When most people think about linen, they immediately think summertime. But you know how I feel about categorizing our clothing, so I wanted to experiment with how to wear linen in winter.
Quote of the day: “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” Jim Rohn
The truth is that linen isn’t just a warm-weather fabric, it’s a natural textile with a long history of being worn year-round. In fact, for centuries linen was the primary fabric used for undergarments (thanks for that information, Tresi) because of its breathability, durability, and comfort against the skin. Long before modern technical fabrics existed, people relied on linen to regulate temperature in both warm and cold climates.
So the idea that linen is only for summer is really more of a modern fashion habit than a rule.
Sure, we’ve talked about linen for summer before, but when I showcased a new-to-me linen company recently, there was some talk about “only for summer.” And that kind of thinking makes me want to experiment.
Other linen articles:
–Linen pants without the wrinkle worry
–Summer linen
–Lintico review
Which brings me to today’s outfits. My crew and I decided to show how to wear linen in winter by styling 4 different linen pieces in ways that feel cozy, layered, and completely cold weather season-appropriate.
Because if a fabric makes you feel good, why limit it to one season?
Valerie chose a linen blazer, which might be one of the easiest ways to incorporate linen into a winter outfit.
Blazers are already a layering piece, so the fabric itself becomes less of a seasonal issue when you style it intentionally.
Her look works beautifully because she built warmth into the outfit with the other pieces. The blazer sits over a patterned dress, and she layered a bright teal scarf on top.
The scarf along with the boots really gives off a winter vibe.
Details
-Valerie has worn this blazer in the summer with an origamied skirt/dress.
-She’s wearing her scarf in her signature style thrown over her shoulder and held in place with a brooch at the shoulder and tucked under her belt.
-Even though there is no blue in the clothing, it’s a fabulous accent color that she used in her scarf, jewelry and purse.
Charlotte’s outfit is the perfect example of how linen pants can work year-round.
She wore a pair of soft green linen trousers that could easily look summery if styled with sandals and a tank top. But instead, she layered 3 different tops: a multicolored blouse under a blue cardigan under a red vest.
That fleece vest is the secret weapon here. The texture instantly adds warmth and dimension to the outfit, which offsets the lighter linen fabric of the pants.
Details:
-Red booties bookmark the red vest and give warmth to the look.
-I Love that my mom layered her vest over a cardigan. We tend to think a cardigan as the outermost layer, yet it can be layered over easily.
I decided to wear a linen shirtdress, which might surprise some people as a winter option. But dresses (shirtdresses espeically) are actually one of the easiest ways to experiment with off-season fabrics.
The trick is layering.
My linen shirtdress became a winter piece because I layered it over a turtleneck and under a long vest along with faux leather leggings and tall boots.
Layering the turtleneck underneath instantly changes any type of summer vibe. Instead of a breezy summer dress, the linen shirtdress now feels like a long tunic layered into a winter outfit.
Details:
-One of those gold brooches (the gold heart) is actually an earring.
-I brought more pink into the equation by wrapping a pink scarf around my purse handle as well as cuffing the turtleneck wristbands over the shirtdress.
-I showcased this shirtdress with a tank top layered over it when I first received it.
Lesley chose another easy way to incorporate linen into a winter wardrobe: wearing a linen blouse as a lightweight jacket layer.
Instead of buttoning it up like a traditional blouse, she wore it open over a patterned sweater. That styling choice instantly shifts the blouse from “summer shirt” to “layering piece.”
Pairing it with brown pants also gives more of a winter nod, even though brown works in any season.
Details:
-Lesley has worn the multicolored sweater for our showcase about wearing green.
-I love that she is carrying a straw purse because just like linen, why shouldn’t it come out in the cooler weather?
There are a few reasons linen can be surprisingly versatile outside of summer.
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While linen is known for keeping you cool, the fibers also provide light insulation. When layered with warmer fabrics, it becomes part of a temperature-regulating system rather than the only layer.
Don’t believe me? Google it.
Unlike very thin summer fabrics, linen has structure. That structure helps it hold its shape when layered with sweaters, scarves, or jackets.
Winter outfits often rely on texture, such as wool, leather, suede, and fleece items.
So by styling linen in winter, you get to introduce another texture that makes outfits more interesting.
One of the most sustainable style habits is simply wearing what you already own in more ways. When you stop assigning fabrics (and colors) to specific seasons, your wardrobe becomes much more versatile.
Style dilemma: Still can’t imagine how to wear linen for winter? Reach out with what piece you have and I’m happy to give you ideas.
If you want to start experimenting with linen in colder months, here are a few simple guidelines that may seem obvious, but are you doing them?
Layer with warmer fabrics
Pair linen with wool, fleece, knits, denim, or leather.
Add winter accessories
Scarves, boots, tights, and belts instantly change the seasonal vibe.
Think in layers instead of single pieces
A linen item doesn’t have to carry the warmth of the entire outfit. It’s just one part of the puzzle.
Style tip: Layering can make anything and everything better. Be like Nike, and “just do it”.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years of playing with fashion, it’s this: many “rules” exist simply because people repeat them.
“Linen is only for summer” is one of those ideas.
But once you start experimenting, you realize fabrics can be far more flexible than we give them credit for. With thoughtful layering, interesting textures, and a little creativity, linen can absolutely have a place in winter outfits.
As I ALWAYS say, style shouldn’t feel restrictive. It should feel like a playground where you try new combinations, mix unexpected pieces, and discover what works for you.
So stop categorizing those linen pieces as “summer only.” You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to wear linen in winter.
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because I love to showcase all ages, body shapes, and women who love different styles.
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