Overview
A tan linen shirt is a cool operator for hot summer days with its breezy, breathable appeal and light-colored tone. Pair it up with an equally cool bottom counterpart, or belt it up and rock it out for an evening vibe with something a little more funky. Whether for a casual low-key mood, or a wowza Malibu style 'part-ay, this basic item can be styled up or down with the right-colored pants and accessories.
Coffee & Cream
Tan linen is asking for a pair of white, cream, black or navy pants in matching fabric for a really cool affair. Feel the breeze flowing through you with this lightweight style. Think Lauren Hutton in Ralph Lauren all-American style. Seek out a square-cut tan linen shirt with breast pockets, tuck into a pair of wide-leg linen pants, and finish with a black or tan belt. Wear the collar up and decorate with a chunky plastic chain necklace.
On Safari
Color ways can be taken from the jungle and tribal catwalk inspired styles. Work with a palette of taupes, beige, cream, khaki and white to start with -- some light taupe capri pants for example. Sniff out accessories that exude flair and punch; an orange chiffon scarf wrapped loosely, big chunky bangles in animal print or gold and strut off the look with a high pair of wooden-heeled tan sandals.
Belt Up
Pick out a long, loose-style tan linen shirt and select a wide-fitting belt, preferably with some detail such as a cream stretch fabric base with leather detail and gilt buckle. Fit the belt around the waist and fasten as tight as is comfortable. Blouse out the shirt to create a slight, but not too puffy finish. The rest of the blouse sits nicely over jeans or a casual skirt. Play around with different belts, bangles and necklaces.
Best of The Rest
Be bold and brilliant with a few alternative bottoms to go with a tan linen blouse. Sizzle in brown- or black-fitted leather trousers or legging style and add height with platform gold shoes or wedges. Or, how about white Capri pants, belted shorts or navy chinos rolled up? Wear the shirt unbuttoned and open over a tight-fitting white vest for casual chic. Accessorize with bright colors turquoise, yellow and orange to contrast the tan.
