If we've learned anything over the past few years, it's just how important linen can be in the summer months. Breathable, versatile, and feather-light in texture, linen is exactly what we reach for when the temperature rises, and should you need pieces that seamlessly transition from the city to the beach too, you won't find a better option. While there are a few key styles that have really come into their own in 2025 (and I've lost count how many great wide-leg, drawstring trousers and matching shirts are currently on the market), it's a low-key neutral that people are stocking up on most, and this summer is all about linen shorts.
With relaxed tailoring back on the agenda, we're trading in pretty summer dresses for linen shorts, and with holiday season and warm weather just around the corner, this comfortable wardrobe hero is about to come into its own. Take a cursory scroll through the feeds of Instagram's best dressed and we can almost guarantee a pair of linen shorts appearing in their poolside outfits, but how exactly does one style up this casual wonder? We've got the definitive answer.
When it comes to styling linen, layering simple separates always looks expensive, particularly when colour blocking tonals .Of course boxy tees, tank tops and loose blouses are obvious choices, but if you're looking for fresh ways to wear your linen shorts this summer, we've rounded up five outfits that will do the trick. Keep scrolling to see the best linen shorts outfits we've seen so far this year, you're going to want to bookmark them from later.
5 Elegant Ways to Wear Linen Shorts in Summer 2025
1. Crochet Top + Tailored Linen Shorts + Mules
Style Notes: What happens when you take two of summer 2025's biggest trends and pair them together in one outfit? Crochet + linen shorts are a recipe for success, and immediately transport us to far flung destinations abroad. It makes sense then that all this outfit needs is a low-heel sandal, and hey presto, you've got a chic outfit ready for an evening spent al fresco.
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Who What Wear UK Editor-In-Chief Hannah Almassi currently has this on her wish list.
Perfectly tailored.
Low heels mean a more comfortable wear.
2. Sweatshirt + Linen Shorts + Trainers
Style Notes: Let's face it, British weather is... unpredictable at the best of times. It always helps to have a sensible knit on hand for "just in case", and as Jessica proves [pictured above], linen shorts and a cosy jumper make for a very chic lounge look, especially with comfy flats like trainers. Consider this your lazy weekend uniform.
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From crewnecks to cardigans, Daughter have perfected cute and casual knits.
The tie-waist will make these so comfortable.
A beautifully constructed take on the classic trainer.
The finishing touch.
3. Waistcoat + Linen Shorts + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Call off the search, we may have found the ideal outfit for summer in the office! Cool yet covered, polished but comfortable, Brittany's waistcoat and shorts pairing [pictured above] is a masterclass in making tailoring work for the warmer months and makes a change from the blazer and jeans combination we've been wearing throughout autumn/winter.
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I love this longline fit.
Not looking for white linen? These come in chocolate brown too.
Just look at that spongey sole...these are going to be a comfy wear.
A beaded necklace is the ultimate summer accessory.
4. Linen Shirt + Bandeau + Linen Shorts
Style Notes: If you've got five minutes to get ready and don't have the time to piece together what goes with what, an easy co-ord takes the guesswork out of outfit building. It's impossible to get a co-ordinated outfit wrong and even though it's just as quick as a tracksuit, it looks far more elegant.
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There's no need to try and colour match separates, With Nothing Underneath's seperates come perfectly co-ordinated.
Crop tops and summer go together like strawberries and cream.
It's been a very good year for boxer-style shorts, and it's easy to see why.
5. Tailored Shirt + Linen Shorts + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: As anyone who wears tailoring nearly every day knows, an oxford shirt goes with just about anything in your wardrobe. As it gets warmer and heavy trousers get too much, swap them for your linen shorts and grab some versatile heeled flip-flops for a look you can dress up or down with just the change of a shoe.
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I've heard nothing but good things about this Aussie brand.
Use this to cinch in the boxy shirt.
I keep spotting these on Instagram this month.
I'm convinced this is the ideal heel height for dressing up an everyday look.
Such a beautiful color.
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