Overview
Cotton may show your casual side, and satin may show your sexy persona, but linen ... aaaaah, linen; that's for the sophisticate in you. It is the ultimate leisure fabric, creating a comfortable yet chic effect any time you slide it on. Sure, traditionally, you were only supposed to wear linen during the summer. But these days, those old fashion rules no longer apply, so why should you play by them? It has become perfectly acceptable to wear linen year-round, depending on what you pair with it. As you put together a linen-based shorts ensemble, stop for a quick second and think about how much linen is too much in terms of the garment you wear with it.
Linen Identification
Before you start considering what to wear with your linen, make certain you know what it is. The word "linen" gets tossed around to describe any number of garments. You've got to know what you're working with before you mix and match anything with those fabulous linen shorts of yours. Linen is made from the flax plant, which gives it a unique texture. It is known for being stain resistant and breathable, which is why it's such a popular summer fabric.
Matching Linen Garments
OK, most of the time you want to avoid looking too matched up in terms of your garment choices, so you don't look as though you stepped off the pages of your mother's casualwear catalog. But linen is a game changer in this aspect; in most instances, it looks best when matched together. Think: a linen top and matching linen shorts that hit around the knee. When you match it up with the right accessories and a fabulous pair of heels, the overall look is chic and sophisticated. The beauty of matching this fabric is that it crosses genders; men and women can wear matching linen shorts and tops.
Linen and Other Fabrics
If you're going to mix it up, be careful so you don't end up with fashion disaster on your hands. Choose wisely. Linen doesn't necessarily match with just any other fabric. For example, a satin tank, which is shiny, paired with textured linen shorts isn't necessarily a good match; a simple cotton top with linen shorts, however, is a fashionable ensemble. Choose simple fabrics to compensate for the texture of the linen fabric.
Accessorizing
Like many outfits, accessories are the style glue to your garment combo. Even when it seems like you can't -- or won't -- pull it off, along comes the perfect accessories and ta-da .. .instant pizzazz. Accessories are key to pulling off a linen shorts and top combo. Add some additional texture with your accessories; think fabric-covered bangles, funky glittery hoop earrings or a huge abstract ring with splotches of paint on an interesting shape. Your shoes matter too; amp up plain linen with lizard pumps or go demure with neutral-toned slingbacks.
