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By late summer, there’s no sign of the heat and humidity easing, and we’re all tired of what we’ve been wearing all June, July and August. Since I’m not buying any more sundresses this late in the season, I asked a stylist to help me (A.) try to make my current pieces look fresh and (B.) suggest ways to ease into fall, should the weather ever start to cool. Her advice? Make the most of linen pants outfits, the three-season workhorse of wardrobes, as well as a PureWow editor-approved wardrobe staple.
Classic silhouettes and accent trousers alike can be paired and layered in fresh ways now, as well as when you finally feel that first chill breeze. Stylist Kimberly Carney says. “While summer invites bright and pastel colors, fall calls for richer hues like black, brown, maroon, and navy to give linen pieces an autumnal edge,” she told me. “That said, ‘oatmeal’ tones have proven their versatility as a year-round staple, so be sure to keep them in your rotation for effortless seasonal transitions.”
Here are her suggestions, and test-runs of the outfits, along with some shopping suggestions for pieces to round out the looks.
Meet the Stylist
Kimberly Carney is the CEO/founder of retail-tech shopping platform, FashWire and serves on the board of Fashion Group International (FGI) and Gifting Brands. After an initial job in tech, she transitioned into retail, owning and operating multiple stores for 17 years; her hands-on know-how led to the launch of FashWire in 2018.
14 Pairs of Linen Pants That Will Keep You Chic and Cool
1. Loose Linen Trousers + Loose Linen Top
Original image: Natalie LaBarbera
“Loose linen trousers with a similarly loose top are the perfect disguise for being comfortable while giving an effortless, upper-class feel,” Carney says. She suggests pair them with a loose tank or, to elevate the look, opting for a looser blouse, button-up or vest. Keep accessories simple—dainty jewelry and a platform sandal or no-frills sneaker.
2. Drape a Sweater or Lightweight Blazer Over Your Shoulders
Original Photo: Dana Dickey
“A sweater over your shoulders is a good way to maintain the elegant look,” Carney says, “and don’t disregard linen blazers, a great piece to effortlessly transition the linen set into the fall.” She says the layered look works well with a leather loafer or mule to add some extra polish. “As temperatures drop, do not hesitate to mix fabrics,” she says. “Pairing linen pants with wool or suede in jackets and accessories adds visual interest and texture, creating a stylish contrast that elevates your look.”
3. Opt for a Matching Set
Original photo: Dana Dickey
I’m sometimes self-conscious about the overly-wrinkled look of linen, but Carney says that it’s part of the charm, especially in a matching set. “They are almost like wearing pajamas outside the house with it being acceptable. A matching set gives an effortless-cool vibe that pulls together the look and minimizes linen’s natural tendency to wrinkle, making it look polished and put-together,” she says.
4. Don’t Double Up on Patterns
Original photo: Dana Dickey
If you’re wearing a striped or patterned pair of linen pants, don’t jazz up your shirt or jacket. “When patterned pants take up most of your outfit’s surface area, they should be the star of the show to keep the look balanced and avoid tipping into tacky territory,” she says, noting that patterns can quickly clash, especially when mixing different designers. A neutral top, or one in a complementary color, as well as shoes and accessories that accentuate the patterned pants, are the way to go.
5. Dress Up with Tailored Styles
Original photo: Dana Dickey
Drawstring linen pants are a wardrobe staple, but “drawstrings won’t be your friend in this scenario—to elevate a look, wear a tailored silhouette,” the stylist advises. Tailored linen pants work best with a heel and can even be practical for corporate wear or a night out while remaining comfortable in breathable fabric.
My 15 Favorite Linen Shirtdresses for Summer
