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As someone who tends to feel hot and sweaty relatively quickly, even without extreme temperatures, styling an outfit that’s classy yet comfortable can feel impossible during a heat wave. It’s during these times that I favor elegant linen outfits over everything else in my closet. If you’re not already a linen lover, I highly recommend you add a few versatile linen pieces to your closet. Linen is a loosely woven fabric that allows heat to escape from your body when worn, making it an ideal choice for high temperatures. That’s why I’m so thankful to partner with Son de Flor, a brand that makes timeless, sustainable and beautiful linen clothing.

I’ve been a fan of Son de Flor’s high-quality linen clothing for years. I can tell that each piece I own was made with care, and is meant to be worn and cherished for years. My sensitive skin loves clothing that’s comfortable and breathable, which is just what Son de Flor provides. Plus, linen softens with wear and washes, so it only gets more comfortable over time.

Whether you’re looking for pretty summer dresses for an upcoming vacation or want to update your summer wardrobe, these linen pieces will have you handling the heat in style. Add a pair of elegant cat-eye sunglasses and vintage-inspired flats to complete your look.

These classy linen outfits aren’t just made for summer, though; you can wear them all year long by choosing linen garments in versatile colors and layering them with t-shirts, sweaters and tights during cooler months.

Here are 5 elegant linen outfits to wear this summer:

A linen wrap dress with a wide-brim sun hat

Wrap dresses are already one of my favorite dress styles to wear year round, and during summer, a linen wrap dress is even better. The Son de Flor Wrap Dress with Short Sleeves has a flattering fit with a full skirt that’s wonderfully twirly. I also like that the sleeves have a white inner lining, so you can fold them up for a different look. The best part: POCKETS. This dress has pockets! And not little shallow pockets that can barely hold a lip balm, but nice and roomy pockets. I reviewed this style back in 2024 and Son de Flor still makes it in several beautiful colors. That just goes to show you how timeless a wrap dress is!

A belted linen pinafore with a t-shirt

Pinafores are not only adorable but also quite versatile. You can wear them with long-sleeve blouses underneath, which was a popular style in the 1940s, or as a sleeveless dress with nothing underneath. I like to wear my Son de Flor Pinafore Sleeveless Midi Dress layered with a cotton t-shirt, accessorizing with a belt at the waist and a silk neck scarf. I wore this easy, breezy summer outfit to work at a coffee shop one day and received several compliments.

Wide-leg linen pants with a halter top

Wide-leg pants not only look incredibly stylish, but they give your skin much-need extra room to breathe during the hottest months of the year. I live in wide-leg pants during summer. The wider, the better, baby. Son de Flor Catherine Wide Leg Linen Maxi Trousers are made of 100% soft linen and have large pockets. Currently available in two versatile colors: vetiver (a light gray) and navy. I don’t recommend traveling without a pair!

A dark green linen dress with straw accessories

Not sure what color to wear with a dark green dress? I often look to nature for inspiration. A forest green dress looks wonderful with a wide-brim straw hat and handbag. Here I styled my Son de Flor Diane Dress with vintage accessories and the ‘Millie’ 1920s style shoes from Remix Vintage. This elegant, 100% European linen dress has a flattering bodice with a structured V-neckline and fabric-covered buttons. The style I have has short ruffle sleeves, but the current version of the Diane Dress features adorable, elbow-length puffed sleeves, and the same full-circle skirt. It makes me feel like a princess even when I’m close to melting on the sidewalk.

Linen culottes with a white linen shirt

The best way to dress for a heat wave? Linen on linen. Wear a pair of cropped linen pants with a linen shirt, either tucked in or tied at the waist, for a look that’s beautifully breathable. I often wear my Son de Flor Charlotte Trousers in light brown with a white linen shirt, but they also look great with navy and turquoise linen tops. I like to add a hair flower for a vintage vibe. While this style is no longer available, Son de Flor currently has a pair of full-length linen trousers, the Catherine Maxi Trousers, that I enjoy just as much.

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