quintessential summer uniform. The nipped waist and full maxi skirt look beautiful with heeled sandals or even barefoot in your backyard!
• Sunshine in dress form, this yellow embroidered dress with hand-sewn beading is a vacation standout. Pair with these minimal gold sandals and simple gold earrings to let the geometric pattern shine.
• Sleek and minimalist, a long white linen dress belongs in every woman's closet, whether you go for a strapless white number (a blank canvas for bold accessories!), this bow detail maxi dress or this simple silhouette with chic crochet accents.
• Crease-resistant linen is a game changer, and this cream maxi dress proves it. Throw it on with a brown tote (this or this!) and espadrilles for a polished look that stays fresh all day long.
• Pair this boho eyelet jacket with the matching shorts for a head-to-toe set, or layer it over a white tee and jeans for a more casual vibe. The scalloped hem and adjustable waist are lovely details.
• Polished enough for lunch, relaxed enough for a Saturday stroll, this striped linen shirt dress has a self-tie belt you can cinch in the front or the back, depending on your vibe.
• Picture your ideal Nancy Meyers morning, and you're wearing this relaxed blue linen shirt. Wear it with white jeans, tucked into a skirt, or paired with the matching pareo and my favorite straw hat by the pool.
• Zimmermann never disappoints, and this pink paisley linen midi with scalloped trim is dreamy for a special occasion. For softer, pastel option, this caftan is a dream. (And on sale!)
• Belgian linen that practically floats, this billowy striped blouse looks gorgeous tucked into my favorite tailored white shorts.
• I'm obsessed with the subtle sea life print on this linen shirt dress. It's the perfect vacation piece, especially if you like to cover your arms. Style with flat sandals and a woven clutch for a day of exploring or a dinner out.
• Nothing says laid-back summer like a colorful plaid linen shirt. I'd wear this with white jeans and loafers now, then throw it over a swimsuit as a cover-up on vacation.
• Gabriela Hearst's floral linen maxi skirt has the most beautiful pintuck detailing at the waist. Style with a fitted white tee and flat sandals for an effortlessly elegant weekend look.
• Those gold seashell bead ties on this paisley midi dress are such a beautiful detail. Perfect for a summer wedding with heeled sandals or a resort dinner with statement earrings.
• Your go-to summer event shoe: this navy striped block sandal pairs beautifully with linen dresses and wide-leg trousers alike. Or opt for this slingback flat for a chic walk-all-day shoe.
• The geometric embroidery on this blue mini skirt has me swooning. Wear it with a white linen blouse and metallic flats for a polished summer evening out.
• Bold poppy red in a crisp shift dress is guaranteed to turn heads. I love the hidden pockets and box pleat detail. Pair with neutral sandals and this silk scarf tied in your hair for a Mediterranean-inspired look.
• Navy and white stripes make this linen midi dress an instant classic. Add flat sandals for a farmer's market morning or wedges and gold earrings for a summer dinner out.
• An elevated take on the summer little black dress, this embroidered linen maxi has cap sleeves, pockets, and creaseless linen fabric that keeps you looking polished from morning coffee to evening cocktails.

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