We’re officially ready for a Toronto summer, and that means Torontonians are showing more skin in their outfits — finding ways to stay cool from the heat, while dressing cool on the streets. From edible dressing to silky accessories, here are the top fashion trends to look out for on the streets of Toronto this summer.
Move over, LBD — the LWD is in for the summer. A cooler option in both temperature and style, take the “little” in the name with a grain of salt, as maxi and midi options are just as popular, along with super voluminous shapes. Poplin in particular is a popular fabric for this trend, which will make you feel like you’re jetting off to Sicily even if the only travelling you’re doing this year is to Sunnyside Beach. Try this eyelet version from Thursdays or this certified LWD in linen from 6 By Gee Beauty.
If you’re thinking the $5 pairs you would buy at the beach as a kid when you forgot your sandals, you’d be correct — and you’d also be correct if you’re thinking thong sandals, or elegant leather flip flops, or really anything at all of the thong variety. These minimalist sandals have become a clear favourite for summer dressing, whether you’re opting for rubber-soled Havaianas or strappy, chic kitten heels. Another comfort-first style, depending on what variety you choose, these shoes will likely be in heavy rotation due to how airy they’ll feel in the heat of summer.
Red was the prevailing colour for the better part of two years in the fashion world, but with sunny, warmer days comes a new colour trend — butter yellow. While it’s unclear whether this shade has the staying power that red did, right now, the runways are littered with skirts, vests, shoes and blazers in this cozy shade, from Zimmerman to Louis Vuitton. Favoured by celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, this colour pairs beautifully with blue (so try it out with your favourite jorts) or in a monochrome look, like this maxi T-shirt dress at Frock. Go for accessories in this shade for ease of incorporating into your wardrobe, including flats or handbags. Style tip: wear it as you would a cream or beige if you’re struggling to see where it fits in with potential outfits.
Ride the nautical wave and opt for crochet, raffia and other woven styles this summer. An open knit is ideal for warm weather dressing, and this trend is more versatile than you think — while you might have only reached for a crochet piece to throw on over your swimsuit, it can easily be office-ready too. Just treat it as a layering piece. If that’s not your thing, raffia, woven and fishnet accessories will make this trend a breeze (literally). If you’re shopping for new crochet pieces, we recommend you buy second-hand or support local ethically-made businesses if you can!
This summer has brought out the food connoisseur in all of us. From prints featuring shrimp, olives and cantaloupe to fish jewelry to tomato graphic Ts and gingham dresses perfect for a picnic, it’s a feast of clothes so good you want to eat them! If maximalist dressing is your thing, then go ham (pun intended) on all the prints your heart desires (such as this matching embroidered set or this colourful fruit print or this fun fish top). If you’re a minimalist at heart but love the idea of wearable food, then accessories might be your way in — like this dragon fruit claw clip from Toronto’s Tusk boutique, or these fish earrings from Queen West’s The Dressing Room.
We can’t forget the short shorts — possibly the number one trend of the season, in popularity if not in wearability. Short shorts are certainly great for summer dressing, and they don’t all have to be bloomer-style or booty-grazing — go for a wider leg for a bit more coverage like these Frank and Oak denim ones, or opt for more sporty varieties for a bit more comfort. Short shorts pair nicely with longline vests, voluminous poplin tops or even an airy button down.
A celebrity accessory favourite, this trend is so versatile that it will definitely stick around in your closet long after the industry’s fickle fashion cycle deems it passé. There are so many ways to wear the silk scarf (and so many patterns to choose from) — wear it over your head to ward off flyaways, around your bag handle for a chic touch, as a top for a Y2K moment, around your neck like the Parisians or around your hair as an elevated hair tie. Get creative — there’s no wrong way to wear this! Good Neighbour in Toronto has a bevy of fun prints to choose from, from leopard to floral.
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