In my experience, linen is one of those fabrics that gets a bad rap. My theory is that there are a lot of people who hate ironing (I mean, fair enough), and as a result, don’t understand just how chic it can be. Other than its propensity to crease easily, I also think it’s often associated with a kind of old-fashioned or dated hippie style, so people fear it might age them. I can see why: Flowing, shapeless outfits hardly make you feel streamlined and polished. But the latest linen items I’ve spotted on the high street couldn’t be further from that.
Right now, in my expert opinion, there are three high street stores leading the way when it comes to linen: H&M, Arket and Marks & Spencer. The good news is that each one has its own style. If you’re looking for summer-ready items that won’t look out of place on a night out or on the beach, then H&M is where to go. But if you’re after tailored items and co-ords then it’s Arket you want to head to (the matching sets are a staple in my summer wardrobe). As for M&S, this is where you want to go for throw-on dresses and basics, and their pull-on linen trousers are also a sellout hit. So keep scrolling for the best affordable linen buys you’ll find this summer.
Upgrade your blazer for summer with a linen version.
The full suit is seriously impactful.
Cooler spring days and summer evenings call for a light linen shirt dress.
Incorporate linen into your summer wardrobe with these comfy shorts.
These are so versatile.
The perfect throw-on.
White is perennially chic.
A seriously cool pair of trousers.
Such an easy staple.
One of the best linen shirts I’ve seen on the high street this year.
Just throw on and go.
An easy piece that you can dress up and down.
This set immediately went in my basket.
Bestsellers for a reason!
Stripes + linen = a match made in heaven.
This comfortable-yet-chic pair comes in an array of colours.
