Linen is really hot this spring/summer, and not just because the temperatures are rising quickly. As we become more aware of our environmental impact on the world around us, and fashion is becoming more sustainable, so too is it becoming fashionable to be wearing more natural fabrics. Linen, organic cotton and wicker are the hottest things for spring/summer, and they’re fantastic for keeping cool.
WHAT: Linens appearing in the spring/summer collections isn’t anything new or revolutionary. When the weather starts to get hot, we look for things to keep us cool. It’s for that reason that linen is so popular. But it’s back with a particular bang this spring/summer season. Whether it’s embracing the other big trend this season; beige or embodying our tropical holiday dreams, linen is back.
The natural linen trend is an amalgamation of several different micro trends that appeared all over the spring/summer collections. The emphasis was on loose, natural, light and comfortable. They were everything from rope sandals, a more natural alternative to your usual summer sandals. Other designers tackled wicker and straw bags in various shapes and style. Some designers focused on linen; though this seems to be more popular on the high street than designer collections. Others focused on beige fabrics in loose cuts, light material and organic composition.
You can choose to only use one element, or create an entire wardrobe out of all the disparate parts. The great thing with this trend is they all work very well together.
WHO: As far as I can see, no one designer tackled this trend on its own. Elements of the natural linen trend have appeared all over the runways of the spring/summer collections. Even if it was only one designer focusing on wicker bags, another on rope sandals and a third tackling natural beige fabrics. The designer who tackled this trend are Loewe, Michael Kors, Altuzarra, Alberta Ferretti and Oscar de la Renta. 3.1 Philip Lim, Valentino, Fendi
HOW: The purpose of this trend is for this to be easy to wear, comfortable and cool. A relaxed attitude to life and fashion is needed for this trend. Think hot summer days in the city, strolling casually. You want to be comfortable and cool, and that’s what this trend ultimately embodies. A beige linen blazer over a white dress is the perfect example of this trend, or a short suit in linen, or even a white or blue linen dress. They look best paired with straw hats, wicker bags, natural sandals and earthen jewellery.
“Embrace the natural trend with these breezy and cool linen pieces, woven accessories and neutral colours.”
THE LOOK: I thought Primark was the best choice to represent the linen trend because of the wide variety of pieces available. They had beautiful white and blue print midi dresses, crop tops and blazers in linen blends that were both casual and chic and incredibly affordable. They were also seriously on point with their accessories. This large woven tote is just perfect for a day in the city or a trip to the beach. It’s roomy enough to pack almost everything you need. These faux leather sandals are both cute, but also very comfy.
I wanted the styling to be easy and effortless, much like the trend itself. I haven’t focused a lot on dresses for this Lookbook, so it was about time I featured at least one. It’s got a great midi length, nipped in at the waist and a slight ruffled hem at the bottom that’s incredibly flattering on most figures. Heck, I’m only 5”3’ and this made me look quite tall. A beige linen blazer with a relaxed cut was perfect for covering up your shoulders should you get cold and the accessories were woven and wicker inspired. To be honest, this outfit didn’t need much more other than a straw hat, a large tote, a belt and some sandals.
Linen blue print dress: Primark, in stocks now – Linen cream blazer: Primark, in stocks now – Brown faux leather sandals: Primark, in stocks now – Woven wicker tote bag: Primark, in stocks now – Faux leather brown belt: Primark, in stocks now
