Summer Outfits to Beat the Heat in Canada

Let’s face it, summers in Canada can get hot. Since moving from the breezy West Coast to the dry, windy prairies, I’ve felt the heat more than ever. Whether you’re by the ocean or out on the open plains, staying cool and looking great can be a challenge. These Canadian summer fashion picks will help you do both all summer long.

Woman wearing an all-neutral outfit featuring a black fitted tee and high-waisted olive paperbag pants, accessorized with a tan watch and subtle gold jewelry.

What to Wear in a Canadian Heatwave

Here’s a checklist of essential breathable clothes for hot weather in Canada:

Tank Tops
Cotton Tees
Lightweight Shirts
Airy Shorts
Breezy Pants
Comfortable Sandals

Close-up of a green button-up jacket layered over a black corset-style bodysuit with smocked side panels, accessorized with layered gold necklaces.

Best Lightweight Shirts for Canadian Summer Heat

A cotton shirt can go a long way when you’re fighting the heat. I like to wear an effortless tank top with a pair of belted shorts or breezy cotton blouse with a capri. If you’re really feeling the heat, a linen shirt might be an option too. Right now, I can’t get enough of this Linen Resort Shirt from Banana Republic. It pairs great with just about any bottom: a light pair of pull on pants, jeans, or a pair of shorts. Throw on a kitten heel sandal and you’re good to go – or wear it as an overshirt over a bikini top at the beach. The possibilities with this shirt are endless. Some runner-ups I’m also loving:

Close-up of a casual yet polished outfit featuring a tucked-in black button-up blouse and beige high-waisted pants with front stitching details.

Gathered cap-sleeve pure linen shirt | Contemporaine | | Simons

Ellen Tracy Linen Blend Shirt in White from Joe Fresh

Women’s striped blouse | COLORI | PINOT-808 – Colori (Made in Canada!)

Cotton Gauze Dolman Shirt | Gap

Woman wearing a black button-up blouse and beige cropped pants standing in a softly lit bedroom, with one hand brushing through her hair.

Light & Effortless Shorts

If you’re anything like me, when the heat really kicks up in Canada, my legs SWEAT. The best way I’ve found to deal with it is to wear a light, airy short or breezy, linen pant. Naturally, I’m reaching for linen everything this summer, so these Linen High-Waisted Shorts from RW&CO are perfect. They also have an Ultra-High Rise Cotton Short with Sash that would pair beautifully with a leather belt and tank top.

Close-up of a woman’s hand resting in the pocket of high-waisted white shorts, paired with a green utility-style jacket and black textured top.

For a more dressy short, this Banana Republic High-Rise Tencel-Linen Short would be perfect for pairing with a light blouse or fitted tee. Throw on a belt and a pair of heeled sandals, and you’re ready for a night out after work or a patio lunch date!

Woman standing indoors wearing a dark green utility jacket over a black top and high-waisted white drawstring shorts, with soft natural light illuminating the space.

If you’re looking for something you can just throw on and go to the grocery store, then this pull-on Women’s Capri-Pant is the perfect option for getting out the door quickly. Plus, it’s made in Canada! (These Suzy Shier Linen Palazzo Pants are a close second!)

Woman standing beside a wooden dresser, wearing a black blouse with rolled sleeves and beige cropped pants, styled with a tan watch and black heels.

The Best Sandals to Stay Cool in Canada

Ladies, let’s be real. The last thing we want on a hot day is to have our feet sweating in a pair of sneakers or closed-toed heels. Sandals are a must-have in a Canadian heat wave. That’s why I’ve been on the search to find the perfect pair to match my neutral, cool summer outfits. Here’s what I’ve been loving so far:

Woman sitting on a wooden chair in a neutral-toned bedroom, wearing a black top, high-waisted olive trousers, and black heels, reaching to adjust her shoe.

For an everyday dressy option, you can’t go wrong with the Naturalizer Vera Dress Sandal. They’re known for the comfort, and they come in so many different colour options! (The Kelly & Katie Hailee Dress Sandal is a similar, wallet-friendly option). I’ve also been reallly drawn to a “barely-there” kitten heel this season like these Square Toe Kitten Heels from Amazon.

For a more casual sandal, I’m always drawn to slides or sling-backs for convenience and style. This season, I’m loving the Paullah Slides from Call it Spring or the Birdie Slides!

A great alternative is the Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal.

Honourable Mention Dresses

Since writing this post, I’ve been swooning over this Sleeveless Halter-Neck Mini Dress from RW&CO that is a Linen/Viscose blend and would be perfect for summer. A similar option with a couple of fun pattern options is this Linen-Blend Strappy Dress from H&M.

Woman standing in a softly lit room wearing a casual black button-up shirt and beige pants, showcasing a neutral-toned, minimalist outfit.

Whether you’re basking in the sea breeze of British Columbia, enjoying the endless sun of Saskatchewan, escaping to Ontario’s lakes, or strolling the beaches of PEI, these stylish summer outfits will help keep you feeling cool. What’s your favourite pick? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

For more summer styling tips and ideas, check out my Summer Outfit Trends I’m Loving post!