THE FABRIC EDIT: LINEN Summer's Best Kept Secret

 

Here’s something to remember: Flax is the plant used to make linen fabric. It’s similar to cotton in that it’s widely considered casual. For those in a hot, humid climate who wear linen, some say it's like wearing a personal cooling system. A great conductor of cool, linen has the downside of constantly wrinkling. Regardless, years back those wrinkles suddenly went chic when Don Johnson of Miami Vice popularized the ‘creased linen jacket look’. Eventually, this look tiptoed into women’s wear. Linen jackets, dresses, pants, blouses—just about everything looked chic with wrinkles. Though not as widespread a look as it once was, the rumpled look has become more of a regional thing. Brides in warm and tropical climates opt for the lightest weight handkerchief linen. Medium and heavier weights are classic for the summer bridal suit.

You have to admit, there's something about real linen--wrinkles and all-that can't be duplicated. While you can get it in synthetic blends that won't show a crease, linen seems to have a following complete with die-hards who refuse to get into any of these crease-free pretenders.

A mid-century-inspired silhouette in white linen with delicate embroidery decoration on the neckline and hem. 

The white linen pantsuit is ideal for brides seeking a tailored spring/summer option.

An embroidered linen bodice paired up with accessories elevates this look for a garden wedding.