‘Avoid looking like a sack of spuds’ Style tips from fashion editors for summer – including a supermarket viral co-ord
LINEN is a great fabric choice for summer, as it lets your skin breathe and it has a lightweight feel that’ll ensure comfort in warmer temperatures.
From dresses to shirts and trousers, the high street is currently full of linen options, but many of these choices are beige-toned, so it can be challenging to style them without feeling overly reminiscent of a sack of potatoes.
Whether you’re planning the perfect holiday outfit, or looking for pieces to keep you cool during office hours, there are lots of styles to choose from.
The Fashion team have pulled together their favourite linen pieces from the high street right now.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
- Linen jumpsuit, £149, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Bag, £57, Arket – BUY NOW
- Lipstick, £28.50, Laura Mercier at Look Fantastic – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £119, Mint Velvet – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £17.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £23, And Other Stories – BUY NOW
Linen has a reputation for being a bit dowdy, getting creased easily and looking like a sack of spuds.
Well, not any more!
The high street is awash with linen in everything from gorgeous pastel shades to bold brights, as well as soft, earthy tones.
And although there are gorgeous big trad linen pieces, there are also great tailored outfits and even sexy evening looks.
Step forward this slash-front halterneck linen jumpsuit – who knew linen could be this sassy?
I’d pop this jumpsuit on over my bikini, then add coral lippy and a pair of heels to head from beach to bar in less than five minutes!
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
- Waistcoat, £45, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £110, Cos – BUY NOW
- Bag, £49.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Bracelet, £59.95, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £49.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £19.99, Mango – BUY NOW
For me, the secret to getting linen right is tailoring.
It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting down all day on a car journey or busy working all day, if it’s tailored you can still pull off a polished look.
A waistcoat is perfect for this and gorgeous for summer teamed with a column maxi skirt.
I love this waistcoat from M&S – with a longer shape, it nips in at the waist and glides over the hips for a smooth silhouette that looks polished and neat.
Summery accessories like this textured raffia bag I just adore and brown sandals that tie in with the leather on the bag, pull the look together nicely.
I’m also loving bigger bracelets this season, like this wraparound one from Massimo Dutti that’s a similar style to the famous Bulgari Serpenti watch.
If there’s a nip in the air, I’ll grab a neutral-coloured jumper to slip over my shoulders to banish the chill in style.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Dress, £29.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Bag, £95, Charles & Keith – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £10.99, New Look – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £15.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £130, Jigsaw – BUY NOW
Linen is a fabric that never goes out of style.
I’m partial to a pair of linen trousers, but this summer I’m mixing things up with this gorgeous dress from Mango.
It’s one of those versatile dresses that you can either wear around the city with a blazer thrown over the top, or a perfect holiday look worn with sandals.
Speaking of sandals, this suede pair from Jigsaw look so comfortable and I know they’ll go with most of my wardrobe and will last for years to come.
I’m accessorising with some statement gold earrings, big sunglasses and a carry-all tote bag.
Pass me my passport, I’m ready for some sunshine.
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
- Top, £22.50, F&F Clothing – BROWSE HERE
- Trousers, £22.50, F&F Clothing – BROWSE HERE
- Bag, £55, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £21.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £23, Betty & Biddy – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £156, Ray Ban at Schuh – BUY NOW
I’m a sucker for a coordinating set and when I saw this F&F one go viral last week, it was an immediate must-have.
It reminds me of a similar set by H&M last year that sold out in minutes, so I was thrilled to snag this one – and I wasn’t alone, judging by the buzz on social media.
The black floral detailing is what elevates this piece above some of the other linen sets on the high street.
And it’s so versatile, as, with its long sleeves, it’s perfect for transitioning from cooler spring into warmer summer.
Plus, you can mix and match the pieces – pair the shirt with a black skirt for a chic office look.
I’m planning to wear my new co-ord next weekend, paired with some sandals from H&M, along with my trusty Ray-Bans (a summer essential that’s definitely worth the investment) and this rattan shopper from M&S.
It’s perfect for everything from a day at the beach to carrying all my work essentials, including my laptop.
It’s my new favourite bag!
How To Pick The Best Travelling Outfit
The Sun's Deputy Fashion Editor has broken down essential travel attire to get from A to B in style.
Abby McHale says: “When it comes to deciding on what to wear to the airport several factors need to be taken into consideration.
“What the weather is like in the countries you’re travelling from and to, how long your flight is (as comfort is key) and how much luggage you are bringing with you.
“If you’re going from one climate to another then you’ll want to make sure you have layers, plus this may be your only option if you don’t have lots of space in your luggage.
“A light jacket over a T-shirt with a thin scarf or jumper in your bag in case the plane is cold would work.
“Also don’t forget your sunglasses, although the hot burst of air is lovely as you step off the plane, you’ll need your sunnies in your handbag.
“Bottoms-wise – go for something loose and comfortable, there are so many lovely pairs of wide-leg elasticated trousers around at the moment, look for fabrics such as linen that are nice and light for a stylish yet comfy look.
“Finishing off with accessories, trainers are the most practical option, however, flat sandals can also look lovely (just pop a pair of socks in your handbag for the plane), and a high cross-body bag is perfect for keeping all your important documents near to you.”