Time, and time again I reach for the whites, blacks and tans of my closet. I can’t quite determine if that’s because I feel the safest in those colors or the most “me.” Or maybe they are the easiest? I’m not sure, but I like the way I feel in neutrals and minimal color palettes. The only problem is they aren’t always the most exciting to photograph. Nevertheless, here we are with another simple and minimal outfit. Gotta keep it real!
I had my eyes on this lovely linen top from Everlane when they released it. Unfortunately, I missed it, but later managed to snag one when a few more popped back in stock. When their items are sold out and listed with an expected re-stock date, I find that sometimes, if I drop in periodically, they’ve gotten a size or two back in stock. My guess is they come from returns. Either way, I thought I’d have to wait until late July to get my hands on this shirt, but I was pleasantly surprised when my size came back in stock early.
This shirt is a replacement to an oxford Everlane shirt (scroll to Wednesday) that I sold on Poshmark because I found it was just too fitted for me. I had been on the hunt for a white button-up, and after about six months with the oxford top, I realized I wanted something a little more relaxed. Everlane released their relaxed poplin (which looks lovely) but before I had a chance to pounce on that their linen line was released. Linen appealed more to me than poplin because of the relaxed, soft nature of the fabric. I like poplin, but sometimes it feels a bit formal for my lifestyle.
One last praise I’ll sing about this shirt: it’s thick enough to get away without an undershirt, making it perfect for summer! I am wearing it with a nude bra, and you can’t see a thing!
A few thoughts on linen…
Awhile back Kate left a comment on my blog about the dreaded wrinkle factor of linen – something that’s rolled around in my mind ever since. She said she never wants to buy linen because it wrinkles so easily. And she’s right. But I am quickly learning that not all linen is created equally! I have a lovely organic linen caftan and the fabric is slightly thicker than my Everlane top, and doesn’t wrinkle up quite as fast. The linen is also a bit softer on the caftan, leading me to think the fibers have a different composition, or the fabric is woven slightly differently. I also have two linen-blend items, and I think that is the secret to keeping the wrinkle-factor under control. My black shirt dress is 55% linen and 45% cotton, and it wrinkles far less than 100% linen. But the winner is my black jumpsuit by Reifhaus. It is 80% linen and 20% polyester. That fraction of polyester means my jumpsuit hardly wrinkles at all, but the 80% makes it breathe and drape like linen (winning!). As for the Everlane linen, I iron it after I wash it, and then wear it a few times, wrinkles and all. To me, linen is supposed to sport of a bit of a lived-in look, and I prefer the slouchiness over the crisp, freshly-pressed option. Also, I’m kind of lazy and don’t like to iron.
Outfit Details: Relaxed Linen Shirt (6), Everlane (currently out of stock, but getting some restocks next month!) | thrifted 90’s Levis, bleached and distressed by me (similar here and here) | Everlane Italian Slingback Sandal, out of stock in tan, but some sizes in black , (similar option) | Drawstring Bucket Bag, Baggu (made in NY!)
xo,
Andrea
Yay for white linen that is thick enough not to have to wear a cami. Love this whole look!! I would love to fine a long sleeved top that is cool enough to wear in humid Virginia summers….this looks like it might be perfect!
I have a gray linen tank from Everlane but I’m not too pleased with it. I ordered the top in the spring and it was a lovely, thicker linen that didn’t need anything under it. Unfortunately, the size was too big so I returned it and they were sold out of the size I needed to exchange it. Recently, it came back in the “pick your price” sale, so I ordered it again in the size I needed. The top I received was nothing like the one I originally ordered. It was much thinner and the quality of linen was not nearly as high. I kept it, but have to wear a cami under it, which kind of defeats the purpose of linen in summer! I wonder if the sale items are tops that didn’t quite make the cut for quality or something?
That is really interesting insight – and a total bummer!! Great question, maybe it is some sort of ‘seconds’?? I would totally be bummed out too. Layering in the hot summer is no beuno!
I say embrace the wrinkle factor! There’s something very cool and summer about a crinkly white shirt–it only enhances the texture of an outfit, IMO.
Yes! Texture! I love it. Great point Lo.
Love the shirt and the wrinkles! Summer is a casual, laid back time of year and linen is the perfect compliment, especially with the wrinkles. :)
Great point!!
I LOVE this look and this shirt!! I’ve been on the hunt for just such a shirt! EEEK! Lol. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t taken a peek at this top when you said it was Everlane and when I hopped over to their site to take a look I realized why: it doesn’t even look the same. I agree with Lo, I personally love the breezy/carefree-ness of a wrinkled linen shirt. I think it makes for the perfect juxtaposition of a collared + buttoned down shirt — but I’m lazy and don’t like to iron as well! ;) Can I ask what size you are wearing? I feel Everlane’s sizing can be a bit tricky sometimes…
Isn’t it funny how shirts or any clothes, can look so different on a person than on a manufacturers website?! I think that’s why blogs are so popular.
And you are right on the money, the juxtaposition is so key!! I am wearing a size 6 in this shirt. I typically wear a M in their t-shirts because I like them loose. :)
First, when my children were young and at home, I loved the slow pace of summer. It was more difficult for me to ” direct” homework and get everyone where thy needed to be during the school year. I am a big believer in unstructured time. I kept a lot of art stuff around, my children played outside a lot- they would jump in the sprinkler, make tents and forts etc, we would go to the library, go swimming, I insisted on some quiet reading and relaxing time. As a teacher please don’t feel your children need to be entertained all the time! Playing Barbies by yourself develops imagination and creativity. I was brought up in the generation where kids were expected to entertain themselves! As they get older you’ll be glad.
As for linen I like it a little wrinkled, I even saw a shirt maker who sells their shirts wrinkled and sells a spray to put back the wrinkles.
About Everlane I love the concept but often if you aren’t 5’9 the clothes are often way too long or boxy.
Thanks for the tips Robyn! I’m afraid I’m terribly unstructured, which is good and bad. I need a little bit of structure, but you’re right, they definitely don’t need to be entertained 24/7.
I love linen! It’s all I want wear right now. And since I don’t even own an iron, I get by with a travel steamer. Two minutes steaming in the morning and my linen is good to go!
Good to know Jessica! I’ve had my eye on a travel steamer, I need to just finally make the purchase!
Such a cute look. I usually think bucket bags look a little too trendy, but with your simple outfit it looks low-key and just right.
Thank you! I agree, bucket bags are a little trendy. This one appealed to me because it’s super, super simple and a little more timeless (I hope). That and it’s small! No big buckets for me!