This Summer, Linen Is Best Served in Unexpected Silhouettes

Summer is in full swing and the girlies are sweating. (I am the girlies.) And while we might have a constant river of perspiration pooling in our backs and an overwhelming impulse to burn anything with an underwire, we still want to look cute while gallivanting around town. That’s where linen comes in. Breathable and breezy but still substantial enough that you don’t feel too exposed, linen is the natural antidote to a summer schvitz.

Although you likely already have a couple of linen items in your rotation (a pair of white drawstring pants or shorts and a puff-sleeve ditzy floral dress, right?), there’s a world of linen out there that feels decidedly fresher for brat summer. Think: a linen micro mini-dress that would look bangin’ with a verdant mani and an oversized blazer that says “business woman special” but make it summer. And what better brand for non-basic linen clothing than the one that made linen milkmaid dresses ubiquitous, Reformation?

Here, we review four fresh summer linen clothing items from Reformation. Plus, a few non-basic linen pieces in our virtual shopping carts right now.

The micro mini-dress

This itty-bitty dress is somehow very short but doesn’t leave you feeling too naked? This is because despite it’s mini length, it has a lovely A-line shape that really floats away from the body, without a whiff of being body-con. The straight neckline goes quite high, covering the entire décolletage, so even though the stems are out, the girls are tucked away. Bonus: The spaghetti straps tie at the back in a sweet bow and can be adjusted to your liking.

In terms of sizing, I’d say the Aubree Linen Dress runs a bit large, but I appreciated a little extra room for, you know, the aforementioned summer sweat reasons. The Parmesan yellow that I tried has limited sizing left, but it comes in five other cute colours and prints — some that even have matching slightly oversized chore jackets. We stan a chic set!

The oversized blazer

I truly underestimated how much wear I’d get out of a roomy blazer in the hot summer months, but when iterated in a neutral-coloured breathable linen, it just makes sense. (I’ve also been known to refer to my oversized Frankie Shop topper as my “emotional support blazer” so that’s all you need to know about me.)

Ref’s Classic Relaxed Linen Blazer is cut quite long and works best, in my humble opinion, over a linen mini-dress, paired with linen Bermuda shorts or topping some coastal grandma drawstring pants for a cool summer suit vibe. Styling tip: Push and roll the sleeves for a look that says “business-casual, but make it summer Friday.”

This linen blazer runs true to size and blessedly, comes in three colours (oatmeal, white and black).

The unexpected wear-everywhere dress

A halter-neck linen dress was not on my Bingo card for “most versatile summer dress” but here we are. This nipped-waist frock has the aforementioned halter neckline that cuts quite high before descending down the back in a skinny (dare I say sexy?) single strap. The juxtaposition of sweet and sultry makes the Percy Linen Dress a winner for a variety of events, from a baby shower brunch to a wine bar date. A little cardigan tied around the neck and a basket bag leans into her demure side, while a high-heeled mule and box clutch says nighttime. A multi-faceted queen!

This full-skirted linen dress runs a bit small, so if between sizes, you may consider sizing up.

The cool vest-shirt hybrid

A vest-worn-as-a-shirt is basically a wardrobe staple at this point, and Ref has a few linen versions that are super wearable. The Aspen top (pictured above) that I tried is giving Europe summer and looks ridiculously chic paired with a matching miniskirt, but I’m also into the Brennan Linen Vest that’s verging on halter-top territory and feels very office siren-appropriate.

This linen vest runs a tad small and comes in neutral white and black in addition to this muted tomato red. Plus, the gold-rimmed buttons add a vintage feel.

Looking for more linen? Browse more of our favourite fashion-forward linen pieces here:

Dissh Zahara Lemon Linen Fringed Top

The cool girls love Australian brand Dissh and we can understand why — foundational wardrobe pieces with chic details that distinguish them from the pack are what set it apart. Take this strapless number: When crafted in butter yellow linen, given a subtle peplum silhouette and left with raw edges, plus a sturdy exposed back zipper, it’s less of a top and more of a moment.

Ever New Brooke Linen Drop-Waist Midi Dress

At a quick glance, this could be any other summer dress, but the delight is in the details like its trendy drop waist and beautiful botanical print. Are those Monarch butterflies among the flora? Precious.

Reitmans Linen Shorts with Drawstring

You already know that boxer shorts are now considered acceptable for out-of-the-house wear. Why not try them in a pretty pastel purple linen blend?

Melanie Lyne Long Linen-Blend Vest

A long-line vest is a summer wardrobe hero for the office girlies. Layer her up over a slim tee, make it a suit (duh) with matching black linen Bermuda shorts or create an elongated silhouette by cinching an exaggerated vest over a maxi skirt.

For Love & Lemons Layla Crop Top

Renaissance fashion, but make it sexy! This linen crop top, complete with corset boning and shoulder-tie details, says “I watch period dramas, but I still like to party.”