Although we often rely on linen blazers to round out our cute summer outfits, these gauzy layers can function well beyond our warm-weather wardrobes. More specifically, the best linen blazers prove their worth in between seasons—when slipping into a barely-there tank top isn't really an option, but neither is bundling up in a fuzzy teddy coat.
“When the weather begins to shift around early fall, I’ll reach for a linen blazer as a lightweight alternative to a heavy jacket,” says Net-a-Porter’s market director, Libby Page. Page tells Marie Claire that you can easily wear linen blazers over fall wardrobe essentials like cashmere cardigans and turtlenecks. In fact, they'll help insulate without overheating.
Aside from earning practicality points, linen blazers are investment-worthy staples because they'll stick around for the long haul. “They’re timeless, elegant, and beyond versatile,” says Alison Bruhn, stylist and co-founder of The Style That Binds Us—a fashion and culture media group. “Whether you decide to dress it down with a T-shirt and jeans or kick things up a notch with a slip dress for a night on the town, the possibilities are endless,” she adds.
If you want to follow suit, the market is overflowing with a bevy of options. Designers like Tod’s and Theory offer neutral-toned styles, while & Other Stories and Frame champion the latest fall 2024 color trends. As for silhouettes, you’ll find that oversized linen blazers with floor-length hems and baggy sleeves are everywhere, piggybacking off the popularity of designers like The Row and Toteme. And, of course, classic designs like single-breasted and double-breasted blazers aren’t going anywhere this season. You'll find Loulou Studio, Brunello Cucinelli, and plenty of other labels as proof.
Keep scrolling for a curated edit featuring the aforementioned brands and more. Plus, Page and Bruhn provide valuable insight that will help you through your shopping decisions.
Neutral Linen Blazers
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Keep it simple with subtle shades.
Feed your appetite for minimalism with linen blazers in neutral shades of midnight black, chocolate brown, dusty beige, and off-whites and creams—yes, you can indeed wear white after Labor Day. “I recently got my hands on Tod’s classic white blazer,” says Page. It’s a bit oversized, making it easy to layer over my dresses and tailored trousers for an effortlessly chic look,” she adds.
Options from Quince and Reiss offer linen blazers in lighter hues at accessible price points. Alternatively, you can dive into the deeper end of the neutral color palette with picks from Banana Republic, Rag & Bone, and Theory. Whatever linen blazer you choose, rest assured that you’ll be able to wear any of these versatile styles on repeat.
Colorful Linen Blazers
Play into the season's most beloved colors, like rich shades of burgundy.
Bruhn explains that linen is a natural fiber crafted from flax, so soft neutral colors like ivory, beige, and khaki are common options in the market. But that doesn’t mean that colorful alternatives don’t exist. In fact, many designers are experimenting with a slew of sought-after color trends.
Discover delectable hues of olive green at Frame and Slowear or calm shades of sky blue at Open Edit. Meanwhile, & Other Stories proves that soft pink is still topping the charts, and BODE demonstrates fashion’s obsession with burgundy.
One of Page's favorites is the deep turquoise linen blazer from the Italian label Blazé Milano. “This gorgeous jacket has been a longstanding member of my wishlist because of its eye-catching color,” says the market director.
Oversized Linen Blazers
Not only do oversized blazers look sharp, but they're also quite functional. Wear yours over your favorite loose-fitting top.
Rather than going the fitted route, shop for oversized linen blazers. Depending on how you style them, they can be minimal or border on the maximalism trend. They're great for transitional season layering, with designers like Acne Studios, Toteme, Everlane, and the Frankie Shop embracing roomy constructions large enough to accommodate your bulkier sweaters.
Linen blazers from A.L.C. and The Row also showcase padded shoulders inspired by the '80s that give off a “more is more” mood. Team these vintage-looking layers with chunky gold accessories that align with the viral '80s jewelry trend.
Single-Breasted Linen Blazers
For easygoing occasions, pull on a single-breasted blazer with a streamlined edge.
"The single-breasted linen blazer vibe is generally relaxed, creating a very casual look," says Bruhn, who also mentions that the classic style is a wardrobe must-have. Page agrees, sharing that there’s one in particular poised to land a spot in her shopping cart. “I’ve got my eyes on Brunello Cucinelli’s linen blazer—the tailoring is impeccable, and it has a true capsule wardrobe appeal,” she adds.
There are countless other options if you’re looking for a similar style at a lower price point. Brands like Alex Mill, COS, J.Crew, Maje, and Madewell all lead the charge with sleek blazers, below.
Double-Breasted Linen Blazers
There's something about parallel rows of buttons and layered fabric that makes double-breasted blazers feel oh-so dressy.
Whereas Bruhn mentions that single-breasted blazers are more laid-back, double breasted styles tend to err on the formal side of the style spectrum. Note that most of these double-breasted blazers are lined, which is an intentional design choice. “The only negative thing about linen is that it tends to wrinkle easily," Bruhn shares. "So, if you’re going for a smooth and sophisticated look, consider choosing a blazer with a lining that offers more structure.”
Linen blazers from Denimist, L'AGENCE, Mango, and Argent are ideal for those moments when you need an extra layer to throw over a wedding guest dress or your going-out outfit. To achieve an even fancier feel, choose a blazer adorned with shimmering sequins or a chic, slightly retro collarless neckline.
Meet the Experts
Libby Page is the market director at Net-a-Porter. She prides herself on being a creative yet pragmatic thinker who takes a 360 approach to luxury fashion. Page specializes in product inception, creative content, and marketing. She also mentors emerging designers to help shape the future of fashion.
Alison is a national style and image consultant with clients across the country. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and holds a Color certification from the Image Resource Center of New York. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International and the co-founder of The Style That Binds Us.
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