Summer Already?

Linen jacket 1

Well, we’ve certainly had the warm week here! At least it’s a Dry Heat™. Temperatures have topped the mid-90’s F most of the week, and though it looks like we’re set to cool down over the weekend, I’m wondering how this bodes for our summer conditions…

Of those items that are perpetually on my shopping radar, summer-weight jackets have to be at the top of the list, thanks to that maddening combination of being indispensable and often hard to find. If you work in an office, a lightweight jacket is the perfect thing to throw over that summer sleeveless dress or top to ward off aggressive a/c or be meeting-ready. Even if your lifestyle is relaxed, a little jacket is often the “completer piece” that makes an outfit look pulled together and intentional.

Linen jacket 2

This Irish linen jacket from Eileen Fisher is going to see a LOT of wear during the warmer months. It’s light but crisp (unlined), has a easy but flattering cut (not boxy) thanks to knit panels on the sides and sleeves, and the color is a nice, rich version of navy that doesn’t read as dark and heavy. It’s also available in white, and the fabric on that one is even lighter.

Necklace: Nest // Tee: Eileen Fisher, this years version here // Jeans: Eileen Fisher // Watch: Michael Kors // Shoes: Clarks (am still loving these!)

Linen jacket 3

What are your indispensable items for warmer weather?

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41 Comments

  1. Oh Susan that jacket is gorgeous! I just clicked your link and I see it’s Irish linen and an Eileen Fisher, I think I might have to get one of these.

  2. This is perhaps my favorite picture of you…you look so relaxed and joyful! Great pose, style, and necklace!!

  3. Great look and great sounding jacket. Boxy is not a good look for my shape so I’ll have a peek at this one. It’s been very hot up here in Northern California too. Enjoy your weekend. xoJennifer

  4. Excellent summer jacket, I love the idea of knit panels for a more comfortable fit. Are you wearing the petite length? You’re looking good!

    1. Hi Northmoon, yes I’m wearing the Petite Small. The jacket is also available in Misses and Plus (see widget below for links).

      1. Thanks, I think we’re pretty much the same height and I like that length on you. Might be a purchase in my future!!

  5. The navy jacket will go so nicely with a pair of white jeans for a classic summery look. I never got rid of my blazers from a past office job. I am now thinking of having the cotton and linen ones tailored and re-purposing them in my casual wear. They really do make a classy statement!

  6. This is why I read fashion blogs — to learn about real-life needs and experiences women have. It never occurred to me that a lightweight jacket would be useful in Summer. Your explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks for the education!

  7. Susan I love those Clark shoes! You have a real knack for finding comfortable good looking shoes! I like J Crew’s Schoolboy jackets and have just ordered one in white linen (I’d love one in beige linen too but…..). Sally

  8. Hi – I just found your blog after searching for those showing style after 50 – didn’t want to look 25 but wanted to stay current. Funny, I’m 52, raised and living in SoCal, have a special needs teen and love France also. We went on a week long bike tour of the Loire Valley for our 20th anniversary. Take care and thank you for your blog – I can’t wait to take a look at back “issues” while bearing this heatwave!

  9. I have a light weight white unlined cotton jacket that reminds me of crisp white sheets. It’s the perfect jacket even when it’s hot as it keeps the sun off my arms, has pockets and is very airy. I wish I could find another one as this one is getting old. I’m always on the look-out for it!

  10. I have a spring green linen jacket 3/4 sleeve from DressBarn that is my indispensable piece that I have had for a few years. It looks nice, is easy to wear and works with slacks, skirts or jeans. Linen wrinkles, but a jacket I can enjoy doesn’t bother me much.

  11. While you look quite marvelous as always, I do not care for linen. In the humid tropics, merely pulling the seat belt across one’s chest can wrinkle one past recovery later. I find a collection of colorful cotton cardigans better suited to our lifestyle here and drape one over the shoulders. I love those cropped ones trimmed in contrasting trims by UK-brand Boden; I’ve been collecting them for years, they’re quite reasonable and well-made.

  12. I admire your casual elegance and especially your sandals. And I love linen, wrinkles and all! I learned in fashion school that it’s the coolest fiber. (I’m not sure if that still applies, with modern technology and new manmade fabrics…) A lightweight jacket for too-cold air conditioning is a must. I keep a knit one in my car during summer months, just in case.

  13. Dear Une Femme: another fabulous recommendation! I went to Macy’s today and tried on the white version of this jacket — I couldn’t believe how well it fit, especially with the fine knit panels to keep the sides shaped but not structured.. I am 5”7″, 148 lbs, 34DD, narrow shoulders, and took a size small — it fits like an absolute dream — the white linen blazer I’ve been searching forever for! Yes it’s a bit transparent, but compared to the standard white linen Ralph Lauren jacket I’ve had but almost never wear due to it’s structure and heft and overwhelming white opacity, the EF version is breezy and elegant, falls beautifully when open, doesn’t flare out stiffly like most linen jackets when you leave the buttons undone. As a result I ordered the blue as well, b/c I know both will last a lifetime and be very versatile especially here in Orange County where it can get warm and having a breezy, light, but well-made professional top layer (I’m a college prof) is de rigeur. I’ve never worn EF but am now quite interested in the brand. You should be an ambassador! Thank you so much for this inspiring post.
    XO

  14. az reformd sun worshipr not much skin sho here
    luv yer jaket and shuz! paris gud for u! shining face
    – sorree no gramar and spell til wed

  15. I wear a lot of blazers at the office but sometimes I want a bit more casual and lighter yet work appropriate pieces. Exactly the style you are wearing!
    Your shoes look great – stylish and comfortable.

    Annette | Lady of Style

  16. Clicked on the link re fashionfairydust above expecting to see fashion and it took me to a bible study page resembling animated billboards on bible studies. Wondering if ffd is an actual blog and if it has been hacked.

    1. I inherited my mother’s disdain for the easy-wrinkling linen. I do love my pale pink linen blazer, and my caveat is that I only felt right in it ironing it between wearings!

  17. Chic and pulled together! I love how your necklace pairs with your glasses, the silhouette, your relaxed smile, and the great shoes.

  18. I love linen for summer.. perfect material for the season. You never fail to look so chic and elegant even in the most casual outfit.

  19. Linen may wrinkle easily but you can water mist the wrinkles with a spray bottle while it is hanging and relax the wrinkles just as easily – it only takes a little while to dry. I do this all the time instead of ironing things. Works great for most fabrics. Unless you are in a very humid environment, for me, it’s very dry and it only takes like 20 mins. to completely dry out once misted.

  20. Pretty and practical for this time of year on through late summer. You look so snazzy in this one. (You look snazzy in everything!) I love linen. This year is the first year I got my act together and got to wear blazers for the few weeks that they’re viable. I now take one for restaurant chill or theatre AC, but it’s too hot to wear one most days. Unlike leather jackets and coats, I don’t put them in the “winter closet” but keep a few lighter ones close to grab on the way out. One like this would be a great addition!