As we step into the season of lively views, flowy fabrics, and bright mornings, our wardrobes begin their yearly shedding. To make this transition as effortless as possible, I bring you this styling guide to build a complete, stylish and functional summer wardrobe by following these three categories:

How to build the best summer wardrobe:

Fabrics

The first step to dress appropriately and comfortably in the heat is to understand the materials used in clothing. Our priority when bring you a summer collections, is for garments to be light and breathable without compromising fit and feel. Essentially we want you to look amazing while feeling your best.

This season we bring a variety of fabrics including Linen, Cotton, Hemp and Ramie; that will keep you feeling good and looking even better.

So let's dive a little deeper into what the differences are, and which are the best suited for your needs:

Linen:

According to Vogue: "There’s a reason why linen has been worn for millennia: It’s scientifically proven to be a cooler fabric than cotton or silk. Silk retains heat, while cotton tends to fall closely to the body, meaning you’re in for a sweaty day if you choose either. “Linen is a comfortable material for summer because of its high moisture absorptivity and relative stiffness,” writes Jintu Fan, professor of fiber science and apparel design at Cornell University. “The former property absorbs sweat and the latter property makes it detached from human skin, creating spaces between human body and clothing for ventilative cooling.” " - Read the rest of the article here

In short, if you like a more structured feel, and would prefer to have a little extra moisture wicking in your garments you should definitely go with Linen. Now let's look at my favorite linen pieces curated just for you:

Dresses:

Amina Rubinacci A-line Linen Sleeveless Dress in Light Blue

Peserico V-neck Linen Tiered Dress in Dark Sage

Jackets / Layering Pieces:

Lorena Antoniazzi Linen Blend Cropped Front Jacket in White

Peserico 3/4 Sleeve Linen Tunic with Slit Sides in Pink

Bottoms:

Lorena Antoniazzi Linen Viscose Cargo Bermuda Pants in Black

Peserico Pull-On Style Wide Leg Linen Pants in White

Cotton:

Like linen, cotton clothes are known for their high water-absorbing abilities. During the warmer seasons, people tend to sweat more than usual. Since cotton allows more air circulation, the perspiration-induced bodily fluid gets absorbed and expelled fast. The latent heat of the moisture evaporation comes from the body.

Also, cotton fibre is comparatively finer than others. So, clothes made out of this fabric are quite soft. In addition, these are more stretchable than synthetic attires and do not trap moisture like their polyester counterparts. Hence, cotton dresses can provide maximum comfort during a hot and humid day.

If you want to learn more about cotton and its properties, read this article

Okay, stay with me... the biggest difference between cotton and linen is that cotton is better suited for people with sensitivities who lean towards softer and finer fabrics. If that sounds like you, check out these features products (they're my faves shhhhh- we play favorites around here, dont tell my boss)

Tops

Verandah Cotton Voile Cropped Balloon Sleeve Top in Yellow Tropical Print

Lorena Antoniazzi Short Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt with Sequined Star Appliqué in Black

Dolce & Gabbana Ribbed Cotton Tank Top in White

Dresses

Rocco Ragni Cotton Poplin Tiered Dress in Tan

Sara Roka Belted Cotton Shirtdress in Lime Green Watercolour Print

Verandah Cotton Poplin Balloon Sleeve Collared Shirt Dress in Blue Foliage Print

Sara Roka Cotton Poplin Tie Front Shirt Dress in Dutch Blue

Bottoms

Peter O. Mahler Cotton Pull-On Style Straight Wide Leg Trousers in Navy Pinstripe Print

Rag & Bone Miramar Denim Print Pull-On Style Jogger Pant

MeiMeiJ Sheer Macramé Floral Pants in Black

Hemp:

Pure hemp fiber has a texture similar to that of linen. It can also be used with other natural fibers to create clothing with the strength of hemp but the softness of cotton or bamboo. Hemp fabric is resilient, pleasant, and environmentally friendly because it is made completely of natural fibers. The fabric is also antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and anti-static.

Not only that, but Hemp also is UV resistant!! The discovery that garments can have UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) characteristics startled us. And hemp is included! We are not sure why the concept of utilizing clothing or fabric to defend against the sun startled us. It clearly is not so new concept, because people used hemp fabric for a long period before the invention of sunscreen. Hemp is naturally UV-protective, making it an excellent choice for UPF fabric. "It is 99.9% effective in protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, according to tests. While it is never recommended completely avoid sunscreen, we do believe that some sun exposure is beneficial to our health". Rather than slathering oneself with chemicals, wear hemp clothing and go outside freely.

If you want to learn more about the science behind hemp read this

With that in mind here are my personal fave hemp items for the season:

Top:

Dorothee Schumacher Round Neck Hemp T-Shirt in Light Blue

Dress:

Verandah Cotton Hemp Bell Sleeve Mini Dress in Green and Blue Stripes

SHOP THE SUMMER COLLECTION HERE

Featured Collection!

New to Ashia Mode: Verandah is definitely a crowd favorite. Their vibrant patterns, lovely silhouettes and show-stopping dresses are the perfect to update and elebate you style this season! Check out Verandah HERE

----

Anyway loves... summer arrivals continue to come! An ever-growing collection of refined essentials, artisanal outerwear, luxe fabrics, and elevated everyday pieces curated just for you!

Explore the full collection online, or experience it in person at our South Granville boutique in Vancouver.

Indulge in the season. Elevate the everyday. Wrap yourself in luxury.