Stylish Linen Outfits for Warm Weather Travel
Though it’s still a bit brisk out 💨, the weather app on my phone assures me that we can expect some warmer days soon. Maybe it’s already warm where you live, or perhaps you’re getting ready for a vacation in a more balmy climate. Either way, it’s an excellent time to find linen pieces in versatile, wearable styles. Linen can be a great fabric for warm season travel: it’s lightweight, breathable, washable, dries quickly, and is comfortable in a range of temperatures. Today I’m sharing some outfit ideas with linen separates.
Game, set, match
So many of you have raved about Quince linen, I decided to give this jacket and pants a try. A matched set (top and bottom) can be a shortcut to a smart and put-together look. And of course, you can wear the pieces separately to get more from your wardrobe.
My sizes: Jacket – Small, Top – Small, Pants – Medium
First impressions: both pieces are well-made and the linen fabric is opaque and not scratchy or stiff. The jacket has slip pockets in front in addition to the patch pockets. The cut is pretty straight; though this size fits me well in the shoulders, it’s a bit snug at the hips. (On someone of average height, it would probably hit at waist or top of the hip.)
The elastic-waist pants have a front leg seam which adds structure and creates a nice vertical line. (They’re just a skosh too long for me, will have them shortened about an inch.) The “Chocolate” color is a good match between the two pieces. Both styles are available in several colors.
Or mix it up…
When it’s too warm to layer, a colorful or patterned shirt creates visual interest. The shirt I’m wearing here is from a few seasons back, and it’s one I’ve traveled with. Here’s one with a similar look.
I think I’m going to get a lot of wear from this jacket! If you prefer a longer jacket style, here’s a relaxed linen blazer.
Here are a few more affordable and travel-friendly linen styles from Quince:
Yes, linen creases, but that’s the nature of the fabric and something I’ve made peace with. I’ve found that if you spritz a little water, then smooth with your hands and hang for a few hours, the worst of the creases will fall out. (And I’ve noticed when I travel that Europeans don’t seem to worry about it too much; they’ll wear creased linen with aplomb.)
Do you wear or travel with linen during the warmer months?
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Susan—Can you comment on the boxy tee from Colorful Standard. I’m not familiar with this company. I like all the colors that the tee is offered in. Have you had it long? Does it wash well?
The set looks great on you too. I may give them a try. Did the pants run small? I noticed you purchased a medium. I thought a small would fit you. What colors in the set would you recommend for winters?
Hi Rose, Colorful Standard is a Danish company that makes quality basics (tees, sweatshirts, socks, etc) from organic cotton in a wide range of colors. I think the quality is quite good, and does wash well.
I looked at the size chart when ordering the pants and decided to size up from my usual size. Black and deep navy are the best colors in these pants for a Winter.
Very good examples of stylish and versatile clothes. Well done.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje!
That Quince outfit looks perfect for travelling. Am heading to Europe last week August for three weeks and will pick two linen shirt dresses and one pair linen trousers, depending on the weather. Not worried about the clothes, but the shoes – a different story. I have my walking shoes and sandals sorted, but what colour and style shoe to pack for dinner or a nice lunch. Colour palette probably navy, white shirts, (linen trousers are black) pale grey and/or white jackets. Not sure if you have any suggestions Susan?
Hi Susan, thanks! Regarding “dinner” shoes for summer, what about a pair with an open weave or perforated leather? Something like these: https://bit.ly/3FOhVaH (in white) or these: https://bit.ly/3FTeGi1
Thanks Susan for the recommendations. Great minds must think alike as, the second option, the Mary Jane woven flats (different brand) have been on my radar, only they are off white. I thought I could also wear them with trousers, not just skirts. Looking forward to hearing about your next trip.
I have several linen items from Quince which i love. However, I have not had good results with their $50 cashmere sweater because it pills…a lot. That linen matching set looks great on you! Also love the striped blouse.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Thanks, so much, K C!
The jacket and pants look great on you — casual but put-together. I love Quince for tops and blouses, but their pants are way too short for tall women like me and they don’t offer a longer inseam choice so that cropped pants just look comical.
Hi C.D., J.Crew has some nice linen pants that are offered in Tall sizes here: https://bit.ly/3XNIJhm. And Lands’ End has an option, also offered in Tall lengths: https://bit.ly/4jl6oho
I love this Quince color on you, Susan…and it looks so good in matching tops and bottoms.
Thanks very much, Pam!
Very nice looking outfit, Susan!
I love linen and have learned that sticking light linen garments in the shower, drenching them, and then hanging them there overnight gets rid of 90% of the wrinkles by morning, by which time the dress or shirt is dry, fresh looking and ready to go. (I pack a plastic hanger for this.) Unfortunately this hack doesn’t work for heavier linen. How heavy would you say the linen in these pants is?
Hi Caroline, thanks! I wouldn’t call these heavy linen. They’re on the lighter side, but still opaque.
Hi Susan
I have been wanting to try both those linen pieces, so thank you for sharing! How would you say that jacket compares to the similar Tommy Bahama version which I own in two colors?
Thanks!
Hi Cindy, I haven’t seen the Tommy B. one in person, but I’m quite pleased with this Quince jacket! The main design difference I can see is that the Tommy jacket has raw edge details while the edges on the Quince jacket are finished.
I also got a linen jacket for travel…it’s from Seasalt Cornwall in a beautiful color called cumin…chore jacket inspired…I was surprised it was lined…definitely a keeper…matching pants are also available but I think I prefer breaking up the earthiness with some denim. Took a bit to get the sizing right…I went down 2 sizes. Can’t wait to wear it!
Hi Jean, thanks for the tip! That looks like a lovely jacket, and I really like the Cumin color.
How do the Quince linen pants compare to Eileen Fisher. I’ve been looking at the clove and branch colors but also like Quince’s chocolate.
Hi Jan, the EF linen is just slightly heavier and “crisper” than the Quince. The EF clove color is closest to Quince’s Chocolate, both are warm browns. Branch is darker, less warm. (I’ll be including an EF Branch piece in tomorrow’s post, stay tuned…)