Outfits |

How to Wear Linen Pants in the Winter

Part of what I love about summer is the free-flowing, laid-back nature of the season. And right about now, on the 147,682nd day of winter, it sounds very appealing. Winter is full of productivity, early mornings, school schedules, sport schedules, music schedules, and freezing cold mornings accessorized by lots of layers and coats. Strolling outside on a warm afternoon with an iced coffee in hand and a novel tucked under my arm, looking for a place to relax, sounds really good.

When I picture myself getting dressed in the summer it usually involves linen and elastic waist bands, because a) it’s too hot to bother with other types of clothing, b) the casual season demands it, and, c) I imagine myself as a summer goddess with sunglasses on my face and fabrics flowing behind me (until I trip on a raised sidewalk or have to break up a sibling fight).

Because it’s still winter, I decided to channel all these 75-degree plus vibes via my wardrobe. With, you guessed it, elastic waist, linen pants.

I bring you Part One of my two-part Linen Pant Series. Today, I’m sharing how to wear linen pants in the winter and stay cozy. Tomorrow, I’ll be back showing you how I plan to style them for spring and summer (with bated breath for the upcoming season).

Stay tuned at the end of this post for a discount code to one of my very favorite independent designers: Only Child.

LOOK ONE: Hidden Layers


Okay, the layers may not be hidden per se, but they are kind of low on the radar: thick tights and a merino base layer turtleneck (topped with a chunky cardigan sweater jacket). The tights I wear with my linen pants are just regular tights, but if you owned wool tights and paired it with a wool turtleneck, you’d be one warm cookie. (If you’re not a tights lover, leggings would do the trick.)

Bonus: the peek of tights plays in so well with the exposed sock trend right now. I love this look because of the cohesive color palette and the contrast of black at the ankle.

For overall styling of this look, I like the unexpected combo of the slouchy cardigan with the relaxed style pants. The key: a streamlined and minimal shoe. If I was wearing bulky shoes the overall look would probably be too visually ‘heavy’ for my taste.

Key factors – keep warm with tights underneath and double sweaters on top.

Outfit Details:

Sweater Jacket, a few seasons old, no longer available (try this option) / Merino Turtleneck, thrifted (similar in cotton or cashmere) / Cove Pants* (M) in Oatmeal Linen, c/o Only Child** / Day Boot (10.5), c/o Everlane / Circle Bag, Baggu / Mobula Necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry – use code SEASONS15 to save 15%


LOOK TWO: Sweaters and Jacket Sandwiches


This is such a fun, relaxed, summer-esque look for me, I can practically feel the sand in my toes. The key to keeping warm in this outfit is sweaters (again) and jacket sandwiches. The outfit is a complete look as pictured but, when it’s time to head out the door, an oversized wool coat or a relaxed fit parka goes a long way to keep you warm. And, the longer the better. I find when wearing linen pants in cold temperatures, if my top layers go to my knees, my calves can stick it out no problem (limited exposure of course).

Key factors – keep warm with a thin sweater followed by a light jacket, followed by a heavy jacket. Add knee socks for good measure.

Outfit Details:

Denim Jacket, Levi’s (similar) | Soft Cotton Crew (M), c/o Everlane | Cove Pants* (M) in Oatmeal Linen, c/o Only Child** / Made in USA Center Hi Top, PF Flyers (women’s 10) / Bag, Vintage Dooney & Bourke (similar, new) (similar, vintage)

*A quick note on the fit of the Cove Pants. I featured the same style, but the tencel version, back in the fall. Since then, Only Child has updated the fit of the pants to give them a taller rise, making them extra comfy and flattering. I’m a big fan of the update!

**Use code ‘Seasons15’ to save 15% off at Only Child right now. Their brand new spring line launches this Thursday, March 14th!

Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for Part Two of the series! I’ll be vision-casting for summer by styling these pants into a few warm weather looks!

This blog post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, or use my discount code with Only Child I will make a small commission, at no extra charge to you. All photography by Kiara Rose, special thanks for her help in styling the plants!

8 thoughts on “How to Wear Linen Pants in the Winter

  1. As a linen pant wearer heading into winter, thank you! I love the cooler weather but hate being cold, and these outfits have given me some great ideas!

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