As the days grow longer and the summer heat starts to settle in, wardrobes begin to shift toward pieces that promise both airy comfort and style. And this year, it’s all about linen pants. A timeless staple, these breezy trousers have quietly but surely taken over street style, runways and your favorite influencers’ feeds. But if you’re wondering how to style linen pants, you’re in good company.
Linen’s natural fibers are like a breath of fresh air for your skin, allowing airflow in a way few fabrics can, which makes them the perfect antidote to sticky, sweltering weather. But while they feel easy, styling these pants can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Too casual, and the outfit might fall flat; too polished, and you risk losing that carefree summer spirit. Finding the right balance takes a little know-how, especially when it comes to mixing textures, proportions and accessories.
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. We spoke with celebrity stylistCorina Gaffey—who has worked with the likes of Laura Whitmore, Marina and The Diamonds, Valene Kane and more—and she shares the seven best ways to style linen pantsso you can stay cool and chic from sunup to sundown. These expert tips will make linen your go-to summer essential.
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What Kind of Top Goes Best With Linen Pants?
Linen pants are basically the MVP of off-duty and vacation wardrobes, so it only makes sense to keep your top game just as relaxed (but intentional). Gaffey recommends leaning into that laid-back vibe with a breezy button-down or a classic tee—something that feels effortless but put-together. The key is to add a bit of structure to balance the natural looseness of linen with oversized blazers, denim utility jackets or even a sharp waistcoat to “balance the relaxed silhouette” and give your outfit shape without stealing its easygoing charm.
Texture play is another pro move. Adding a silky cami or satin blouse brings a soft sheen that elevates linen’s casual feel into something unexpectedly luxe. Since linen pants are naturally loose and airy, pairing them with a more fitted top or simply tucking in your shirt helps keep everything looking crisp and pulled together. It’s about creating contrast—soft versus structured, relaxed versus refined—so your linen pants don’t just feel like “beachwear” but a bona fide style statement, says Gaffey.
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Should Linen Pants Be Ironed?
Linen’s signature charm is its natural, lived-in creases—they’re part of the fabric’s laid-back personality, after all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give your linen pants a little love when you want to look a bit more polished.
“Giving them a gentle press helps elevate the look without removing the linen’s relaxed vibe,” says Gaffey.
This technique is perfect for when you’re running errands or heading somewhere casual but want to avoid the “just rolled out of bed” look. The trick is to keep the relaxed feel intact; don’t chase away every wrinkle, just soften them. But remember to let your pants cool completely before slipping them on, or those freshly pressed folds will stage a quick comeback.
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What Footwear Is Best To Pair With Linen Pants?
When it comes to shoes, linen pants play well with a surprisingly wide range of styles, but the key is keeping things light and balanced. Opt for strappy sandals that echo linen’s breezy vibe. Choose sleek neutral sneakers for a modern twist. Or try a classic leather slide that slips on and off with ease.
Gaffey points out that bulky or heavy shoes can throw off linen’s effortless flow, so it’s best to avoid anything too chunky. Instead, aim for footwear that complements the relaxed silhouette while still keeping things put-together—whether that’s a delicate ballet flat, a timeless espadrille or even a bold cowboy boot for a bit of edge. Whatever you choose, the goal is to let your linen pants shine while your shoes quietly elevate the whole look.
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How To Style Linen Pants: 7 Best Ways, According to a Celebrity Stylist
1. Oversize It
An oversized blazer is the secret weapon for taking linen pants from Saturday brunch to weekdays in the board room, especially when the heat is on but the office dress code calls for a little more structure.
Gaffey recommends layering relaxed linen pants with a blazer to add shape and sophistication without sacrificing comfort. The oversized fit keeps the look modern and effortless, and accessorizing with ballet flats or flat strappy sandals finishes off the look with a light, airy touch perfect for summer. Whether you’re powering through meetings or heading straight to drinks, this combo is as striking as it is comfortable.
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2. Co-Ord Style
Few outfits say “I’m on vacation” quite like a matching linen set. Coordinating your linen pants with a matching top in the same fabric and shade creates an instant pulled-together look that feels high-brow but is gloriously low-maintenance.
Gaffey notes that many linen pants are part of shirt-and-trouser combos, making it easy to style them as a full set. Pair it with strappy sandals, slide it over a swimsuit and suddenly you’re ready for beach days, poolside lunches or sunset cocktails without a single outfit change. It’s the kind of no-brainer ensemble that looks like you planned ahead, even if you didn’t.
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3. Keep It Neutral
Linen and neutrals are a match made in minimalist heaven. With their soft, natural texture and inherently understated look, linen pants often come in muted tones like sand, ivory, oat or stone. This makes them the perfect foundation for a tonal, monochrome moment.
“Construct an outfit by mixing creamy neutral tones for a refined, effortless look,” says Gaffey.
And you can layer in pieces with subtle texture, like a ribbed tank or lightweight knit, to keep the look from falling flat. Ideal for everything from city strolls to relaxed summer picnics, this palette feels fresh, elevated and endlessly wearable.
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4. Crisp & Neutral
Few pairings are as classic as a crisp white tee and linen pants. It’s a no-fuss, no-fail combo that delivers every time. The contrast between the clean, structured tee and the breezy, lived-in feel of linen strikes just the right balance.
Gaffey calls it an easy go-to and recommends “finishing off the casual vibe with a pair of trainers.” It’s the kind of look that works for just about any warm-weather scenario, from farmers market strolls to a quick iced latte run. Add a canvas tote and a few accessories, and you’re golden.
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5. Go With Denim
When the sun dips or a coastal breeze rolls in, nothing pulls a linen look together quite like a classic denim jacket. The structured, slightly rugged feel of denim gives linen pants a grounded feel, creating that perfect high-low contrast that’s thoughtful but not overdone.
“A classic denim jacket or barn jacket is the perfect addition [to] add a more rugged edge to linen trousers,” says Gaffey.
It’s also a practical layer for those in-between summer days (or nights) when you need just a little something extra to keep you warm. Throw it over a tank or tee, cuff the sleeves and you’ve got an outfit that’s cool, comfy and ready for anything.
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6. Dress It Up
There are a handful of summer days that call for a little more refinement, and linen pants are more than up for the task. While they’re often seen as a relaxed, beachy staple, they can easily lean elevated with the right pairing. One of the best ways to dress them up? A tailored, structured blouse.
Whether it’s something with statement sleeves, a defined waist or a touch of sheen, a blouse brings instant refinement to linen’s easygoing vibe. Gaffey recommends fitted styles for balance, and suggests finishing the look with a strappy sandal to add subtle height and elegance. It’s an effortless formula that works for everything from date night to rooftop soirées, proof that linen can be just as polished as it is breezy.
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7. Keep It Silky
There’s something irresistibly luxe about mixing textures, and nothing elevates the casual charm of linen pants quite like a hint of silk. The soft shine and fluid drape of a silky top adds instant contrast to linen’s matte, structured finish, creating a look that feels both intentional and quietly elegant.
Whether you’re heading to a daytime event, a garden party or just want to dress up without looking too done-up, pairing your linen trousers with a silk cami or blouse strikes the perfect balance, says Gaffey. It’s a combination that reads elevated while staying true to summer’s relaxed spirit.
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Source:
- Corina Gaffey is a celebrity stylist who has worked with the likes of Laura Whitmore, Marina and The Diamonds, Valene Kane and more.
