The Only Summer Linen Pieces You Need to Invest In, According to Our Fashion Director

So far in 2024, my style has heavily relied on wardrobe heroes. For winter, they were cashmere crewnecks. Spring was all things denim. And this summer, it has to be linen. The fabric is versatile and breathable even on the most sweltering days. I can pretend I'm a chic European lady on her way to the beach when, in reality, I'm commuting through Times Square, desperate for some air conditioning. My linen trousers, linen button-down, and ballet flats will look calm, cool, and collected (even if I'm not).

As I prepared for summer, I tapped Fashion Director Michaela Bushkin to share her go-to destination for linen essentials. UNIQLO is her spot for scoring well-priced, high-quality pieces made from 100% premium linen and linen blends. The brand's Linen Collection is made from European flax and designed to minimize wrinkling after washing, and its linen blends (either cotton or rayon) are soft and cool. Not to mention, the plant fibers in the fabric are cultivated with the environment in mind, ensuring that no waste is generated during the production process. UNIQLO's linen and linen blends are comfortable and breathable—just take the following three outfits Michaela styled as proof. Keep scrolling to shop her looks and discover UNIQLO's high-quality linen offerings including dresses, jumpers, accessories, and more.

"If you only buy one LBD for summer, it should be this one. This dress has it all: a mini length that isn't too short, built-in pockets, and adjustable straps. I mean, what more could I ask for? Plus, the breezy linen-blend fabric will keep me cool on even the hottest summer days. I love the out-of-office vibe that these crochet accessories give this look, but I'd style it with a blazer and loafers for the office too. UNIQLO continues to be my destination for shopping simple, high-quality clothing made for everyday wear." — Michaela Bushkin, Fashion Director

"Meet my new go-to weekend look: not-too-short shorts and a short-sleeve button-down from UNIQLO. These pieces are another great option from its collection of linen blends. The fabric is made from natural materials and is light, breezy, and soft. This outfit is a no-brainer because it's comfortable, stylish, and easy to throw together. I love this olive green styled with black accessories—so chic if I do say so myself." — Bushkin

"A long-sleeve linen button-down is a summer essential year after year. There are endless ways to style it: buttoned up, open over a tank, with cuffed sleeves, as a swimsuit cover-up, tied around your waist—should I keep going? Here, I paired it with these lightweight linen trousers, which, by the way, pass the see-through test. The shirt is made from UNIQLO's 100% premium linen, which is specially processed to minimize wrinkling for that classic breeziness. The trousers are made from a linen blend that has the luster of linen but the softness of cotton. This look is 100% coming on my next beach vacation." — Bushkin