Meghan Markle Inspired Me to Shop These 15 Lightweight Linen Summer Styles

I’ve been following Meghan Markle’s style ever since I first discovered what a shirtdress was (a major moment for a fashion-conscious, confused grad student navigating office workwear). I’ve marveled at her timeless, polished look season after season, especially during the scorching summer heat. How exactly? She swaps her cashmere ensembles for sophisticated, lightweight linen pieces. Whether she swaps out her pants for lightweight trousers or slips into a breathable suit, linen elevates her summer looks.

Linen is used far beyond beachwear—sometimes even on the red carpet. Other celebrities like Kim Cattrall and Jennifer Lopez are calling on the material to serve up major sartorial moments. Us regular folk can achieve the same effect by mixing and matching multiple pieces à la Katie Holmes. (Pro tip: This no-fuss styling trick will make it look like you have way more stuff in my closet than you actually do.)

The key takeaway is that a few well-chosen linen pieces can do a major 180 to your perhaps tired summer wardrobe. That’s what inspired me to lean into its effortless elegance, especially since wearing the cooling material feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, even in New York City’s unbearable heat and humidity. So embrace the heat and look good doing it, with on-trend linen pants, dresses, and tops during Amazon’s Prime Day sale, starting at $18.

Editor-Approved Best Linen Clothing on Amazon Overall

Stevie Joy Dress

Is it a skirt? A top? The answer is both! The Joie Stevie dress features a twisted front top and a ruffled skirt that adds a dynamic touch to your outfit. The one-piece dress takes the guesswork out of dressing while offering more freedom of movement than a jumpsuit.

Lilly Pulitzer Mialeigh Elbow Sleeve Linen Dress

I don’t need to hold a shell to my ears to hear the sound of the waves, I can already imagine myself somewhere near the shore when I wear this slip dress. The salmon pink color and effortless silhouette are made for standing in the sand. While it falls easily on my figure, it has clean lines and is slightly fitted for a more polished look than a t-shirt dress.

Faherty Isha Dress

This sleeveless shirt dress is the closest thing I’ll get to business attire during a brutal heat wave. The subtle stripes add interest to the piece, while the versatile navy color is easy to swap out with different accessories and shoes.

The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Midi Shirt Dress

Fact: Everyone needs a white button-down shirt. The Drop Linen Shirt Dress elevates your traditional option with this sleek, long silhouette, complete with an oversized pocket and pointed collar. Despite the long sleeves, you won’t be bothered by the heat thanks to its 100% linen construction.

The Drop Emilie Casual Pull-On Linen Shorts

Forget ill-fitting shorts. The Drop Relaxed Short features a drawstring waistband and a relaxed fit that’s more flexible. Still, the crisp material makes it dressier than your average denim short.

Jacinta shorts from Astr the Label

Feeling a little bored with skirts? With the right white button-down shirt and loafers, you could sneak in Astr the label’s Jacinta shorts to work or a fancier dinner. The structured silhouette and pleats are two key details that set them above your usual pair.

The Drop Millie Pleated Linen Long Shorts

The Millie Linen Pleated Long Shorts are a more sophisticated take on the long shorts trend. Pair them with a cardigan and fisherman sandals and dressing for your next outing becomes a no-brainer.

Amazon Essentials Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pants

Linen tends to be a bit more expensive, so when I found this more affordable option, I had to splurge. I know I’ll be wearing the nautical striped print on my next beach vacation, but earth tones are great options for my work outfits.

Pico velvet pants

The Velvet Pico Pant is easy to love. It has a classic straight leg, a sleek ribbon closure and comes in rich neutral tones that will fit perfectly into a woman’s stylish wardrobe. Big Little Lies character.

Gap Pull-On Pants

Swap out your stuffy black pants for this lightweight version. Trust me, its clean straight leg and fitted silhouette still meet all the requirements of a casual work outfit.

Lillusory Linen Palazzo Trousers

Baggy pants aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Just ask Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, or any other streetwear fan. This breezy version features a drawstring waist for extra comfort. All you need is a little top (maybe a cropped white tee?).

Lilly Pulitzer Brawley Linen Cropped Trousers

Not all pants have to be neutral (please!). Add a pop of color with the Lilly Pulitzer cropped pants and they become a surprisingly versatile wardrobe piece. I also love the subtle gold accents, which only add to the fun of these party pants.

The Drop Esma Linen Vest

Ever since elegant cardigans entered the trend cycle, my wardrobe has experienced a real revival. A short, fitted option like the Esma linen cardigan automatically makes my outfit more sophisticated and simply cooler.

Runcati V-Neck Button-Down Shirt

This lightweight, airy button-down shirt features a crinkled fabric that looks great even when it wrinkles. Feel free to throw it on over your swimsuit or before a Zoom call. Either way, the shirt will make people think you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.

Drop Evelyn Bubble Square Neck Crop Top

The square neckline and puffed sleeves of this shirt make it a fun option for… everything. However, my favorite part of the shirt is the elastic hem. It’s a clever design detail that allows me to adjust where the shirt sits on my torso, so I can wear it with low-rise jeans or a high-waisted skirt.