How to Wear Linen Over 60 Without Looking Sloppy
When the weather warms up, I know I’ll find myself reaching for linen again and again. It’s breathable, comfortable, and has that easy, unfussy elegance I love in summer. Still, I know figuring out how to wear linen over 60 can feel a little daunting. It wrinkles. It drapes in unexpected ways. And it has a way of making some women feel more rumpled than refined.
I’ve been there. But over time, I’ve found that the right linen cut well and styled simply, can be one of the most flattering things in your closet. Here’s how I wear it now in a way that feels polished, effortless, and completely at home in my life.
How to Wear Linen Over 60
Embracing the Wrinkles
Let’s address the obvious…all linen wrinkles. It always has and it always will.
Rather than trying to fight it, I choose styles where a few creases don’t detract from the overall look. A structured silhouette or quality fabric will hold up better throughout the day, even with natural wear.
If you truly can’t get past the wrinkles, consider a linen blend. Pieces with a bit of cotton or rayon mixed in tend to crease less but still offer that breathable feel linen is known for. No-iron linen is also a great option, and Chico’s carries it increasingly more.
NO-IRON PIECES
Stick to a Thoughtful Color Palette
Linen’s natural texture looks best in soft, muted shades. I gravitate toward ivory, tan, navy, soft gray, and black. These colors mix and match easily and always feel timeless.
White linen always looks fresh, but black can be striking—especially for evening or travel. If your coloring leans cool, soft blues and greys are lovely. If you have warm undertones, try sand, olive, or rust.
If you aren’t sure of your undertones, you can read this post to find out: How to Determine If You Have a Warm or Cool Undertone.
How to Layer Linen Without Adding Bulk
I don’t always want to wear sleeveless tops or short hemlines, so I often layer my linen.
A few of my go-to combos:
- A linen shirt worn open over a tank
- A lightweight linen blazer (You can see how I wear mine here.)
- A cropped cardigan layered over a linen dress
- A gauzy scarf or wrap tossed over the shoulders
These layers help provide coverage without weighing me down. They also help transition your linen pieces from day to evening or into cooler indoor spaces.
Why Linen Matching Sets Work So Well Over 60
One of the simplest ways to feel polished in linen is with a matching set. Coordinated tops and bottoms in the same fabric and color create a long, lean line that feels elevated…even if you’re just wearing sandals.
I’ve worn linen pants and button-front shirts in the same color with a leather slide and statement earrings and felt perfectly dressed for dinner out. It’s an easy way to build a capsule wardrobe, too.
One of my favorite things about matching sets is that they can be mixed and matched to add a lot of variety to your wardrobe. You can see real-life examples of just how many different ways you can style a matching linen set in this post.
Linen That Firs Your Shape (Not Fights It)
The key to feeling confident in linen is choosing silhouettes that flatter your body, not fight against it.
If you carry weight around the middle:
Look for A-line tops or dresses that skim without clinging. A v-neck or column silhouette will help elongate your frame.
If you’re petite:
Cropped linen pants and shorter tops can help keep things in proportion. Be mindful of anything too oversized because it can overwhelm a smaller frame.
If you’re tall or long-legged:
Wide-leg linen pants or midi dresses often work beautifully, especially when balanced with a more fitted top.
Where to Buy Linen That Looks Expensive (Even When It’s Not)
Good linen doesn’t have to come with a designer price tag, but it should feel like it was made with care. I look for pieces that have a bit of weight to them (thin linen can cling or wrinkle too easily), and I always check the seams and stitching.
A few places I consistently turn to:
- Eileen Fisher – Her linen pieces are beautifully made, often sustainably sourced, and designed with timelessness in mind. They’re an investment, but they wear well year after year.
- J.Jill – Great for relaxed fits and softer blends. I’ve found some lovely summer dresses and tunics here that don’t wrinkle quite as much.
- Quince – A newer favorite. Their linen collection is surprisingly affordable, and the quality holds up. I especially like their matching sets.
- Talbots – For classic silhouettes in linen, especially trousers and jackets. Their pieces tend to have a more structured fit, which can be helpful if you want a neater look.
Great Linen Pieces Right Now for Women Over 60
This navy linen shirt dress is from last year, but Frank & Eileen has it in white this season. I’ve always been a fan of shirtdresses, especially in warmer weather—they’re the kind of piece you can throw on and still feel completely put together. Easy, comfortable, and just structured enough to look intentional.
This linen blend shift dress is such a great base layer for summer. They call it a mini dress, so this classic length is perfect for me. It comes in 4 pretty colors plus a black and white stripe. I can see this dressed down with a cotton cardigan or denim jacket or up with a linen blazer or silk wrap for fancier occasions.
