The smell of bonfires, Coppertone and margaritas are in the air.  This could only mean one thing – that the glorious season of Summer has turned up the heat (and our hemlines) in Toronto.  With a new season here, we bring you some trendy wardrobe inspiration brought to you by our favorite TEST shops.

Pastel Shoes – 17.50 USD – TheGoodJujuShop

LOW FOOTWEAR
While sky high sandals are sultry when the sun goes down, hot summer days call for keeping it chic and easy with more practical footwear.  Browse the TEST Team vintage shops to get the “low” down on Summer gladiators and bright espadrilles.  Your tootises will thank you for the low footwear – especially during long walks scouring seashells at Woodbine beach.

Floral Crop Tank – $30.00 USD – Honey Bliss Clothing

THE CROP TOP
The days are heating up so don’t be afraid to show a little skin.  The crop-top trend is wonderful for summer as we can dare to bare a little more midriff than usual.  Don’t fret, we aren’t asking you to show too much tummy.  We’d pair this Floral Crop Tank with a favorite high-waisted skirt and cardigan for work.  We wouldn’t just save this beauty for work — for a weekend look, it would be great with vintage high-waisted cut-offs.  Which brings us to our next Summer wardrobe staple…

Vintage Jean Shorts – $52.00 USD – Aiseirigh

DENIM SHORTS
Denim shorts are one of our favorite warm-weather mainstays, if not for their longevity but their sheer ease.  You can find some good twists on the classic, like neon lace appliqués.  We’ve spotted some structured versions around the big smoke to take to the office on summer Fridays.  Toronto-based Etsy shop Aiseirigh has got a few good ones in stock – florals, fringed and even baggy ones.

Bustier Sundress – $27.26 USD – QueenWestVintage

SUNDRESS
The season’s key piece takes on many chic forms, from the airy boho white dress to the rockabilly polka-dotted halter. Shop the best of them, in flirty and feminine iterations.  The sundress is great for brunch dates, barbecues and lawn parties.

Photography Print – $30.00 USD – CharlenePrecious

STRAW HAT
Whether you’re on the beach, being a lounge lizard at the pool or lunching al fresco, a straw topper is a breathable accessory to add to your outfit.  We personally like the wide brimmed floppy ones that are basically like a SPF of their own!

Summer Bag – $160.00 USD – GraceDesign

SUMMER BAG
So you’ve picked out the perfect crop top and snapped up this season’s must-have sandal – but what about a stylish bag to pack all your seaside necessities?  We are head over heels for Grace Design’s Summer Bag pictured above.  It’s gorgeous woven summer bag that is roomy to stow away an entire days worth of essentials.  We could easily see this taking us from the beach to sunset cocktails.

Show your fellow TEST Members some love by admiring, favoriting and shopping local this Summer.  By shifting just a portion of your spending, you can help create more jobs, a stronger economy and build a better community here in Toronto.  Here’s to happy shopping, long Summer nights and playful wardrobes!