Meredith Shaw’s All-Canadian Summer Lookbook

Bloom where you are planted. Year after year, we’re sold the idea that summer should be easy and carefree. In reality, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves—to make the most of every beautiful day, to plan get-togethers straight out of a Pinterest board, to look a certain way in a bathing suit. What if we simply decided that who we are, where we are and how we are is enough? What if we took those precious warm summer days to bloom exactly where we are planted?

When I look back on my best summer memories, I don’t remember what I was wearing—I just remember how I was feeling. I spent so many summers not wearing shorts, before I realized that life opens up when you stop waiting to change. Was it easy finding this ease? Heck no! Confidence is a practice; like anything that’s hard, you have to work at it. That’s the mucky, messy middle part that often gets skipped over. Finding a community and surrounding myself with women who look like me has given me so much confidence. Nowadays, I wear the shorts more often than not.

Fashion is not just about how you present yourself. Your clothes—and your relationship to them—can unlock so many possibilities. That’s why I believe in inclusivity: A dress in my size can give me the confidence to go out on a date and meet the love of my life; a suit in my size means I can feel my best for a job interview and land my dream career. I’m so proud to be from a country that is home to so many designers who believe in making beautiful collections for all bodies.

From a casual day at the beach with the girls to a dreamy brunch outfit—the same one I’m wearing on the cover—I wanted to share my summer lookbook to show all the fun, affordable and inclusive options that Canadian fashion has to offer. Summer is waiting for us—bloom, baby, bloom.

For brunch with the girls

I don’t know if I’ve ever worn a dress I like more than this one—I’m obsessed with the fitted, adjustable bodice. It’s feminine and colourful and that’s what I gravitate toward. I like to dress up, but you could also pair it with a kitten heel or a sparkly flat, or a bigger bag that fits all the day’s essentials and a great pair of sunglasses for a more casual look.

Carmilla Dress, $260, valkyriecollection.ca. Milo Hoops in Small, $145, ilovebiko.com. Blanchefleurr Top Handle Bag, $85, aldoshoes.com. Rosine Strappy Heeled Sandals, $130, aldoshoes.com.

For a day at the beach

Playing with pattern and colour is how you make style fun. I had this one-piece bathing suit and matching cover-up pants custom made by Toronto company Bathing Belle, and I love how the subtle polka dot motif looks with the colourful gingham of the bag. Whenever I mix prints, I like to keep the colours within the same palette. I borrowed the vintage silk scarf from my mum, who has great style.

One-Piece Bathing Suit and Cover-Up Pants, custom designs from bathingbelle.com. Scarf, model's own. Sparrow Sunglasses, $58, kits.ca. Ela x Jillian Harris Everyday Tote 2.0, $110, elahandbags.com. Enalen Heeled Mules, $110, aldoshoes.com.

For a business meeting

Consider this the summer version of a Canadian tuxedo. Capri pants are back in a big way, and the fitted silhouette looks so good on a curvy body. I would wear this anywhere, but it’s the perfect hot weather alternative to a power suit for business meetings. I wanted to let the set speak for itself, so I paired it with matchy-matchy pops of yellow and a polka-dot scarf for added visual interest around the neckline.

Denim Button-Down Vest, $128, and Pinched Seam Denim Capris, $98, laura.ca. The Bea Silk Twillie, $48, palmpalmbrand.com. Collette Ring in Small, $120, ilovebiko.com. Olevya Shoulder Bag, $60, aldoshoes.com. Anniebrilden Heeled Mules, $98, aldoshoes.com.

For a fancy soirée

For show-stopping pieces I would only ever wear once, I love rental services. This gown is from The Fitzroy, a Toronto-based company that ships occasionwear pieces all across Canada. I love that they offer plus-size options and are always working to build a more inclusive collection. I felt so delicious in this dress—it’s the perfect statement maker for a fancy wedding or gala. Whenever I wear something hyper feminine, I like to play with contrasts and bring in chunky accessories and edgier touches, like platform shoes or metallic details.

Mac Duggal Genevieve Strapless Gown rented via The Fitzroy, from $155 for 4 days, fitzroyrentals.com. Milo Pearl Dusters Earrings, $275, ilovebiko.com. Rosine Strappy Heeled Sandals, $130, aldoshoes.com.

Meredith's Summer Beauty Must-Haves

In partnership with COVERGIRL

The flawless base

Meredith’s complexion essentials have your summer beauty bases covered.

1. Her cover look: COVERGIRL Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation, $24
   Hydrating, smooth and reliably long-wearing with skincare benefits built in.
2. Her everyday fave: COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Foundation, $28
   A lightweight serum hybrid infused with pigment that looks like real skin.
3. Her purse essential: COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle Defying Foundation, $24
   A buildable cream formula that’s easy to blend with fingertips for touch-ups on-the-go.

The perfect lip

Her go-to lip: COVERGIRL Clean Lip Color in Crema, $14
Meredith is obsessed with this hydrating lipstick that delivers all-day wear with a creamy satin finish.

The easy glow

Her instant glow-up: COVERGIRL TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Bronzer in Toasted Butterscotch, $14
Our cover girl’s go-to for a sun-kissed glow is this bronzer that warms the skin with just a hint of shimmer.