Two stylish Canadians on their summer work uniforms | Canada Voices

Dressing well for the office during the hot summer months can sometimes feel like challenge. Carolyn Buszynski, a senior rights associate at a literary agency, has figured out a formula that works for her twice a week in-office days. “In the heat of the summer, I try to prioritize breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk,” she said. “I also tend to opt for more voluminous silhouettes, and essentially the less that my clothes are touching my body the better.”

At the same time, she will typically incorporate a light layer into every outfit, such as a colourful blazer or knit crewneck, to account for the cooler, air-conditioned temperatures at the office. “I like to have something I can take on and off,” said Buszynski. “I’ll remove it for my commute or for whatever I have going on in the evening.”

Buszynski, who describes herself as a “huge eBay shopper” and frequents consignment and vintage shops such as VSP Consignment and Mrs Huizenga in Toronto, also describes Uniqlo as her “tried and true, especially for basics like T-shirts.”

She’s also intentional about selecting versatile pieces that work for multiple seasons, and a variety of occasions. “I try to shop with the idea that my clothes can be used in as many areas of my life as possible,” said Buszynski. “It’s been many years of trial and error in terms of building up my workwear wardrobe.”

Michael Nguyen, the founder of men’s custom clothier Garrison Bespoke, also prioritizes versatility in his wardrobe. “All of my clothes are transitional,” he said, noting that it’s important for him to be able to “go from the morning to the night in the same outfit” whenever possible. For example, he might wear a full suit to meet with a client who is a banker, then swap out the suit pants for a pair of jeans or linen trousers to go out for dinner.

Strategic layers are also key for Nguyen during these warm-weather months. “When I’m commuting around the city, layering is very useful,” he said, adding that he will often wear the same styles year-round but in different fabrics. “I pretty much wear the same core items, but I change them based on fabrication,” he said.

His current must-haves include “blazer suits” (he describes these as suits where the jacket and pants can be worn together or separately), wool half-zip tops inspired by cycling jerseys, and linen shirts. He prefers cotton, linen and even a breathable merino wool in the summer, and heavier weight materials such as cashmere and flannel in the winter. “In the summer, obviously you need things that are extremely breathable,” said Nguyen.

Six buys to try

Inspired essentials to help you look polished when the heat is on.

In the men’s section

Banana Republic Italian wool suit jacket

Nguyen’s suiting is custom from Garrison Bespoke, but for an off-the-rack option you could consider this summer-ready 100-per-cent wool jacket from Banana Republic. It’s unlined at the back for breathability, has lots of pockets for convenience, and you could wear it with the matching suit pant or a more casual bottom. $590

Buy

RW&CO quarter-zip polo

As an alternative to a dress shirt, try a quarter- or half-zip polo under your favourite suit for a more relaxed summer office look. This cotton-and-polyester one from Canadian label RW&CO has a ribbed texture for interest, and comes in three versatile neutrals. $69.90

Buy

Aldo Dolan shoes

A suede slip-on shoe with a rubber sole is comfortable for long days, and can go from work to weekend with ease. This one from Montreal-based Aldo is budget-friendly and available in sizes 7 to 13. $135

Buy

In the women’s section

Babaton Enterprise skirt

Buszynski’s pleated skirt is secondhand Prada from The RealReal. Here, it’s styled with Tabi pumps from Maison Margiela, but she will also wear it with knee-high leather boots when the weather gets cooler. Get the look with this pleated, midi-length skirt from Vancouver’s Aritzia. $168

Buy

Naked & Famous Judy shirt

This cotton-and-linen blend shirt is made in Canada using a lightweight Japanese chambray fabric. It has a relaxed fit and slightly boxy silhouette, looks as good with jeans as with more tailored bottoms. $265

Buy

Dinosaur Designs Small River Rock earrings

Buszynski likes to add “a little bit of playfulness or personality” to her outfits with accessories. These nature-inspired, gold-plated brass and resin earrings are sleek for everyday but stylish enough for more formal occasions, too. $330

Buy