Beautiful Linen is Not Just for Summer!

Dolce & Gabbana White Washed Linen (image from www.Swide.com)

For most of us in the Midwest, linen is a fabric more commonly associated with Summer.  However, more and more retailers are featuring this wonderful fabric in early Spring.  High-end designers such as Dolce&Gabbana have also used linen creating sophisticated designs with a macrame' intarsia featured in their SS'13 Collection.

I wear linen all year long regardless of the season.  And while this fabric has long been associated with hot Summer weather because it feels so light to the skin, this fashion "rule" if you will, (kind of like you can't wear white shoes until post Memorial Day, but not after Labor Day!) seems to be falling by the wayside.s

Designers are also using linen in more feminine and unexpected ways.  Linen is not just about the traditional button down blouse or shorts.  It is about beautiful sweaters and dresses.  Check out the pieces in Eileen Fisher's Linen Shop.

Eileen Fisher's Linen Shop

I always think of Eileen Fisher for linen and other comfortable fabrics.  EF's Linen Shop features the Classic Collar Short-Sleeve Layering Dress in Handkerchief Linen.  This versatile piece could be worn as a short/short dress, or with slim skirts and layered over shorts and leggings.  I love it both for the fabric and that it can be worn multiple ways.  It is available in white-only.  The "handkerchief" weight gives it the staying power from season to season.  

EF's Bateau Neck Box-Top Lightweight Linen Rib is so pretty and can go SP/SU in my opinion because of the light-weight and layering potential.  It comes in three lovely colors:  Bluebell, Deep Aqua and Mulberry (as shown).  (Quick tip: Saks Fifth Avenue is offering a Friends and Family Discount window online 4/21-4/23 and in stores 4/24-4/28 for 25% off/20% off Jewelry, Code:  FRNFAM2). So if you love Eileen Fisher as I do, you can get a little savings as it is not excluded from the Sale.

J. Crew has multiple linen options for women and I also search the men's shop when I want a "For the Boys" look.  Buying men's shirts can obviously offer comfort in sizing so if you are looking for easy Spring and Summer looks, the Men's Shop is the way to go.  Perfect example is the Irish Linen Shirt in Thin Stripe.  It is made of Irish linen from Baird McNutt who J. Crew describes as "an innovative Ballymena mill established in 1912".  While it is a slim-fit for men, it is looser for women so keep that in mind when ordering.  This shirt is super soft and comfortable.  I love it tucked in with jeans, over shorts or with a blazer for a more bus-casual look.  

I adore JC's printed linen scarf in a stunning emerald floral print which again can be worn in Summer, but is equally great for other months. It is a great accessory regardless of season and so comfortable in linen.  If you are irritated by wool in scarfs, this provides a great alternative.  

J.Crew also offers multiple linen blazers which again are the perfect weight for Spring on cooler days and into the Summer.  My favorite is the Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen.  It has grosgrain tipping and beautiful crested buttons.  I am partial to the ivory with black tipping, but it also comes in reverse, black with white tipping.

And we can't overlook great accessories JC offers with scarves, bags and shoes in linen! I adore Stubbs and Wootten who partnered up with the retailer for chic shoes such as the S&W for JC Classic Linen Slippers.  These slippers have really been on trend and come in navy, flax and pink - each with S&W's famous needle-point tops.  All three colors have nautical-themed stitches and I favor the flax with a buoy on top!  They take a casual look to cool-luxe!

Talbot's Linen Shop

Talbots, like Eileen Fisher also offers a Linen Shop online and
probably offers more beautiful colors than most of the retailers that I've seen online or that I regularly shop.  The Linen Tunic is a new piece for Talbots and comes in 8 colors, has long sleeves and buttom-cuffed for a more-finished look.

I can't go without mentioning at least one linen pant that I love and Talbot's Hollywood Linen Pant is gorgeous with 10 colors including a new color called South Pacific (as shown) which is a catalog/online exclusive.  I have adored this Hollywood pant for awhile and I was thrilled to see it in linen.  It has a really flattering wide-leg silhouette giving it a relaxed look.

Talbot's No-Close Linen Cardi is the perfect addition to any wardrobe and comes in two neutral colors British Khaki (as shown), white and four bright colors as well.  The linen keeps it light and the long-sleeves are great for day into cooler nights.

I found a beautiful printed linen big shirt (floral blouse) through J. Jill's Linen Shop, oversized for comfort with three prints to choose from.  This is such an easy piece and is machine washable.  I love the pearlized buttons and the fact that it can go casual to business is a plus.

Finally, Boden's Weekender Dress is the perfect blend of relaxed chic.  This is the most versatile linen dress that I've seen for awhile.  It has the most adorable stitching and comes in caramel, dark blue (more like a light denim color as shown) and red.  It is such a sassy sweet dress and one that again, can be easily paired with a blazer or sweater depending on your style.

So hopefully I've outlined some great linen options for you that will be great for wear in the coming months.  I encourage you to make your own fashion rules and break the old ones! Linen can be an eco-friendly, easy-care fabric that is not only comfortable, but beautiful all year long!

Feel free to share your favorite linen pieces.  I'd love to hear from you! Cheers.