The weather has been absolutely divine here in Amsterdam this week: sunshine from morning to evening, afternoons hovering around 20 degrees, and the most spectacular sunsets each night… And as I write to you, they’re forecasting temperatures reaching 25 degrees (77°F) by the weekend—quite extraordinary (and rare!) for late April and early May.
Just downstairs from my apartment, the city has set up a swimming area on the Amstel—marked by bright yellow buoys—where locals can take a peaceful dip. (The Amstel, by the way, is more of a river than a canal.) In the afternoons, people lounge along the banks in their swimsuits, basking in the sun or slipping into the water for a swim. Others gather for a picnic or an early evening apéritif, while some enjoy a leisurely game of pétanque on the small court laid out for just that purpose. You might be familiar with Paris Plages? Well, I’ve decided to affectionately nickname this little scene Amsterdam Plage—only here, the water is truly swimmable ;).
There’s a distinct feeling of summer in the air—and I’m certainly not complaining. Quite the opposite! I’ve already reached for one of my favourite warm-weather fragrances: Ilio by Diptyque, which I mentioned to you a few weeks ago. I also treated myself to two new eaux parfumées from the Parisian house Roger & Gallet: Néroli (neroli, orange blossom, everlasting flower) and Fleur Osmanthus (Italian mandarin, osmanthus, benzoin). Both are exquisite—I discovered them just last summer—and if you love fresh, sun-drenched scents that capture the first notes of the season, I couldn’t recommend them more highly. These light, luminous fragrances blossom beautifully on warm skin. I’m also particularly fond of Fleur de Figuier, which, if memory serves me right, was created by the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. But I digress once again :).
As summer seems to be arriving ahead of schedule, I thought it might be the perfect moment to share something a little different: a celebration of a fabric that, for me, signals the true arrival of the season—linen. This natural fibre possesses a rare elegance: it allows you to wear even the most covered pieces during the height of summer while remaining effortlessly chic and perfectly breathable.
I adore linen, and every year, with the first warm rays of spring, I find myself instinctively returning to it. Trousers (so comfortable and airy!), t-shirts, shirts, blouses, blazers, dresses, skirts, jackets, even lightweight knits perfect for draping over the shoulders on summer evenings—linen finds its place in every corner of my seasonal wardrobe. I have a genuine love affair with this fabric: it’s natural, durable, and beautifully resilient. I still wear linen shirts and blouses from Massimo Dutti that are more than five years old, and they feel just as timeless as ever.
In today’s article, I’m delighted to share a curated selection of linen pieces that caught my eye—along with ideas on how to style them with pieces you likely already own. Think beautiful blends of textures, subtle plays of colour, and a host of inspirations for embracing the season that’s just beginning to bloom. Fair warning: after this, you might just find yourself wishing it were summer already :).
Independent and unsponsored, this article is written with curiosity and discernment. Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
1. Massimo Dutti linen blend suit waistcoat 2. Ralph Lauren embroidered cotton-twill baseball cap 3. Frame The Lax wisp raw fray 4. Nike Cortez vintage leather-trimmed brushed-suede sneakers.
1. Massimo Dutti flowing 100% linen shirt 2. Massimo Dutti flowing 100% linen pleated trousers 3. Mango braided leather pochette 4. Margaux The Mx sandal saddle calf.
1. Mango Ramie shirt with embroidered pocket 2. Frame the jewelry detail belt camel 3. J.Crew wide-leg trouser in striped linen blend 4. A-Emery Jalen suede sandals.
1. Mango short button down linen blend dress 2. Madewell the handwoven mini tote 3. J.Crew cashmere-blend patch-pocket cardigan 4. K Jacques St Tropez Abako leather sandals.
1. Mango linen blend suit blazer 2. Massimo Dutti cotton blend knit polo shirt 3. Madewell the handwoven cane tote 4. Frame Le Slim palazzo jean 5. Aeyde whit leather sandals.
1. Mango strapless peplum top 2. Staud the bird of paradise bucket tan 3. K Jacques St Tropez Zenobie suede sandals 4. Mango linen sarong skirt.
1. Mango linen suit blazer with belt 2. Le Tanneur Emilie small handbag in natural canvas 3. A-Emery Jalene sandals 4. Massimo Dutti wide straight fit denim trousers.
