No one wants FOMO, be it for a night out, a festival, a gig or an item of clothing, and I can’t help but feel that I’ve been missing out on linen trousers for so many of my summers. The thing is, my steamer is my best friend, I use it daily, and I take it on every single trip (even travelling around South East Asia). I steam everything before I wear it to keep the creases at bay. So the idea of linen trousers that crease easily freaks me out. That was until I saw so many of my favourite influencers wearing a pair, and I soon realised embracing creases is all part of the laid-back summer vibe.
The fact is, you can invest in a pair of linen-mix trousers that won’t crease as much as their pure-linen counterparts. And while I always think of these particular trousers as being semi see-through white pairs, there are so many more options, including black and pastel shades, so this might be the summer that I finally commit to the linen trouser trend. Considering I’ve never worn any, I’m relying on Instagram to give me some tips on how they look best. So whether you style them with a swimsuit, bandeau top, matching shirt or going-out top, these are six ways to style linen trousers that I’m considering this summer. I can’t wait to try them all out (creases and all).
Styles Notes: As a self-proclaimed “coastal grandma,” Abisola knows how to make linen trousers work on holiday. As an alternative cover-up, pop on a pair over a swimsuit to make your swimwear work beyond the beach.
A fresh take on classic, white linen.
A square neckline is always flattering.
Lucy Williams approved.
Fisherman sandals are back for another summer, that is, if they ever left.
Style Notes: Monikh is the queen of laid-back summer looks, and this proves why. Making linen trousers a statement with a bold top, the Who What Wear contributor keeps it relaxed with a carry-everything basket bag and chunky, flat sandals.
Our favourite Everlane trousers now come in linen.
The ruffle finish is just so cute.
Everyone is obsessed with these Dragon Diffusion basket bags, for obvious reasons.
A strong contender for the perfect chunky sandal.
Style Notes: One of the breakthrough styles of recent seasons has been waistcoats. Through autumn, winter and spring we’ve styled them in various layered ways. Now for summer, pair your reliable waistcoat with light linen trousers and a sandal for a put-together take on relaxed linen. For extra impact, look for a striped trouser.
Zara’s sister brand Massimo Dutti is a favourite amongst our editors.
By this point, waistcoats are very much a wardrobe basic.
A summer staple.
Style Notes: There’s truly nothing easier than a co-ord. A ready-made pairing that can be worn as a two piece or separated for endless styling options. Keep it super chic like Amaka did by going for a monochrome ensemble with black accessories.
Who can deny the power of a square neckline?
These look so expensive.
These look so comfortable.
Styles Notes: What’s better than an outfit featuring linen? And entirely linen outfit! We frequently praise the versatility of a linen shirt, and what better to pair them with than comfortable linen trousers.
Uniqlo’s linen shirts come in a wide range of shades.
These also come in a classic beige, bold pink and timeless black.
It’s hard to believe these are from the high street.
Style Notes: We all know sun isn’t guaranteed for summer in the UK, so on those shady days or cooler evenings make like Lee and and add a light long sleeve to your linen trousers. To keep things on the summery side wear with light linen and a basket bag to finish.
The pearl details make this perfect for evening.
Made from 100% linen.
All our editors want this bag.
Style Notes: By now, it should be clear that styling linen trousers is all about ease. Whether you’re opting for a plain pair, or playful stripes, a tank top is a great companion.
The comfort of pyjamas that can be worn outdoors.
There’s something about the neckline that’s so chic.
