10 Canadian Brands You Need in Your Closet This Summer

Aritzia always manages to blend current trends and classic cuts perfectly to create styles and silhouettes that will last and quickly become staples in your closet. The wrap-dress is without a doubt the dress of the season, and this one by Babaton from Aritzia may be the only one you need. In a flattering cut and colour that can go from day to night during the summer months, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Aritzia Babaton Wallace Dress, $98.

From concerts to campouts, no summertime wardrobe is complete without a classic tee. We like the trendy spin on a classic with this limited edition graphic style in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary. 100 per cent cotton and 100 per cent Canadian.

Roots “Everything is Better” T-Shirt, $34.

Looking for comfort but unwilling to sacrifice a heel? You’re in luck, because the mule heel happens to be the must-have shoe this season. Oak and Fort’s steel grey mules come in vegan suede and feature a funky heel that’s both nice to look at and comfortable to walk in.

Oak and Fort Grey Pointed Mule, $78 (on sale now!).

This season’s it-swimsuit is the one-piece. Taking you from the beach to brunch without a hitch, The Saltwater Collective, based in Toronto, is all about giving back. Manufacturing their pieces in an environmentally friendly way, the brand is committed to saving the oceans and donates a portion of every sale toward the cause. Who says you can’t look good and help the planet at the same time?

The Saltwater Collective Vitamin Sea Swimsuit, $94.

You’ve got to love a brand that manages to amp up your grocery shopping experience with a section for stylish and affordable pieces to top off your cart. Joe Fresh offers easy on-trend pieces year-round, but it’s their summer collections we love best. With endless prints and breathable fabrics, you can’t go wrong with this Canadian favourite. For temperatures that spike during the day and tend dip in the evenings, there’s no better top layer than a classic denim jacket.

Joe Fresh Denim Jacket, $49.

Perhaps our favourite accessories trend of the season is the straw bag. We love the fun details that punch up the look of this straw tote, and the easy carry-all size.

Aldo Shoes Taurano Bag, $60.

With the athleisure trend showing no signs of slowing down, you just know we had to incorporate your basic do-anything leggings in an updated style for the season. Lululemon knows how to pair fashion and function together seamlessly – and that’s exactly what they’ve accomplished with their Train Times pant. We love this crisp white and grey print with a white tee and sneaks for that easy yoga to brunch all-day look.

Lululemon Train Times Pant, $108.

One of the easiest summer staples to rock for an effortlessly chic look is the shirt-dress. This poplin style striped number from Kit and Ace gives you a length that can do double duty when left open as an added layer over denim and a tank, but we love it as-is, buttoned and tied at the waist for that ultra-preppy cool factor. Keep it casual with sneaks for day and play it up for a night out by swapping the belt for something a little more funky and throwing on some strappy pumps and bold accessories to contrast the casual feel of the dress.

Kit and Ace Studio Stretch Dress, $188.

Le Chateau has been around long enough to know the value in a one-stop shop. From casual to occasion-wear, shoes to sunnies, this Canadian favourite has it all. Haven’t stopped by in a while? Make a beeline for their accessories department in stores or online and enjoy endless on-trend pieces for hard-to-believe prices. These frameless mirrored sunnies? Less than $25! At that price, you might as well stock up for the season!

Le Chateau Plastic Sunglasses, $22.

Keeping you comfy and on-trend is Canadian all-weather brand Sorel, who stepped up their summer game in a big way this season. Case in point: this pair of block heel sandals featuring multi-coloured straps and a block heel.

Sorel Addington Cuff Shoe, $165.