As spring arrives, the change in temperatures calls for versatile clothing that can easily adapt to the shifting weather. Linen shorts are great for hot weather, but they can also be a wonderful transitional piece. If you’re looking for a few layering options to wear with linen shorts for the brisk mornings and evenings of spring and early summer – I have four options for you in this post.
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Linen Shorts Four Ways
My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
Linen Shorts
I will never forget how linen shorts saved me on my ultra-humid and hot trip to Disney last July. After that I was a convert and wanted to wear linen shorts as much as possible. They’ll keep you cool and dry even in the most brutal of summer heat. This pair from Quince has a stretch waist that you can dress up and down. The fit is a little bit generous, but I would stick with your true size for a roomy, breezy fit. They’re not see-through – but I would recommend nude undergarments for the best look.
Oversized Cardigan
The Organic Cotton Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan from Quince is one of my favorite year-round sweaters, next to the cropped style of this cardigan. The sweater is 100% organic cotton and very well made. It washes well; I launder it in the washing machine, lay it flat to dry, and noted minimal wear and piling. I’m wearing it here in XS and it has an oversized fit through the body and length. The sleeves, however, are a great length un cuffed. The sweater is a thick and warm option, so it’s not great for hot weather of course, but it would be perfect for a mildly cool spring morning or evening. This outfit has me thinking of an evening walk on the beach.
Sweater XS in Agave | Shorts XS in Flax | Tank Top XS
Cropped Cardigan
This cropped cardigan has all of the same features as the oversized cardigan but in a shorter length. The cropped style is still oversized through the body and has a boxy fit. The sleeves on this one are a little longer on me as well. It’s the same thickness and warmth, but lengthwise, it comes to my mid-hip.
Cardigan XS | Shorts XS in Flax | Tank Top XS | Sandals tts
Linen Top
A linen top is something you could pull off on a hot day. Despite the long sleeves, the breathable fabric keeps you cool and offers sun protection. I chose a matching option here, but you could also mix and match the colors. The top runs long but fits me well through the body and sleeves. Although it is longer, I can still tuck this top in, and I love having the extra length for wearing it with a bathing suit.
Shorts XS in Blue Pinstripe | Top XS in Blue Pinstripe | Tank Top XS | Sandals tts
Cotton Cropped Cardigan
The last option is another cropped cardigan that is lighter in weight than the fisherman style I shared above. It is not quite cropped on me, but a shorter length nonetheless. This cardigan also has a boxy fit, but I consider it true to size. For size reference, I’m wearing it in XS. This one is 100% cotton and is the perfect summer sweater.
Sweater XS in Cement Marl | Shorts XS in Blue Pinstripe | Tank Top XS
– Brooke
