Summer in the city is unmatched because the warm weather opens up endless possibilities. You can plan picnics with friends, head to the beach for the day, or pack a bag and hop on a plane. Basically, you can be out in the world living your best life. But with, the prospect of hotter days comes with its own set of wardrobe challenges. Having a hot girl summer, in theory, is great until you’re actually overheating because you don’t own the right clothes. Having an arsenal of summer clothing that can keep you looking cool (in every definition of the word) on a summer day is a must—which is something that veteran New Yorkers and Parisians know well. You see, it’s not just about having great platform sandals or date-night dresses on hand, but the secret I’ve found (after doing some deep scrolling) is owning great linen separates. Linen is the one fabric that’s so polished, versatile, and functional that it promotes itself into staple status among the fashion set. So in that vein, I’ve done some deep scrolling to identify the 6 linen staples the New York and Paris fashion sets wear in the summer. These are not only the best linen clothes for summer you can buy, but they’ll guarantee you survive the scorching heat in style no matter where you live.
Is it even possible to waft about New York or Paris without wearing at least one cute linen top? Jokes aside, this staple has staying power in any wardrobe as it’s not only light-weight, but with iterations coming in the form of polished button-downs or puff-sleeve tops, it’s one of the best linen pieces to buy for the summer, hands down.
Made from linen and Tencel this is the perfect lightweight crop top for a night out.
This top is so precious.
Linen button-up tops are a must-have for the summer.
Not to be biased, but this may be the perfect linen top.
At the top of my wishlist for summer.
Yep, packing this for my next vacation.
It’s a linen blend bustier, but it’s so good.
The asymmetrical hem on this top is hot, but the linen fabric will keep you cool.
The next linen staple that the Parisian and New York fashion set wear all summer long is skirts. It doesn’t matter what form it comes in (a maxi or mini, starch-white hues or vibrant pink); it’s clear that this piece has become a must-have basic that’s far from boring.
Pleats on linen a-line skirt? Yes, please.
The asymmetrical hem on this is divine.
Ideal for a day by the sea.
Who doesn’t love a wrap skirt?
How stunning is this cotton-linen blend skirt, though?
This color is everything.
Linen mini skirts are the staple I didn’t even know I needed in my life.
Pair this with the matching linen top ($380).
As a New Yorker, I can fully attest to the power of owning a linen dress. In fact, I live in them all summer, and I know I’m not the only one. Women around the world swear by linen dresses because they’re the easiest way to look chic all summer without breaking a sweat.
My all-time favorite linen dress is from Staud.
Perfect for the office.
An embodiment of hot girl summer.
Made with cotton and linen you can rest assured this mini dress will keep you cool on a warm summer day.
The ruched bodice on this is so flattering.
It comes in black too!
The side cutouts on this dress? The contrasting black embroidery? The halter straps? It’s stunning all around.
I dream of this dress on a daily basis.
Linen dresses aren’t the only staple beloved by the fashion set, so are trousers. But what makes linen pants a hero piece among the fashion set? Versatility, of course. Not only can you find them in various hems, fits, and hues, but they can be dressed up (think: a full linen suit) or down (styled with a cute crop top) they can come in a set or fit seamlessly into what you already have. In conclusion, linen pants are the breath of fresh air that every summer wardrobe needs.
Pleated pants are always a yes in my books.
These will go with everything in your closet already.
It’s giving.
Brown linen pants? I’m losing it.
White will always be the color of the summer.
I’d wear these with my swimsuit by the pool.
These will give your leggings a run for their money.
The drop waist on these is phenomenal.
Blazers have always been a beloved wardrobe staple among the fashion set, so it’s only rationale that they’d hold a significance well into the summer too. But with warmer temps, it only makes sense to swap wool and other heavy-weight blazers for linen. Trust me when I say, you’ll love your linen blazer just as much as any other outerwear piece in your closet.
So fresh, and so clean, clean.
This linen blazer comes in six different colorways.
A blazer that will be a mainstay in your wardrobe for years.
Ok Zara, go off.
Your work wardrobe will thank you for buying this blazer.
Just when I thought I couldn’t love linen blazers more, this baby blue one exists.
Love, love, love.
Wait until you see the flap detail on the back of this blazer.
If you’ve made it here, you’ve hopefully concluded that linen is the staple of the summer among New Yorkers and Parisians. It’s not only incredibly functional but fashionable too. And if that weren’t enough to sell you, then just think of one of the last (and one of the best) linen pieces to purchase: shorts. This staple, like other linen clothing, makes dressing stylishly in the summer a breeze.
The hemline and the fabric comprehension of these shorts will ensure you’re comfortable all summer.
I’m obsessed with the print on these.
The perfect pair of neutral-hued linen shorts.
We love an affordable pair of linen shorts.
Simple yet luxurious.
We love a matching linen set especially when it comes in six different colors.
