All-Purpose Outfits For A Summer On The Move In Old Montreal!

Metro, work… office outings! Because the weather’s just too irresistibly nice to be going home straight away, here are a few versatile outfit ideas that are perfect for jumping from one activity to the other in a jiffy. Work, shopping, swimming, happy hour, exhibitions, you name it, make the very most of Old Montreal for an action-packed summer full of fun.

Summertime is swim time!

Whether or not you have air conditioning at work, nothing beats a nice swim to cool off after stepping out of the office. No need to take a dip in the Saint Lawrence, though; William Gray Spa has you covered with its “Urban Pool Packages”, featuring 2 rates that include a 60-minute Swedish massage as well as access to the pool from Sunday to Friday. $179 for the early-bird special (from 8:30 AM to noon), or $189 to choose your own time slot.

Stop by their neighbour’s on St-Amable Street, Mimi & August, for simply adorable eco-friendly swimwear – the new “Jardin de Nuit” collection is so pretty that you could easily pair one of their tops with a skirt! Pro tip: you can also get eco-friendly soap for your swimsuit to properly preserve the fibres of your purchase and keep it shining summer-bright.

Our recommendation for a work-pool-relaxation outfit:

An easy-to-slip-on linen “Leandre” dress from Naïf, a swimsuit from Mimi & August, a hair clip and sunglasses from Le Magasin Général, a summertime mani-pedi by LyLy Studio Nails and Spa, and, for some well-deserved hair care après-swim, l’Atelier Coiffure & Esthétique is definitely the way to go.

We also love the loose but stylish cuts at Rooney, which is featuring a fine selection of summer items on sale as well. Our fave? The Umbro set, from the “Penalty Culture” collection.

Summertime is picnic time!

A professional outfit, but perfect for lounging on the grass? We vote yes! Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen with you (and the other must-haves to pack in your bag), then go spread out your picnic blanket on the green of the Champs-de-Mars, behind City Hall (we go for the beautiful view of the city, the neighbouring historic buildings and, why not, some great spots for a few spirited rounds of badminton under the sun). If you would prefer to just sit back and soak up the summer under the shade, have a seat at one of the picnic tables set up at Place de la Dauversière. (Psst! We also come here for the ice cream parlours just a cone’s throw away, because a refreshing dessert this time of year is a thing most crucial, needless to say.)

Our recommendation for a work-picnic outfit:

The Patagonia summer shirt from the menswear department at Salmo Nature, which offers UPF 40+ solar protection and vertical vents in the back, is definitely our favourite. In the women’s section, you’ll also find the “Open Air Caster” shirt, boasting similar features, with quick-drying and ventilation, as well as a lightweight, thermoregulating fabric. On the lower-body side of things, we love the “Easy active” pants at Pepin Shop, lightweight trousers in a beautiful olive hue that pair perfectly with Fly London or Naturalista sandals, both available at Sandrini. For men, their “Jomos” collection is also well worth checking out!

Summertime is cycle time!

There’s nothing quite like stretching out and moving your legs by (or on) the water at the end of a long day, once the heat has come and gone. Two rental options to do just that are available to you in Old Montreal, both courtesy of Écorécréo: pedal boats if you’re looking for a bit of easygoing floating fun, or quadricycles if you’re a small group that would prefer to remain on terra firma. After effort comes comfort, so why not meet up to chat about the day’s exploits over a cocktail or mocktail at any one of the old quarter’s fantastic terrasses, or perhaps while playing a round of pétanque on one of several courts on De la Commune Street East.

For your work-pedal boat-aperitif outfit, we suggest both the chic and practical!

To put together the perfect ensemble, head first to Swell & Ginger, where you’ll find “Ryan” linen pants, nothing but comfort thanks to a wide leg cut and large pockets, and that can be worn with one of their delicate, 100% cotton halter tops with embroidered lace on the hem. Next, for colourful shoes that won’t go unnoticed, head to John Fluevog for their “Copacabana” flat sandals, featured in eye-catching “Newsprint Pink/Red”. Plus, they’re on sale! Summer jewelry to complete your look awaits you at Boutique Anne de Shalla, or why not indulge yourself in the permanent jewelry trend with a visit to Pop’n Shop Bijoux for pieces that are impossible to lose… almost!

For shirts that always fit well, don’t crease easily and go great with either shorts or pants, put your trust in the experts at Clusier. If, for you, style and comfort go hand in hand with athletic shoes, Felix Sneakers+Espresso Bar, with its meticulously curated selection, is exactly the right place to get your kicks.

Photos: Sara Megan - William Gray - Mimi & August - Felix Sneakers - Rooney

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