How To Pull Off Linen in Singapore
Keeping it cool and breezy to beat the summer heat. By Charmaine Tan
Where we embrace imperfections and continue to celebrate the French could-care-less attitude of cool today, it seems there may finally be a place for linen. So before you pack your suitcases en route to your next holiday destination, consider these 9 ways you can work summer’s most cooling fabric into your summer wardrobe.
1. Linen Blazers
Wear the linen version of the classic staple to the beach and the office. Leave it unbuttoned with some cotton shorts for the weekend, or wear it as a top with any fitted bottom for a sophisticated look. The playful assortment of buttons on this Rejina Pyo piece makes a case to try out the latter. Rest assured, this twist to the smart uniform will bring the Gallic sea-breeze with you, wherever you go.
[gallery columns="2" ids="142120,142118"]
2. Linen Pants
Though dismissed as informal, it is worth embracing the inevitable creases in all its sincerity. If you are still unsure about adding it to the work closet, consider linen-blends like this striped Bleu de France cropped pants or these empowering Staud flared pants.
[gallery ids="142123,142124,142125"]
3. Linen Shirts
Don't be obsessed with ironing out every single crease. The allure of the summer fabric is its softness being organic to its form. So on top of making full use of its stellar ventilation properties, we recommend going for universally flattering cream shirts like this to really emanate that charming nonchalance so well carried out by our Parisien sisters.
If you are a little bit more adventurous, try linen-and-print like this Maison Margiela ode to Hawaiian vacations—it's that time of the year after all.
[gallery columns="2" ids="142127,142129"]
4. Linen Jackets
Who says layering only works for cold weather? Add some texture and dimension to your look with this ruby red jacket from Zara or this khaki cropped jacket from Off-White. Linen makes jackets more tolerable even in sweltering hot temperatures, so you don't have to worry about walking down Orchard Road while melting inside.
[gallery columns="2" ids="142141,142142"]
5. Linen Dresses
Summer is about being spirited and carefree, and twirling in dresses is easily the embodiment of that insouciance. Hop on the pastel bandwagon with this polka dot Lisa Marie Fernandaz maxi, or opt for this bold emerald dress from Mara Hoffman to help make your presence in the room known without being overly loud.
As a plus, try this Gabriela Hearst dress to look good and feel good. The Gertrude dress is one of the brand's few linen pieces that is treated with aloe. Packed with extra moisturizing capabilities, it seems being dressed in linen really does keep things nice and chill. Literally.
[gallery ids="142143,142144,142145"]
6. Linen Shorts and Miniskirts
Beyond the weather, linen takes on casual basics can also help you stand out from the downtown crowd or the holidayers down by the coast. This Saint Laurent lace-up shorts and Isabel Marant Etoile miniskirt are examples of how linen can naturally lighten the mood of a commute to the supermarket.
[gallery columns="2" ids="142146,142148"]
7. Linen Midi Skirts
For a more girly look
Wear the linen version of the classic staple from the beach to the office. The playful assortment of buttons on this Rejina Pyo piece makes a case to try out wearing this blazer as a top with some white denim bottoms. Rest assured, this twist to the smart uniform will bring the Gallic sea-breeze with you, wherever you go.
Blazer, Rejina Pyo, $1,054
SHOP
The golden buckle makes this the Gucci slippers for this summer. The mix of linen, leather and gold here adds an air of elegance and sensibility that can easily dress your look up or down. Put together with this flowy khaki green skirt for an understated, summer look.
Slippers, Bally, USD650
SHOP
Related article: Statement-Making Spring/Summer 2018 Accessories You Must Have
Jumpsuits like this sand-hued piece from Stelen Maetra are easy one-pieces to throw on and are fit for every occasion this season. To kick it up a notch, layer on colourful studs from Alison Lou with this bare-backed beauty if you have multiple piercings.
Jumpsuit, Stelen Maestra, USD88
SHOP
Who says layering only works for cold weather? Add some texture and dimension to your look with this khaki cropped jacket from Off-White. Linen makes jackets more tolerable even in sweltering hot temperatures, so you can still walk down Orchard Road and look badass without melting inside.
Cropped jacket, Off-White, USD1150.01
SHOP
Linen wrap skirts scream island princess. Contrast the soft beige graphic print with black leather boots (as seen on this model) to show hint at the island princess's cool, grunge alter-ego.
Wrap skirt, Isabel Marant Étoile, USD440
SHOP
Leave the linen blazer unbuttoned with some cotton shorts to tone down the formality of the fit. Add a splash of apple red or magenta to revitalise your look; the tan colour of this Theory blazer is the perfect base to explore new colour palettes.
Blazer, Theory, USD572
SHOP
This marigold wrap top flatters all figures and is great for brunch with the girlfriends at the latest It cafe. Head out with this and a pair of raffia slides to get that radiant summer glow.
Wrap top, Three Graces, USD325
SHOP
Though dismissed as informal, it is worth embracing the inevitable creases in all its sincerity. If you are still unsure about adding linen to the work closet, consider linen-blends like these flattering Staud flared pants with a simple tank for a start.
Pants, Staud, USD237
SHOP
This linen lace up shorts is a testament to how you don't always have to go ham on patent leather and or skinny latex shorts to dress with an attitude. Try linen-on-linen with this pair of linen slides for the ultimate model off-duty vibes, summer edition.
Shorts, Saint Laurent, USD2,169
SHOP
Don't be obsessed with ironing out every single crease. The allure of linen is its softness, so on top of making full use of its stellar ventilation properties, universally flattering cream shirts emanate that charming nonchalance carried out by our Parisienne sisters.
Shirt, Loewe, USD1,007
SHOP
Related article: 5 Things To Know About The Tomas Maier And Uniqlo Collection
Wear linen to a romantic dinner with this bold emerald dress from Mara Hoffman. Layer on a statement gold bangle or chunky golden hoops to show how your girl knows how to work it even on balmy nights like this.
Dress, Mara Hoffman, USD500
SHOP
Like the linen blazers, linen mules appropriate the sun and sand even when you're in the meeting room discussing your next big project. Embellish your toes with some coral red or lilac polish to remind yourself and your colleagues to not to take life too seriously, 'cause girls just wanna have fun.
Mules, Mercedes Castillo, USD406.99
SHOP
Summer is about being spirited and carefree, and twirling in dresses is easily the embodiment of that insouciance. Hop on the 2018 pastel bandwagon with this polka dot Lisa Marie Fernandaz maxi dress and pair with strappy sandals for a garden party outfit.
Dress, Lisa Marie Fernandez, USD716.81
SHOP
In celebration of linen's longwithstanding relationship with human civilisation, try this khaftan-like V-neck top with the its pair of matching shorts to bring the sultry Moroccan summer to our little red dot.
Top, JW Anderson, USD578.38
SHOP
The striped Stella McCartney Falabella is your best friend this summer. Head on for the coming summer sales with this versatile tote for an easy shopping experience. It also comes in blue if you're into cooler shades.
Bag, Stella McCartney, $1,849
SHOP
Related article: The Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves For Every Star Sign