Linen for summer isn’t exactly breaking news, but this season more than ever before, linen pants are almost impossible to ignore. They are ev-er-y-where. Linen pants exude that enviable effortlessly chic summer style, and they make a great alternative to shorts or skirts when the weather heats up, so let’s talk about how to style linen pants this summer in a modern way!
KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants (6) (also at Zappos) // Splendid Faye V-Neck Tee (M) // KUT from the Kloth Jacqueline Denim Jacket (S) // beeks Sunbeam Sandal (8) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo in Cashmere (similar for less) // wrapped teardrop earrings // old Jenni Kayne necklace
I’ve never really worn linen pants because so many come with that elasticized drawstring waistband that doesn’t flatter me, but this year I’m excited to see such a variety of styles out there!
Many have a traditional flat waistband with a button or hook-and-eye closure, so I’ve been embracing this summery fabric for the first time. It truly is the most lightweight and breathable material, and so comfortable to wear on hot days.
These full-length wide-leg linen blend pants were my first foray into linen pants this season. This floor-grazing wide leg style isn’t as voluminous as some, so they aren’t as overwhelming to those of us who are new to the wide leg silhouette.
They have a comfortable 12″ front rise and a 30″ inseam with a 23″ leg opening; and the fabric is 50% linen, 48% rayon, 2% spandex. I love the flat waistband with the button/zip closure, and the way the button matches the pants. It looks finished so you really don’t need to add a belt if you don’t want to.
Unfortunately, these pants are starting to sell out at Nordstrom, but I found them almost fully stocked at Zappos, and Zappos also carries them in charcoal, if you prefer a more subdued color.
SIZING NOTE: I recommend sizing down in these pants; I have the 6, for reference. They were snug when I put them on in the morning, and they loosened up some as I wore them, but they didn’t look too baggy or sloppy at the end of the day.
To style these bold pink linen pants, I went with a simple outfit formula. I decided to let the pink pants take center stage, so to speak, and I kept the rest of the look neutral with a white tee and denim jacket on top.
I chose the metallic leather flip flops because they’re both elevated and casual at the same time, and I feel like they’re the perfect pairing with these breezy linen pants.
This white t-shirt from Splendid is a really nice closet basic. I like the fitted style, 23″ length, flattering v-neck, and abbreviated sleeves.
For size reference, I have the medium in this top, so I recommend sizing up if in between. It’s a nice and soft 60% cotton, 40% rayon blend; so I always wash it on cold and hang it to dry so it doesn’t shrink.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull off these bright pink pants, but I actually wore this exact outfit to church last Sunday and then out to lunch and the mall afterwards, and I was surprised by how good I felt in it. I think it’s because the rest of the outfit is made up of pieces that I wear together all the time.
STYLE TIP: When trying out a new trend or a bold statement piece, keep the rest of the outfit familiar and in line with your personal style, so you don’t feel too conspicuous or like you’re trying too hard.
Another linen pant option that I like a lot is the KUT from the Kloth Topaz. This style is very similar to the Meg, but it’s designed to be more of a crop or ankle length.
KUT From The Kloth Topaz Linen Blend Pants (6) (also at Zappos & KUT from the Kloth) // rib tank (S) // Evereve Camp Jacket (S) // similar belt // STAUD Dante Leather Flip Flops (38) // raffia hoops // raffia bag (ivory option / black option) // Jenny Bird Ola Bangle // Madewell necklace set
The fabric on these pants is also 50% Linen, 48% Rayon, 2% Spandex; and they have an 12″ front rise with a 26″ inseam. This is going to be cropped or ankle-length on most women. If you’re petite, they may look more like a full-length pant.
They have a sleek hook and eye closure for a polished trouser-like vibe, while the utility-inspired front patch pockets are a modern touch that keeps them on trend. It’s easier to see these details up close on the Nordstrom website. These pants are also available at Zappos and the KUT from the Kloth website; and they come in black, white, khaki, and dark olive.
I decided to create a monochromatic outfit for going out to dinner with Paul last Friday night, so I topped off the black linen crop pants with this black ribbed v-neck tank. I love the contrast trim around the v-neck and the way they placed the gussets under the armholes to keep it bra-friendly. For size reference, I have the small.
I added a black skinny belt (similar here and here) to break up the all-black look and front tucked the top to give some curve to that waist area.
I played around with a couple of shoe options, but I ended up settling on black leather flip flops. Thong sandal styles are trending, and these STAUD Dante Leather Flip Flops are gorgeous and super comfortable to walk in too. I like how the luxe leather juxtaposes the casual design.
I wasn’t planning to wear a jacket; I really just liked the tank and the pants together, but I was afraid I’d get chilly later that night, so I grabbed this Evereve Camp Jacket at the last minute. As it turns out, I really like the outfit with the jacket. I pushed the sleeves up, which helps to offset the cropped pants.
STYLE TIP: When you wear open shoes and crop pants, showing some skin on top keeps the look balanced and harmonious. The v-neck top and pushed-up sleeves on the jacket help to achieve this affect.
For accessories, I added chunky raffia hoops and carried a raffia bag. I like how these two pieces coordinate, but the sandals are black and keep with the monochromatic outfit. They also bookend the look, with my dark hair.
I also added a gold layer necklace and a shiny gold bangle, and oversized black sunglasses finish off this monochromatic summer look.
Bangles are trending and I finally picked up a few to update my accessories wardrobe. This one is a Jenny Bird design, and it’s quite lovely, but also a little pricey. I also grabbed this one, which also makes a nice statement and is a little more affordable.
I also styled two linen pants outfits with Gap Factory lately… This more casual look with their Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cargo Pull-On Pants in the Laurel Wreath Green Cargo. I paired them with a black ribbed tee, and I kept the look relaxed with these Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slides. (See more in this post.)
Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cargo Pull-On Pants (S) // Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt (M) // Birks (39) // silver drop earrings // two-tone bracelets
And I did another black monochromatic outfit here with the Gap Factory Linen-Blend Straight Pull-On Pants and their Ribbed High Neck Tank.
Gap Factory Cropped Ribbed High Neck Tank (M) // Linen-Blend Straight Pull-On Pants (S) // Sam Edelman Deacon Raffia Sandals (8) // raffia clutch // gold bangle // doorknocker earrings // YSL sunnies
These pants have a straight ankle-length fit, which is nice for those who don’t care for the wide leg silhouette, and I like how they have some elastic in the waist in addition to the zip front with hook and eye closure. It’s just enough elastic to make them comfortable, but the waistband still lays pretty flat, which keeps the look sleek and flattering.
This time I went with raffia sandals and a raffia clutch, and I accessorized with that other gold tone bangle I mentioned above and these doorknocker earrings. (See more details in this post.)
Finally, these linen utility joggers from Frank & Eileen are a fun way to participate in the linen pant trend in a casual yet elevated way. They have a high-rise with a tapered cropped ankle and and on-trend utility pockets, and I love how they pair with the white linen EILEEN Relaxed Button-Up Shirt.
Frank & Eileen JAMESON Utility Jogger in Cement c/o (8) (similar for less) // Frank & Eileen EILEEN Relaxed Button-Up Shirt in White c/o (M) (similar for less) // Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slides (39)
I hope this post gave you some ideas for styling linen pants this summer! You can shop these and more linen pants below.
