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Be summer ready every year with our top 10 wardrobe picks
You have nothing to wear. We get it. After years of blissfully keeping our sweats in heavy rotation, we’re now collectively unsure about how to dress for a non-Zoom world. Don’t worry. We’ve got the solution for you. There’s nothing like the confidence of a solid capsule wardrobe to get you through most occasions without having to endure a full-blown fashion crisis every time.
A capsule wardrobe consists of pieces, head-to-toe, that all work well together, allowing you to mix and match with ease. It’s a condensed wardrobe with multiple options… once you learn how to style these pieces with confidence.
Here are our top 10 suggestions to get your summer capsule wardrobe in place so you can spend more time outside enjoying the sun and less time inside your closet…
GoodrLightweight, stylish, polarized. These are technically running glasses, but they’re so adorable and fashion-forward they’ll slip into your summer wardrobe effortlessly. You don’t have to be scrambling up the Grouse Grind to appreciate the fact that they’re impossibly featherlight and non-slip. You can wear them all day without pinching behind the ears or having to continuously nudge them back up. And, at this price point, you can afford a wardrobe (within a wardrobe) of sunglasses.Available online
TevaWhether you’re exploring tidal pools along the beach or hiking with your dog along the North Shore trails, these sandals are built for outdoor adventure. Actually, they were built for comfort. The fact that they’re durable, grippy and allow you to transition from water to land without a second thought deserves real praise, for sure. But they’re also incredibly comfy. With each of the three straps of the shoe independently adjustable, these are endlessly customizable. The moulded footbed has a nice flex and supports your arch so you can wear them all day, from day one. The fit is true to size.Available online
KotnEmblematic of ‘90s style, babydolls are back and this refreshed iteration from Canadian-born Kotn offers a modern take. Swap the micro-florals for solid colour-blocking, sticky polyester for cool cotton and thigh-grazing hems for a chic midi length. The iconic empire waist and flouncy skirt are still there, don’t worry. This is the epitome of easy summer dressing: feels like you’re wearing a long t-shirt with all the style that gets you from office to dinner. The dresses are made from plush long-staple (read: won’t pill) Egyptian cotton jersey sourced directly from smallholder cotton farmers in the Nile Delta, Egypt. Kotn bypasses traditional middle people to work directly with farms to ensure 100 percent traceability and guaranteeing living wages, safe working conditions, fair treatment and environmental transparency. This is like farm-to-table, but for your wardrobe.Available online
Canada GooseRemember music festivals? Spontaneous happy hours? Leisurely brunches on the patio? They’re all back. And in keeping with summer vibes, don’t overload your fit with a bulky bag. Throw this deceptively small waistpack crossbody or sling it low across your hips and have everything you need without crushing your cool-girl/guy aesthetic. The main zippered compartment is large enough to hold your smartphone, wallet, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lip balm and even a small bottle of water. The front flap keeps essentials separate and within easy reach. And don’t overlook the back grabstrap that lets you hold it like a clutch, guaranteed to elicit queries to which you’ll faux-modestly respond, “Oh, this? It was just the first thing I grabbed on the way out.” You know you look fabulous.Available online
CougarThese are highly reminiscent of Givenchy’s marshmallow line of sandals from a few seasons ago: soft, pillowy, oversized. These leather Canadian sandals have a thick, puffy channelled band across the top that wraps over your foot, accommodating wide feet, bunions, and any other issues that can normally make enclosed shoes painful. These feel as if your sandals are hugging your feet. Don’t worry, the fit is secure, so no need to scrunch your toes at every step. Available in five colours (including metallic), they’re also water- and stain-repellent. Fit is true to size (with half sizes available).Available online
UniqloWith all the style that comes from Theory with the quality (and pricing!) of Uniqlo, these shorts will be your go-to for many summers to come. The lightweight, flowy fabric makes them comfortable, while the length makes them appropriate even for the office. It’s a more tailored look to really elevate any summer outfit, even if you’re simply pairing this with a t-shirt or tank top.Available online
ThreadsFrom Canadian brand Threads, these gently domed silicone covers are slightly larger than others with truly thin edges that create seamless, creaseless coverage. Whether you want to go braless and need a little extra insurance or want some added modesty under bathing suits or other skin-tight pieces, these stickies open up a whole new wardrobe when it comes to minimal summer dressing. These come in four inclusive, translucent colours that blend easily into your skin for realistic coverage. Made from medical-grade hypoallergenic silicone (sweat-proof and waterproof) they claim to be reusable up to 30 times. As long as you take care of them (wash with soap and water, and keep stored with the plastic backing and box they come with), they can last much longer.Available online
nobisLatin for “us”, Nobis is a Canadian premium brand that focuses on performance textiles to design outerwear that enable us to enjoy the outdoors without compromising on style. This bucket hat is made from a durable polyester canvas that keeps its shape no matter how many times you find it squished at the bottom of your tote bag. The fabric is stiff but malleable so it’s never floppy. The brim—while adjustable—remains crisply encircled around your head, shading you from the sun. This is a gem of a hat, but it’s not precious so go ahead and abuse it, then toss it in the washing machine to give it a quick refresh.Available online
Good for SundayFor summer vibes, the only thing better than a classic camp shirt is having the matching shorts to create a full romper-like set. This viscose-linen set from Canadian brand Good for Sunday extends your capsule wardrobe even further by mixing and—the ultimate summer no-brainer—matching for easy summer outfits.Available online
Ellie MaeEvery summer wardrobe needs a fresh white top and this eyelet crop top is ‘summer goals’. The construction is elevated with each segment carefully cut by hand, and lace trim inserted throughout, to ensure the perfect fit. The varied geometric pattern of the eyelet fabric makes this a unique, artful top.Available online