Linen suits are a fabulous look for spring and summer, especially for overseas weddings and balmy evening parties. They’re breathable, comfortable, easy to wear and have a natural, relaxed look.
But sometimes, that casual feel can feel inappropriate for the occasion or venue unless you know how to style your linen suit. The good news is that there are lots of different ways you can dress yours up or down, creating versatile looks that work well for a variety of different occasions.
How to Style a Linen Suit with Confidence
Linen suits are known for being loose, laid-back and relaxed, though sometimes a bit wrinkly. That’s part of their charm, but it also means you need to style them carefully. The key is to balance the casual fabric with smart choices in shirts, shoes and accessories, as well as colours. Get it right, and you’ll look polished without seeming like you’ve really made an effort.
And if you’re wondering, can you wear a linen suit to a wedding? The answer is a definite yes, but only if it fits the occasion.
Linen suits are the perfect choice for summer weddings, especially if the venue is outdoors or on the beach.
You’ll just need to make sure you keep the rest of your look formal enough to match the occasion. However laid-back the atmosphere, remember that a wedding is still a really special event. You don’t want to feel underdressed or like you’re disrespecting the bride and groom.
Choose the Right Shirt for the Occasion
Your shirt choice matters a lot when it comes to nailing the linen suit look. For casual events, a lightweight cotton or linen shirt in white or soft colours can work really well. This keeps the outfit light and breathable, matching the suit’s style.
For more formal occasions such as weddings, go for a crisp, well-fitted dress shirt. White is always a safe option to pair with wedding suits for all kinds. If you want to add some personality, subtle patterns like thin stripes or checks can work, but aim to keep it understated.
Whichever shirt you choose, make sure it’s crisp, clean and well pressed, as this will balance out the natural wrinkles in the linen.
Elevate the Look with the Right Shoes
Shoes can make or break a look, especially when it comes to styling a linen suit with confidence.
For daytime meet-ups and casual events, loafers or suede shoes in neutral shades like tan or beige pair perfectly with the soft texture of the linen. You may even be able to get away with a pair of clean white trainers or even espadrilles. This is only appropriate for very casual events, and never occasions where there’s any kind of dress code.
If you need something smarter for a party, wedding or other dressier occasion, try a pair of leather brogues or derby shoes in brown tones. They add polish without being too formal.
Add Accessories That Complement the Fabric
Accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to a plain suit. With linen suits, the aim is to choose things that don’t overpower the fabric’s natural, laid-back look.
Here are some ideas to try out:
- A simple leather or woven belt that matches your shoes
- A pocket square in cotton or linen – this adds a touch of colour and style without weighing your look down
- A stylish pair of sunglasses – only for outdoor events, obviously.
As for jewellery, it’s usually best to keep it minimal. A classic watch or very simple cufflinks will be more than enough, otherwise you risk overpowering the suit.
Switch Up Colours for Different Events
Linen suits come in a wide range of different colours, which is what makes them so versatile. You can keep it light and breezy for daytime events (for example, brunches or garden parties) with a pale colour. Cream, beige and pale grey are all popular colours, although you will need to take extra care about marks and stains.
As for weddings or evening events, you might want to consider a richer or darker colour like navy or olive. This is an easy way to make a linen suit feel more formal, while still staying comfortable and looking effortlessly stylish.
For those who love to make a splash, there are a few ways you can be bold with your choice of colour. For a modern twist on the classic look, shop around for a linen suit in a pastel shade like soft pink or powder blue.
Whatever you choose, make sure to match your suit colour to the event and the time of day. A simple rule to remember is that light colours work best in the daytime and on warm days, while darker colours suit cooler evenings.
