B.C. Style Experts Share Their Top Fashion Picks for Summer

As the next few months literally bring the heat, shops and designers from Canada and B.C. are doing the same—sartorially speaking. To get the scoop on what we can expect this summer at beaches, barbeques and beyond, we asked some of the most fashionable people we know to spill on summer trends, and what pieces they have their eye on.

Kristin Morawski

Kristin Morawski is a personal stylist and H Project Ambassador at Holt Renfrew, who keeps an eye on sustainability while styling clients, models and magazine covers.

1. Province of Canada: Football Helvetica Graphic Tee

 

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Morawski’s first pick embraces the FIFA World Cup, which she predicts will add a little sporty spice to wardrobes this season. “I like that Province of Canada has come up with these FIFA-inspired football T-shirts,” she says. “You’re part of the whole FIFA World Cup movement that’s happening this summer, but it’s not a jersey.”

Plus, she adds, it hits on more than one trend at once, because it’s also “participating in the graphic tee trend.” She has some advice on how to wear it, too: “Pairing this more sporty T-shirt with something that’s a little bit dressier would be the way to really participate in the trend.”

2. Oak + Fort: High Funnelled Neck Cropped Drawstring Jacket in Silver Birch

 

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Vancouver-based brand Oak + Fort, with its trendy yet minimalist aesthetic, has done it again, according to Morawski. “This track jacket with the funnel neck is really a must-have, trendy item for the season,” she says. “All the big brands are doing it.”

The shade Silver Birch is on-trend too, she says, reminding us that the Pantone Colour of the Year is Cloud Dancer (an off-white). “With this piece, you’re participating in a lot of different trends. The track jacket, a more sporty style, a cropped jacket and also the colour palette of the season.”

3. Mine and Yours: Bottega Veneta Brown Tortoiseshell Aviator Sunglasses

“One of my favourite things to do is to shop secondhand or consignment or resale,” says Morawski. “It’s a fun way to find unique pieces that you can add to your wardrobe that not everybody’s going to have.” Case in point: this pair of pre-owned Bottega Veneta sunglasses from Mine & Yours, a Vancouver-based resale boutique.

“We’ve had a couple seasons where smaller sunglasses have been really popular,” she says. “The fashion pendulum is swinging a bit, and we’re getting more personality and larger eyewear.”

Leila Bani

Leila Bani is a Vancouver-based stylist and consultant who has worked on magazine covers and spreads for titles such as VOGUE Arabia, as well as with celebrities including Pamela Anderson and Finn Wolfhard.

1. Brunette the Label: Lace Capris

Bani’s first recommendation hits one of summer’s top trends. “Capris are still going strong, and I love these lace ones from Brunette the Label,” she says via email. “The lace capri feels current and would be very fun for a summer festival situation.”

But why stop there? “Go bold and get the matching lace top and wear the whole set like a body stocking illusion under a dress,” she recommends. Summer can’t get any hotter in an outfit like that.

2. A Bronze Age: Alfred Short

If basketball shorts bring to mind the saggy street style of Adam Sandler, think again. Long, loose shorts are on-trend this season.

“The baggy shorts have taken over our lives, and it’s hard to go back,” says Bani. “Love a feminine spin on a basketball short, and my favourite ones are from A Bronze Age.” She has a suggestion on how to wear the loose style. “The detailing makes it less predictable sportswear, and looks very effortless dressed up with a ‘going out top’ or blouse.”

3. Kingdom Fine Jewelry: Silver x Water White Turquoise Pill Inlay

The Pantone Colour of the year may be Cloud Dancer, but turquoise is having its moment in the sun, too. “Love a piece with Persian turquoise from Kingdom Jewelry,” says Bani. “Unique silver rings continue to trend and add flair to summer looks.”

The blue-green shade always has a summery flavour, and can be found peeking out of collars and sleeves on necklaces and bracelets, or adorning fingers and earlobes. Bani is a fan: “The jewellery is just vibes. Something beautiful to cherish that will look amazing at the picnic, as a wedding guest or on the beach.”

Lyndi Barrett

As a trend forecaster and college fashion instructor, Vancouverite Lyndi Barrett always has an eye on the trends. That’s not all that keeps her busy: she’s also a publicist and content creator @stylecalling.

1. A Bronze Age: Bloome Pant

Once again, bottoms by A Bronze Age make the list. This pair is just as easy to wear as the basketball shorts, but that’s where the similarities end.

“We’ve seen this very romantic style this summer,” says Barrett. “We haven’t seen a silhouette like that in a while, and it’s very 1920s.” The loose shape is the perfect way to add a little whimsy to your wardrobe and keep cool while you’re at it. “We’re seeing those with lace and trim, and they’re just so lightweight and easy to wear,” she says. “I think that’s going to be a really fun, really trendy piece for the summer.”

2. Fine Finds: Fria Dress

Fans of bright colours, rejoice. In the midst of all the ’90s minimalist style, bold hues are back. The Fria Dress from Vancouver-based boutique Fine Finds is a perfect example.

“We’re going to see a lot of bright tomato reds and lots of oranges. I call them ‘sunset colours,’” explains Barrett. The punchy hues will pop up at casual venues like the beach—and beyond. “If we look at the other side of bridal trends and what people are wearing to weddings this season, I’ve noticed people wearing more saturated colours.”

3. Poppy Barley: The Modern-Day Mary Jane

As we know, shoes make the man—or woman. Which is why it’s important to have a great pair. Poppy Barley was started by a sister duo in Alberta, and since then, they’ve really upped the shoe and bag game.

Barrett loves these classic Mary Janes with a twist. “We’ve seen a lot of textures,” she says. “A lot of cutouts, that cut-work detail that’s so pretty.” And thankfully, they hit on another trend: “Comfort is definitely a dominant factor.” Phew.