From sundresses to sports bras: How summer fashion changed

Is it just me or have you noticed how much summer dressing in Toronto has changed? Somewhere along the way, sundresses and summer outfits seem to have been replaced by bike shorts, sports bras, and workout sets, and I’m not talking about women who are clearly on their way to or from Pilates or the gym. I am talking about athleisure becoming the everyday uniform for running errands, meeting friends for coffee or spending an afternoon downtown.

After living in both Europe and the Caribbean, returning to Toronto every summer has made this shift impossible for me to ignore. Growing up in Slovakia, wearing workout clothes outside the house simply was not part of the culture. People took pride in getting dressed before leaving the house, no matter where they were going. Jamaica felt much the same. Even a quick trip to the supermarket often meant seeing women in colourful dresses or flowing skirts and stylish sandals. Fashion was not reserved for special occasions; it was part of everyday life.

Toronto only gets about two and a half months of real summer each year. Why are we spending so much of it in tight polyester activewear? Before anyone objects, let me say this: I completely understand the appeal of bike shorts. In fact, I am writing this while wearing a pair. They are comfortable, practical and perfect for certain occasions, but there is a time and place for everything. Somewhere between the gym and a summer patio, we blurred the lines. The interesting thing is that price is not really the issue. Many matching workout sets cost as much or even more than a summer dress.

One thing I have noticed is how differently many of us dress when we are on vacation. We plan outfits weeks in advance. We save inspiration on Pinterest, pack our favourite dresses and accessories, and look forward to creating memorable looks for every beach walk or sightseeing adventure.

So why don’t we do the same at home? Imagine treating a Saturday in downtown Toronto the way we treat a day exploring Italy or spending an afternoon on vacation in the Caribbean. Suddenly, putting on a breezy cotton dress, relaxed linen trousers or a chic oversized shirt does not feel excessive, it feels like enjoying summer.

I will admit that since moving back to Toronto, I have fallen into the activewear habit myself. I often try to elevate the look with an oversized button-down shirt, but I know it’s still not the same. The funny thing is that as soon as I am back in the Caribbean, everything changes. The sunshine, vibrant colours and the atmosphere inspire me to wear brighter prints, bold silhouettes, and more playful outfits. Location really does influence how we dress.

The rise of athleisure did not happen overnight. The pandemic undoubtedly accelerated it. During a time of uncertainty, comfort became the priority. Fashion also tends to reflect the mood of society. When times feel uncertain, we often gravitate toward practical, simple clothing in neutral tones that can easily be mixed and matched.

I love minimalist fashion. Monochromatic outfits and timeless wardrobe staples have always appealed to me. Simplicity does not have to be boring, but we can rediscover ways to make simple clothing feel intentional and expressive again.

Summer fashion does not have to mean dressing up every day. It does not have to be loud or extravagant either. It can be quiet luxury, relaxed tailoring, breezy dresses, oversized linen shirts, or beautifully cut separates.

Fashion has always been one of the easiest ways to express personality without saying a word. Now that lockdowns are behind us, it is time to leave workout clothes for workouts again and reclaim the joy of getting dressed, not for Instagram, not for anyone else’s approval but simply because summer is short, and fashion is supposed to be fun.