This one-button white linen/cotton blend blazer is fully lined with welt pockets and working buttons on the cuffs. The tailoring is lovely, and it looks much more expensive than the price tag. This comes in 4 colors in classic and petite lengths. I’m wearing the classic length because petite is not available in the store.
This button-front top is a great way to stay cool without sacrificing shape. The tie hem adds just enough detail to define your waist without feeling too fussy. It’s an easy piece to pair with shorts, denim, or even a casual skirt on warmer days.
I love a pull-on skirt in the summer, and this one from Caslon is lightweight, breezy, and incredibly comfortable. The linen blend helps it drape nicely without clinging, and the longer length gives you a bit more coverage without feeling heavy.
This cap-sleeve tee from Eileen Fisher is a great elevated basic for summer. It’s soft, breathable, and cut just right—not too tight, not too boxy. The cotton-linen blend gives it a bit of texture, and it layers beautifully under linen jackets or cardigans.
These pull-on shorts sit comfortably at the waist, have a relaxed leg, and look just as nice with a cotton tee as they do with a crisp button-down. The elastic waistband is wide enough to stay put without digging in.
These feel a bit more polished than your average pull-on pants but are just as easy to wear. You can dress them up with a low-block heel or keep things casual with a simple slide. They come in lots of colors, including a fun butter yellow and lots of great neutrals.
This linen duster makes a perfect third piece for summer. It’s light and breathable—just the thing to slip on over a tank or sleeveless dress when a bit more coverage is needed or to have on hand for overly air-conditioned restaurants or shops.
This linen shirt dress from Chico’s is a warm-weather take on the little black dress—simple, timeless, and super versatile. It can be dressed down with a pair of white sneakers or styled with a dressy sandal or low heel for something more polished.
Shop More Linen Finds for Summer:
How to Care for Linen
Linen can be surprisingly low-maintenance once you know how to handle it.
- Wash in cold water with a gentle detergent
- Hang or lay flat to dry (avoid the dryer if you can)
- Use a steamer or wrinkle-release spray as needed
Linen softens with time and wear. The more you live in it, the better it feels. I keep a small travel steamer on hand, but I don’t stress over a few creases.
Do you enjoy wearing linen in the warmer months? I’d love to know how you style it—or if you’ve found any favorite pieces this season.
Hello Jennifer,
So many great ideas here thank you! You look so lovely in the striped Talbots shirtdress such a great look, wish they had my size. I love linen and treasure the pieces I have with Quince, Frank and Eileen, J JIll, Eileen Fisher and Garnet Hill being my favorites. Garnet Hill has promotions often and I just bought the Amafi linen jacket in Sage and their Easy Button Down Linen shirts are terrific and the colors are lovely(I go up one size as I like mine a little loose)and they are often in summer sales.
Happy week!
Have a fabulous week too Francesca
Love Dianna’s comment! There isn’t any place for ageism as we all age including those young influencers. I was 40 yesterday and today I’m 80. I’ve embraced every stage of my life and see that you do as well. My waist is no longer as slim and my skin is not wrinkle free but I dress with comfort and intention every day. I love my Quince linen! But I do iron it. I have white Caslon pants that are a favorite as they are a light airy blend. I have Old Navy and JCP. My budget is slim but I can put together outfits that are like your high low. It is fun.
I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with rude and negative people. The truth is you look wonderful in everything you wear and share with us. We appreciate the positive view and attitude you present to us, as you share what you have gained through thorough research and your overall great style. It’s not easy dealing with the changes that come with living longer, and one day people like that will be dealing with it too! Then let’s see how they handle it! I’m sure they won’t have the class, beauty and the intelligence you have! Love you and all that you teach us!
You’re so sweet, thanks. Getting older gives us a unique perspective along with hard earned wisdom and the grace that goes with it! xo
I have one pair of linen shorts and a classic off white button down blouse that get me through summer with lots of options. Thanks for your options you showed today. They’re inspiring me to check out Quince and Chicos. Sorry about the image pirates. I believe in karma so I’m rooting for you!!
I’m a big believer in karma too😉
I purchased the linen shirt and tank that you are wearing in the blue from JJill. I loved it so much I went back and bought the green set. I love them, so comfortable yet polished. I would have bought the pink too (I prefer cool tones) which would have been out of my usual comfort zone but they were sold out in my size. I hope they restock!!
It’s a great shirt. I adore mine
Hi Jennifer-so sorry you have to deal with this. Good luck in shutting them down! I’ve always loved linen, but have to say, as a frequent traveler, I’ll only do linen blends and love all the gauze clothing in style now. Much easier to deal with in my opinion!
I’m a huge fan of cotton gauze too! It’s great for summer.
I am so sorry that you have to deal with people stealing your content and especially the very prejudiced younger person who had the gall to use you as the “what not to wear” example. I have seen photos of you and some other older bloggers who I read regularly floating about on the web. I have assumed that your images are being used without your permission. I can only imagine how irritating this is!
