There are very few certainties in life, but here’s what we can bank on during the summer months: heat, and a plethora of outdoor activities to try because of said temperature. So if we’re going to be lounging by the pool or curling up with our beach reads anyway, we may as well look good doing it, right? We rounded up our favourite summer events and the stylish ways upgrade your look for the occasion.

Summer fashion upgrade #1: Your summer vacay

Whether it’s that six-week Euro trip you’ve been planning since September or a last-minute beach getaway with the girls, your summer travels are the memories that will standout when the season ends and you’re left wondering how it all passed so quickly. Travel well and stylishly, friends, with a carry-on suitcase that you can proudly (and swiftly) tote from the airport to your next destination.
TRY: Balenciaga Classic Voyage Carry-On Suitcase ($2,465), at mytheresa.com.

Summer fashion upgrade #2: On the water

Plan on getting in some serious beach time this season—lying out by the water or cruising on it by boat. Just don’t forget to pack whatever beauty essentials will fit in this adorable clutch, the feel-good fashion equivalent of any Beach Boys tune this time of year.
TRY: Tommy Surfboard clutch ($68), at Tommy specialty stores and tommy.com.

SUMMER STYLE: 20 pretty and chic dresses

Summer fashion upgrade #3: The road trip

Is it possible to have a fully realized summer without the quintessential road trip—snacks, mixed tapes and Google maps included? Pack along your favourite pair of sunnies and hit the open road with the radio (and your summer style) turned way up.
TRY: Diane von Furstenberg Odette Oversized Round Sunglasses in brown ($213.89), at saksfifthavenue.com.

Summer fashion upgrade #4: An outdoor wedding

You’re bound to attend a formal outdoor summer event at some point this season, so it’s best to be prepared for any last-minute invites with a pair of espadrille sandals on hand (of course, we’re partial to anything with a red sole).
TRY: Christian Louboutin Cortico 85 mm espadrille wedge sandals ($370), at matchesfashion.com.

More summer fashion: 10 ways to upgrade your OFFICE WARDROBE this season

6 more ways to upgrade your summer style on the next page…

Summer fashion upgrade #5: Date night

We can’t predict the outcome of your summer fling, but we can make sure you’re fully prepped, style-wise, for a season of stylish romantic outings. A pair of whimsical statement earrings can be easily worn with jeans and sandals by day, and heels and a killer LBD at night.
TRY: Dannijo earrings ($295), at Holt Renfrew.

Summer fashion upgrade #6: For the picnic

Lunch dates and strolls through the park are easily two of our favourite lazy-day summer activities on the weekend. Why not combine the two for an classic Saturday afternoon picnic? It’s the perfect opportunity to pack your favourite fruit-inspired accessory along with cucumber sandwiches.
TRY: Moschino Cheap & Chic Let’s Picnic Cherry Watch ($84.77), at asos.com.

SUMMER STYLE: 12 maxi dresses under $200

Summer fashion upgrade #7: Poolside

The only reason to get up after lounging on a towel this magnetically beautiful is knowing that you can come right back to it after a taking a dip. #summerlogic
TRY: Hermès Dancing Pearls printed beach towel ($550), at usa.hermes.com.

FESTIVAL FASHION: 5 head-to-toe looks

Summer fashion upgrade #8: On a bicycle

Channel classic Audrey Hepburn-Roman Holiday chic with a silk scarf wrapped delicately around your neck and blowing in the wind—all you need now is a Vespa.
TRY: Dolce & Gabbana printed silk-satin scarf ($495), at net-a-porter.com.

Summer fashion upgrade #9: Your summer reading list

Whether it’s Nabokov or something fifty shades lighter, the perfect summer read is whatever takes you away while sitting on a park bench or lying on the beach on a hot day. Be sure to carry around your stash of must-reads at all times, just in case.
TRY: Slate Feather Dream Book Tote ($14.50), at chapters.indigo.ca.

Summer fashion upgrade #10: Patio season

Host a BBQ soirée on your balcony or head to the patio that serves the best cucumber sangria in the city in any of this season’s must-try patterns: striped, floral or checkered anything.
TRY: Philip Sparks Pleated Skirt ($147.50), at philipsparks.com.

Read more:
10 ways to upgrade your summer office wardrobe
5 stylish summer date ideas (and how to dress for them)
Best of summer fashion
The prettiest beach cover-ups