There's always a joy that comes with the first proper warm days of spring - the kind that make you believe that this year we might actually get a summer. Saying that, I've been burned by a similar sense of optimism before, so I tend to tread carefully when it comes to transitioning my wardrobe. But, with the days getting longer, holidays on the horizon and summer solstice only mere days away, it feels like the right time to start (finally) investing in some warm weather staples. At the top of my list? Linen. Even though it gets a bad rep for its creasing tendencies, linen is (and probably always will be) a perennial favourite, and there's only one under-the-radar high street brand I'm turning to for the best - Mint Velvet.
Mint Velvet has long mastered what the brand refers to as 'relaxed glamour', yet among its spring/summer collection, it's the Linen Scallop Tie Front Top that's caught my (and just about everyone else's) eye. Spotted on Instagram countless times, the top features feminine details like three front tie fastenings, scalloped hem and V-neckline, as well as a slightly cropped silhouette and numerous matching bottom options.
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Mint Velvet's pretty summer top is almost always sold out, and it's easy to see why. With a flattering scalloped neckline and a tie-front, there's an entire array of colours to choose from - whether you prefer something brighter, like a pink, or more subtle, like an ivory or butter yellow.
Mint Velvet has conveniently designed matching pieces to go with said top in the same breezy linen that include city break-ready shorts, a dinner-at-the-beach-esque maxi skirt and easy wide-leg trousers - all of which create that put-together feel with absolutely no effort involved. Alternatively, for more styling options, wear the co-ord pieces as two separates, tucking the Tie-Front Top into high waisted jeans, adding platform sandals and a Dragon Diffusion tote bag.
The brand's wider linen offering also sticks to a familiar formula - easy-going silhouettes, neutral tones and the right amount of tailoring that means it looks equally at home paired with loafers to the office, as it does with a swimsuit and spritz in hand. Mint Velvet's White Linen Lace Trim Shirt, and matching bottoms are a perfect example. The subtle lace details adds interest without tipping into overly girly territory, and both pieces work just as well solo - the shirt left open over a vest and jeans, the trousers teamed with a tank top and toe-ring sandals.
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If you're wanting to elevate your white linen shirt collection, start with Mint Velvet's feminine iteration. The shirt has delicate lace panelling on the length of the arm, which makes it perfect for pairing with a satin midi skirt and slip-on sandals.
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To pair with the lace-trimmed shirt, finish the ensemble with the matching trousers, also complete with lace panelling down the leg.
Below, I've combed through Mint Velvet's aptly named 'linen shop' to find the best linen pieces, including copious amounts of dresses, lightweight blazers and throw-on shorts, all in a palette of soft white, baby blue and butter yellow to make dressing in the heat - or the unpredictable British weather - a lot easier.
Shop: Other Viral Linen Pieces From Mint Velvet
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This mini dress is not only in the colour of the season - that delectable butter yellow hue - but it also has mini gold starfish buttons along the front as well as a scalloped edge. To style, tie a silk scarf loosely around your neck and add a pair of slip-on sandals.
Mint Velvet mintvelvet.com
This blue gingham top is a perfect item to have in your warm weather arsenal, whether you're heading to the office or to a picnic. The shirt has a crew neckline, short puff sleeves and bow detailing at the front, and can either be styled with the matching shorts or with wide-leg trousers.
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Mint Velvet's scalloped-hem linen shorts are available in a handful of colours, from gingham blue to baby pink. Featuring a comfortable elasticated waistband and front pockets, dress it up with heels and a blouse, or down with a graphic t-shirt and trainers.
Mint Velvet mintvelvet.com
Stuck on what to wear to the office in a heatwave? A linen blazer is always the answer, and this one from Mint Velvet is an excellent choice, with its double-breasted front, peaked lapels and long sleeves.
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If you're more of a midi dress person than a mini or - on the other end of the spectrum - maxi, this midi dress is one of the most flattering styles on the high street. Finished with details like a V-neckline, pin-tuck panelling to cinch and button fastening down the front, style with a pair of printed kitten heels and a statement bag.
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Another great linen dress from Mint Velvet comes in the form of its bow back linen dress, which, as the name suggests, features a large bow at the back. If you have a diary full of events this summer, it's a good dress to throw-on with a pair of platform sandals or heels and you're good to go.
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Another great addition to your workwear wardrobe, Mint Velvet's striped linen halter top is easy to pair with earthy neutrals and wide-leg trousers - and, it's formal enough to wear into the office, yet relaxed enough to wear to post-work drinks too.
Main image credit: Instagram/@belsfashionedit, @anoukyve, @amyfuchsia
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.