Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Cattrall are fans of lightweight, breezy linen pieces that make them look stylish in warm weather. Shop the cooling summer staple for under $40 on Amazon.

Dresses, pants, and shorts are under $40

I’ve scrutinized Meghan Markle’s style ever since I discovered what a shirtdress was (a big moment for a fashionably confused post-grad navigating office workwear). I marveled at how she looked timeless and polished season after season, most notably, during the blistering summer heat. How exactly? She swaps out cashmere co-ords for sophisticated, lightweight linen pieces. Whether she switches slacks for breezy pants or suits up in the breathable fabric, linen elevates her summer outfits. 

Linen reaches far beyond beachwear, sometimes even to the red carpet. Other celebrities like Kim Cattrall and Jennifer Lopez call on the material to serve us major sartorial moments. Us regular, shmegular folks can achieve the same head-turning effect and mix and match several pieces à la Katie Holmes. (Pro tip: The unfussy style hack will make it look like you have way more in my closet than you do.)

The key takeaway is that a few well-chosen linen pieces can do a major 180 on your possibly tired, summer wardrobe. It’s inspired me to lean into its casual elegance, especially since wearing the cooling material feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, even in NYC’s unbearable heat and humidity. So, handle the heat, and look good doing so, in fashionable linen pants, dresses, and tops during Amazon’s Prime Day Sale, starting at $18.

Best Editor-Approved Linen Clothing on Amazon Overall

• Joie Stevie Dress, $56; amazon.com 
• Lilly Pulitzer Mialeigh Elbow-Sleeve Linen Dress, $178; amazon.com
• The Drop Emilie Relaxed Pull-On Linen Shorts, $42 (Originally $50); amazon.com 
• Astr the Label Jacinta Shorts, $75; amazon.com
• Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Wide-Leg Pants, $18 (Originally $30); amazon.com

Joie Stevie Dress

$56 at Amazon

Is it a skirt? A top? The answer is both! The Joie Stevie Dress has a twist-front top and a tiered skirt that punches up your outfit. The one-piece takes the guesswork out of getting dressed while having more mobility than a jumpsuit.

Lilly Pulitzer Mialeigh Elbow-Sleeve Linen Dress

$178 at Amazon

I don’t need to hold a seashell up to my ears to hear the waves crashing, I’m already imagining myself somewhere close to shore when I wear this popover dress. The salmon pink color and effortless silhouette are made for standing in the sand. Despite falling easily on my frame, it has clean lines, and it’s slightly fitted for a more polished appearance than a T-shirt dress. 

Faherty Isha Dress 

$178 at Amazon

This sleeveless shirtdress is the closest you’ll catch me to wearing business attire during a brutal heatwave. The subtle pinstripes add interest to the piece, while the versatile navy color is easy to swap around with different accessories and footwear.   

The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Midi Shirtdress

Orig. $70 $47 at Amazon

Fact: Everyone needs a white button-down. The Drop Linen Shirtdress levels up your traditional option with this classy full-length silhouette, complete with an oversized pocket and sharp collar. Despite the long sleeves, you’ll feel unbothered by the heat in its 100-percent linen construction.  

The Drop Emilie Relaxed Pull-On Linen Shorts

Orig. $50 $42 at Amazon

Forget ill-fitting jorts. The Drop Relaxed Shorts feature a drawstring waistband, and the relaxed fit is more forgiving. Still, the crisp material makes them dressier than your average jean shorts.

Astr the Label Jacinta Shorts

$75 at Amazon

Feeling a little bored with skirts? With the right white button-down and loafers, you could sneak by wearing the Astr the label Jacinta Shorts to work or a nicer dinner. The structured silhouette and pleats are two key details that elevate them above your typical pair. 

The Drop Millie Pleated Long Linen Shorts

$45 at Amazon

The Millie Pleated Long Linen Shorts are a more sophisticated take on the long jorts trend. Wear them with a vest and some fisherman sandals and getting dressed for your next outing becomes a no-brainer.

Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Wide-Leg Pants 

Orig. $30 $18 at Amazon

Linen tends to be a little pricier, so when I found this more affordable option I had to snap it up. I know I’ll wear the nautical striped print on my next beach vacation, but the earth tones are great options for my workwear. 

Velvet Pico Pants

$136 at Amazon

The Velvet Pico Pants are easy to love. They have a classic straight-leg, classy ribbon closure, and come in rich neutral tones that would fit right into the elegant wardrobe of a Big Little Lies character. 

Gap Pull-On Pants

Orig. $50 $42 at Amazon

Swap your stuffy black dress slacks for this lightweight version. Trust me, its streamlined straight leg and close-fitting silhouette still meet all the requirements for a business casual outfit. 

Lillusory Linen Palazzo Pants

Orig. $35 $28 at Amazon

Baggy pants aren’t going anywhere—just ask Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, or practically any other streetwear maven. This breezy version features a drawstring waist to make them even more comfortable. Now all you need is a tiny top (perhaps a cropped white T-shirt?). 

Lilly Pulitzer Brawley Linen Crop Pants

$128 at Amazon

Not all pants need to be neutral (please!). Add a pop of color with the Lilly Pulitzer Crop Pants, and they’ll become a surprisingly versatile wardrobe piece. I also appreciate the subtle gold accents, which only add to the fun of these party pants.

The Drop Esma Linen Vest

Orig. $50 $42 at Amazon

Ever since stylish vests entered the trend cycle, my wardrobe has had a major glow-up. A close-fitting, cropped option like the Esma Linen Vest automatically makes my outfit more sophisticated—and just plain cooler. 

Runcati Button-Down V-Neck Shirt

Orig. $25 $20 at Amazon

This light and airy button-down features crinkle fabric that looks good even when it wrinkles. Go ahead, and throw it on over your bathing suit or before a Zoom call—either way, the shirt will trick people into thinking you tried way harder than you actually did. 

The Drop Evelyn Cropped Square-Neck Bubble Top

$40 at Amazon

This shirt’s square neck and puffed sleeves make it a fun option for, well, anything. However, my favorite part of the shirt is the elastic hem. It’s an ingenious design detail that allows me to adjust where the shirt falls on my torso. So, I can wear it with low-slung jeans or a high-waisted skirt.