My Style Is Minimalistic—These 3 Linen Items Are My True Summer Staples

Jen Andrews-Cater describes herself as a fashion minimalist. As a result, she tends to lean toward pieces that are forward yet simple and no-fuss. Her summer wardrobe, in particular, focuses on easy-to-style separates that are cool and comfortable. On that note, her current go-to summer pieces are linen and linen-blend selects .

"When the temperatures start warming up, the linen starts coming out! While some might think that linen connotes your grandma's tablecloth or wrinkled trousers, I think it's so versatile, easy to style, and special. Not only does it get softer with time, [but] it is [also] 30% more durable than cotton," Andrews-Cater told us.

Below, you'll find the three easy linen silhouettes Andrews-Cater swears by the most and couldn't imagine her summer wardrobe without. There's also a range of shopping inspiration if you want to add a fresh linen item to your closet.

Linen Dresses

"The first no-brainer way to wear linen is an easy linen dress. Not only am I always on board for a 'one and done' look, but I love how breathable and moisture wicking linen fabric is. I know that I can throw on a mesh flat, barely-there sandal, or even sneakers and a straw bag, and I have an instantly pulled-together, elevated summer look." — Andrews-Cater

WAYF Isabelle Smocked Linen Blend Midi Sundress

Madewell Embroidered Tank Mini Dress in Linen

Dissh Jem Black Linen Maxi Dress

Zara Linen Dress

Reformation Phillipa Linen Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Calina Linen Midi Sundress

H&M Linen Shirtdress

ELOQUII Square Neck Sundress

Dôen Allene Linen Midi Dress

Linen Shorts/Pants

"A nice way to introduce linen into your summer wardrobe is through easy linen pants or shorts. I love mixing textures to create interesting outfits with more personality. Linen mixes really well with fabrics like cotton poplin and silk. I love pairing mine with simple tanks and tees and easy sandals in the warmer months. Add a woven bag in a neutral tone and voilà! I don't like to overthink it." — Andrews-Cater

Caslon Wide Leg Pull-On Linen Blend Pants

Massimo Dutti Linen Bermuda Shorts

H&M Linen-Blend Pants

Topshop Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts

Banana Republic Linen Pull-On Pant

J.Crew High-Rise Trouser Short in Stretch Linen Blend

Reformation Olina Linen Pants

COS Linen Shorts

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Wide Leg Pants

Linen Shirts

"Button-up shirts are essential in everyone's closet, and I love swapping out my cotton ones for linen in the summer. Not only are they versatile and multifunctional—they are such a nice way to add a light layer to any look for more interest. I love wearing mine open with a tee or tank underneath and pairing it with anything from vintage Levi's 501s to shorts to trousers. They also serve a really great purpose as a bathing suit cover-up. I like to size up for a more relaxed, effortless look." — Andrews-Cater

J.Crew Etienne Oversized Shirt in Baird Mcnutt Irish Linen

H&M Oversized Linen-Blend Shirt

Caslon Linen Blend Button-Up Shirt

Vince Easy Linen Button-Up Shirt

Falconeri Linen Shirt

MANGO Samari Linen Button-Up Shirt

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Button-Up Tunic Shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren Oversize Stripe Linen Button-Down Shirt