For some reason, linen has never really been a fabric that I’ve warmed to. I think it’s due to my reluctance to buy clothing that is so obviously restricted to the summer months which, in UK terms, usually means a period of about eight weeks. I’d much rather buy something I can justifiably wear all year round. Historically, I have also never been someone who feels comfortable in that “bohemian beach-dweller” vibe that so often dominates summer collections.
But this season, due to the glorious weather ahead, I have conceded that actually linen might be just what I need right now, and the more I browsed 2023’s offering, the more I found my attitude changing. Far from the free-flowing frocks that previously defined the trend, now linen comes in a wider range of styles, including short sets and clean-lined tailored trousers (though we’re still huge fans of the linen dress).
Comfy, cool and undeniably chic, linen is setting itself up to be the fabric of the summer, and when a timeless style is having a moment in the spotlight we’re always on board, as we know these pieces will keep working hard for many years to come. So, if like me, you’re new to the lures of linen, I recommend scrolling down and checking out the cool-girl stylings of Chrissy Ford, Marianne of Smyth Sisters, Rachael Clifton, Oluwaseun, and Monikh Dale. You never know—you might just become a convert.