I want to say that I appreciate your words of style wisdom and the fact that you celebrate your age. I am 70 and try to stay current. You have helped me to do so. I hope you keep sharing with your “community”.
Thank you for being part of our community Kathy. I’m glad you’re here.
Oh my goodness I also saw a woman using your image on her YouTube videos a while back. It was a random viewing for me and someone I don’t follow. I think she had a British accent. I will let you know if I ever see this again. Such lovely linen you are showing us today. I want to buy more but have not even worn what I own in my closet yet. You look beautiful in these photos and I love the color combinations. I think the linen pants with a structured waistband looks very polished.
Good morning Jennifer,
Love my linen shirts from Chico’s, for me I wear them with tank tops as I really like layering to hide my middle (because I refuse to wear shape wear in the summer, unless it’s a dress for evening).
Grave a great day!
I love wearing them as a third layer too.
I have 3 no-iron linen shirts from Chico’s & I love them. I wear them alone with crops or layered over a tee. It’s disheartening to read your story about the “what not to wear” and I’m sorry that happened to you. Hugs!
Love linen myself. Knowing it is a natural fabric makes the wrinkles so OK!
Jennifer,
I have seen those what not to wear “articles” on Pinterest. With your picture and several of the bloggers you know. I wondered how they did it. I’m glad you were able to get them taken down. I imagine they won’t stop until it hurts their pocketbook or they are prosecuted.
On a happier note I love linen. I have several dresses from companies you mentioned and a few tops. I would like to find a set ( long pants and top) that fits my body and coloring. I am on a weight loss journey so I am holding off buying until I am a little less of an apple. Best of luck stopping people using your image.
It’s an endless endeavor to get the images down and we all struggle with it. What irked me this time was the negative messaging she was using to prey on women’s insecurities of aging.
Good morning Jennifer ! Thank you for all the linen ideas.
I love my linen, I wear often. We are in Michigan in the summer and Florida in the winter. So I am fortunate to be able to wear it year round. I never iron my linen. I agree with you the more it’s worn the less it wrinkles. I wash mine in cold water and put white vinegar in my rinse dispenser. Then I put it in the dryer with my dryer balls on air only for 10 minutes then I hang dry. I find that the dryer tosses out most of the wrinkles.
Thank you for always having such great information to share with us.
The vinegar is a new idea to me. What’s the purpose?
I use it to help soften the wrinkles. It also makes sure all the soap is out so that the colors are vivid. I was told this by my mother many years ago and I have been doing faithfully ever since. It works well for me.
Thank you Beth. I have never heard of it, I’ll try this
I just wanted to send a supportive message. Read the email about **-holes using your image for rude purposes. I love your emails and blog posts and look forward to them. I’m going to be 63 this summer and often think things like: what shoes are comfortable and look the best with shorts; what’s a nice outfit to wear to an afternoon lunch, etc., and I know where to look to get real life ideas.
Thank you for a great blog!
Thanks Natalie! I’m so intolerant of ageism and want to celebrate older women. We rock!
So many cute linen pieces. I LOVE linen in summer
Me too!
Jennifer,
I just found Downy Wrinkle Reducer+. Such a time saver on my white linen skirt and for travel! Thanks for this focus on my favorite summer fabric!
That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing. I’ll get some.
That Downy really works and is a life saver when I travel.
Good Morning Jennifer: As a blogger, I totally understand your frustration. I used to have a company in New Mexico steal my food photos for their recipes. The time I spent messing with that was so annoying. BUT, to be part of a “what not to do” piece made me furious. Even though I’m not involved in your situation, I feel like I am. The gall of some people. With that said …. love all of this linen. Starting in June, my neighbor wears linen practically every day. She always looks so elegant when she’s out watering her flowers. Are you pleased with the Quince pants?
I’m so sorry that happened to you Lea Ann. I do like them. I’m between the petite and regular length which is always a bit frustrating but goes with the territory of being 5’4”
Haven’t always been a linen fan, because of the wrinkles. Recently though thought I would try again. Bought a linen button down from talbots in a neutral and I love it-so versatile. Also bought a pair of black wide leg pants and sleeveless top from quince. Excited about this-love their cashmere and leather pieces, hoping their linen is just as impressive. Also love the linen blend knits-have a couple caslon tees. Drape so nicely. Your blogs on linen over the past months have inspired me to try again-love the look on others.
Quince has great quality pieces. I love their linen. I’ve been wearing their black short sleeve for three summers in a row now.
Oh really, my blood is boiling, too. You and your information is valuable, on point and confidence building. Thank you for all you do!
Ageism is never okay and I’m so tired of it coming from younger women!
Unbelievable! I’m so sorry for your experience with the so called stylist! People who can’t stand on their own should just sit down!