The outside is open! Here is your style guide to pandemic friendly outdoor activities
Abuk Tong, B & M Models styled By Dapper Style Mint
Spring is back and after a year of all-day sweat pants and pajamas, we are as excited as you to dress up, even if it’s just to walk to the grocery store. We took the spring-style conversation to The Marilyn Denis Show in the hopes of inspiring you to explore the outdoors beyond grocery shopping and maybe transition back to giving other clothes the time of day. If you do need to add a piece or two to your closet, we are giving you a complete shop the look details too.
As you may know about Canadian spring, the weather can be a little unpredictable and that bright sun deceiving, so the #DSMSTypeTips we are sharing put the erratic weather into consideration. It is still a little chilly outside so consider this easing into the outdoor life with three different ways to make your outings stylish and most importantly comfortable.
Layers are key and preparation for the occasional rain or drop in temperature is a priority.
Outdoor workout
It is common knowledge that 30 minutes of movement is good for your body and your mind so whether you are going for a run, hitting up the city courts for a game, or just taking a walk to get some air, this outing is an occasion (or an excuse) to look good in our books.
The key to comfort here is balancing warmth while avoiding overheating. Our solution? Layering! In the spirit of multi-functionality, we suggest pieces that can work for outdoor movement and stylish enough to incorporate into every day.
Get the look: The Atmos mid-layer hoodie from Canadian brand nobis’ new spring collection, is not only .made from a 4-way durable stretch weave but has a water repellent finish, and get this, it is machine washable! Who doesn’t love easy-care clothing? Underneath, layer with a light long sleeve breathable t-shirt, which you can get from Marshalls so that if you get hot you can easily peel off the layers. We suggest pairing down to the dry ex-shorts from Uniqlo’s sport utility wear collection because their fabrics are breathable and easy to dry. Lastly, a comfortable pair of running shoes is a must.
Spending an extended period of time outside requires sun protection.. Wee love the 5-panel cap from nobis, and sunglasses from Canadian Black-owned brand Bohten known for their sustainable practices, and right now supporting tree-planting efforts in Kenya and Ghana. You don’t have to worry about where you are keeping your keys, wallet or sunscreen with a crossbody bag. Tubm3n offers a compact yet practical option.
Everything in this look works double duty, suitable for movement can be worn casually.
Park Dates
If there is one guaranteed pandemic-friendly fun activity, it’s a park date. You can see friends (at a safe distance) and still get some air while looking amazing. Park date is the new brunch date, get into it! Basically winning on all fronts. You know we are all about practical style advice, creating a great look means ensuring it works for the activity is centered around. On a park date, you are probably going to be outdoors for a while. You will want to think about sun protection (as mentioned before), a possible drop in temperature, and of course balancing all this while looking chic.
Get the look. Knowing all this, the Aristotle Rosewood sunglasses from Bohten provide the protection we need and the chic look we are going for. As big fans of a statement lip because of its ability to take a look to another level, you are definitely bringing out lipstick. Being outside means it has to be hydrating not just bold in color. Consider Emma, a deep luscious red from Nakai, a Canadian Black-Owned cosmetic brand whose lipsticks are long-wearing and very kind to your lips. Another easy way to elevate a look is jewelry and Canadian designer Jenny Bird’s new collection is perfect for a dainty touch of gold.
Being at a park, you are most likely sitting on the grass or a bench, go for loose-fitting. The mint green maxi dress from Marshalls is perfect and if gets a little cooler or rains, the Poppy trench from nobis comes in handy.
What’s a chic way to take snacks to a park? A well-made leather bag that is sizeable enough of course. The Black Voyage backpack from Corktown Designs fits the bill.
About that grass, a large scarf is a great idea - large enough to lay on or wrap around yourself for extra warmth. Memod offers an array of handwoven sustainably made scarves that do the job perfectly.
If you are like us, your shoes have been gathering dust in the closet. Why not give your boots one last time to shine? After all, it is still cool enough to wear boots. If you are due for a pair, Canadian designer John Fleuvog makes the stunning Drurer that has enough personality to make any look, a show stopper
Date Night
Finally, we can get out for date nights again! With patios open, and days getting longer we are going to make up for all the missed opportunities and look great doing it! One spring color trend that’s not been getting a lot of attention is buttercream and that’s what inspired this ensemble. We decided to give it the life it deserves and build a look that plays around with varying fabrics but keeps everything comfortable and chic. A little denim, and a little leather just for that added personality. As mentioned before, layers are your spring best friend, make sure they are not left out of the equation.
Get the look: This mesh tunic from Canadian brand Hoi Bo, who makes all their pieces at their Toronto studio in The Historic Distillery District can be layered with a tank top. But wait, ditch the basic tank top because the perfect cozy top exists, it’s soft its knit and it’s from Melan.
Since this look is made for a long night out, adding an extra layer in case of a breeze with the cropped denim jacket from Winners and always effortless trench by Lululemon and for extra warmth, a scarf is key, because why not be on the safe side?
Let’s be honest, easing back to heels after being home pretty much all year and living in house slippers is going to be hard. Top off the look with a classic white sneaker and if you are into a slightly elevated version, the studded white sneaker from Gotstyle Women, another Canadian brand at The Historic Distillery District is an option.
Missed the style segment? Watch is below