Styling a Talbots Linen Pantsuit in Petite
I am a fan of linen. I know many folks find linen difficult and stress about the wrinkles. But honestly, I feel these days the linen of wrinkle is chic and depending on the garment, can even be polished enough for the workplace. Don't believe me? Let me show you with how I styled a Talbots linen pantsuit.
For this situation, I chose a white linen pantsuit with cropped pants, but honestly, I think any linen pantsuit in a neutral color can be extremely versatile and timeless for most wardrobes. Throughout the post I detail the pieces worn and share other ways I have styled this Talbots linen pantsui.
Talbots is a favorite retailer for me because the petites fit me great. I also appreciate that Talbots is one of the few retailers that carries plus size petites. I got this Talbots linen pantsuit in 14 petite for both pieces and they fit perfectly right out of the shipping bag.
I know my fellow shorties appreciate how satisfying this is. It's rare to find stores that carry petites over a size 10 to begin with, and to find the petites actually cut for a petite frame and not just a shorter inseam? Phenomenal!
Styling a Talbots Linen Pantsuit
A white linen pantsuit is a summer classic, and so easy to switch up. Ive worn this pantsuit with a black shell and flats, a Breton striped top and sneakers, and for here I made it outdoor summer cocktail appropriate with a lavender shell and gold leather strappy sandals.
This is the Talbots Classic Linen Blazer with the Talbots Linen Straight Leg Crop. The blazer deserves its name because it is such a simple and elegant silhouette that has remained a modern classic for years. Paired with wide leg pants, with a pencil skirt, even styled with dress shorts, a blazer like this is perennially stylish. Here, I chose a wider-leg cropped pant.
Especially in the summer, there is no need for a lot of accessories to dress up a linen pantsuit. Shoes make a major impact; these gold heeled sandals from Margaux are a favorite because they too are a classic style and surprisingly comfortable for long periods of time. I bookended the gold shine with gold hoops and a signet ring from REALM.
Unlike yUniversal Standard linen collection, Talbots' linen pieces are 100% linen so yes, they are more likely to crease and wrinkle. Both pieces are lined which offers stability to reduce the number of creases and makes it look more casually rumpled the way linen looks best.
I love shades of lavender, lilac, and fuschia and think that white really makes it pop. I recommend when styling a white linen pantsuit, step out of the comfort zone with classic neutrals and primary colors and try an unexpected hue like pale purple or even chartreuse.
A cropped pant that ends above the ankle bone is quite versatile. Strappy sandals, classic ballet flats, low-profile sneakers, loafers, and pumps all work with a pant of this length. For more tips on hem lengths, check out my guide to pant hemlines.
When shopping for blazers, it should button comfortably and fit over the shoulders and upper arms without straining. Fit the shoulders and bust, and a seamstress or tailor can alter the fit in the torso, waist, and sleeve length. But this is why I love Talbots petites; I don't need to spend on alterations to get an almost-custom fit!
I really don't think you can go wrong with a linen pantsuit. As separates, or combined, it's a versatile and classic piece you will reach for all summer long and for many years to come.

That definitely looks like spring!
You look great in the outfit. Nice to find white linen pants that don’t have pocket show through. Makes me crazy. The gold shoes and jewelery are fabulous.
Thank you! And right? talbots is always good with details like that!
This looks so great on you! I loved your US post from yesterday, especially the dress and jumpsuit, but this post vs that one illustrates what a big difference petite sizing makes for those of us who need it. This suit looks like it was custom tailored to you! So pretty.
Right? Regular is fine, but petite is a whole other ballgame for this 5’3″ body!
On the lavender theme, I see that Talbots has this sweater on sale: https://www.talbots.com/end-on-end-ombre-sweater/P211121080.html?cgid=sale&dwvar_P211121080_color=INDIGO%20BLUE%20MULTI&dwvar_P211121080_sizeType=MS
I have it and I love it—it’s cut generously so I got the medium. Probably wouldn’t work with your suit because the top of the sweater is cream-colored, but it seems like something you might like, Alison.
Oh that sweater is pretty!
That suit looks great on you! And I love it with the lavender tank. I’m going to have to peruse Talbots site now but just had to let you know how Spring-y you look. I got my second vaccine last Thursday and wore all linen — a sleeveless tunic with wide leg trousers. Linen is one of my favorite fabrics living here in Florida, wrinkles and all. Can’t wait to see the rest of the linen offerings.
I meant to also add I love how Talbot offers petites, especially that rare bird plus petites. One question, is there elastic in the back of the trousers? The description mentions cinched waistband but I’m not sure if that means some elastic or what. Thanks.
I can’t believe I forgot to add that! Yes the back of the pants have a subtle elasticized feature, hard to see especially when on, but it cinches it in and moves with you for an even better fit.
Thanks Allie, I was hoping that would be the answer. A little give at the waist is a good thing.
You look beautiful! The link takes me to a plus-sized Talbots model, so I guess the world is returning to normal. !!
Yes, I was so happy to see that!
Love this look on you! Hello SPRING.
So glad to have spring here!
Why wait until after your 2nd dose? Why not FOR your 2nd dose. There are a lot of articles on people dressing up for their vaccine, as it’s such a momentous event. Some have even worn the dress they bought for the wedding that couldn’t happen. https://people.com/style/bride-gets-vaccinated-in-wedding-dress-after-pandemic-delays-reception/
Oh yes, I will celebrate but didn’t want to sit in linen for it. But I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!
That suit is gorgeous, as are you in it! Love using the lavender too; it’s such a pretty color that says “spring” to me.
Thanks Lee!
The suit is DOPE. You look amazing in it! I would personally get a different color because I’m terrified of getting it dirty, but I LOVE it.
Thanks Valerie!