How to Style Linen Pants for Every Occasion

Linen pants are a staple for any summer work wardrobe. Commuting to the office can already be a little miserable on the days when temperatures hit the upper 80 degrees before you’ve headed out the door, but linen can be your secret weapon. If your workplace is on the more casual side, you can get away with more casual wide-leg styles. But you can also lean on the more dressy side with tailored pants if your office dress code is a little more strict. Add a light blouse and complete the look with loafers or ballet flats, and don’t forget your office sweater if your company loves to blast the air conditioning.

Though the material has more of a daytime stereotype about it, linen pants can easily go from day to night. Date nights during the heat of summer just got a little more interesting if you’re tired of your go-to dress or skirt. Dress the pants up with a stylish top, like a ruched halter tank or a pretty camisole and be sure to add slinky, strappy heels or sandals that make you feel unstoppable. This combination provides an easy, unexpected date night look that will help wick any nervous sweat away.

When in doubt, adding more linen to a linen look is an easy solution. For a streamlined look, consider a matching set. Two oversized pieces is completely acceptable for casual activities, but if you want the set to be a tad more formal, be sure to find styles with more shape. Wearing the same shade adds an elevated touch to any linen pants, and makes getting dressed in the morning one less decision to make. Or, you can go with a contrasting shade to mix things up. Either way, the linen version of a Canadian tuxedo is a surefire way to stay beat the heat when things get really sticky outside.

The best part of linen pants, outside of its cooling properties, is the versatility they can add to your wardrobe. While you can wear them on a date or to the office, you can dress them down just as easily. Grab your favorite pair and add a cool graphic tee or a solid cotton tank, and complete the look with a cool and comfortable pair of kicks (or a pair of ballet sneakers if you want a more trendy shoe style). An easy tee, linen pants, and sneakers is a tried and true outfit for a reason. This ensemble feels chic and trendy while being completely effortless and lightweight.

Whether it’s a long weekend away or a two week Europe excursion, there’s a good chance you have summer travel plans. And luckily, linen and summer vacations go hand in hand. Not only do lightweight linen pants take up little space in a carry-on, but they also will keep you cool during the hot days when you’re running around exploring. Depending on your destination, there are a few ways to style the pants. Going to a Euro city? Consider pairing with a light gauze tank or a scarf top. Going to a cabin? Maybe add a cotton top with a button down shirt over it. If you’re worried about the pants looking too costumey for your getaway, it’s best to pair with your favorite everyday pieces already in your closet. Linen pants are great for resort wear, too. With its quick-drying feature, the material is perfect for a bathing suit cover up.

When I think of linen, my mind jumps to summer styling. But, the material can be worn before the summer heat officially sets in with a few simple swaps. It can be tricky figuring out how to style the piece between March and May, but there’s lots of options. For unpredictable spring weather, layering is key. One way to style linen pants is pairing them with a pastel long sleeve top and mesh flats. Or, you can wear a simple tee but layer with a colorful cardigan for a warm layer with spring brightness. Add low profile sneakers to the outfit and you’re set.

Similar to spring, linen can work into your autumn wardrobe. For the fall, style your summery pants with a structured button down or an oversized cozy sweater to add a little more coverage than what you might wear in the summer. Suddenly, your one-season piece works nearly year-round. Fall shoes with linen pants can be slightly harder to determine, since sandals are typically tucked away for the year after September. You can easily wear clogs with the pants, though, like Birkenstock Bostons or a similar suede style. For a dressier ensemble, consider adding classic pointed toe pumps.