With sticky, humid temperatures officially upon us, another Canadian summer calls for lightweight materials and breathable ensembles. As fashionistas prepare for warm weather dressing, Real Style caught up with Canadian style expert Liv Judd Soye about her seasonal essentials. Judd Soye, who was born in Saskatchewan and is now based in Toronto, shared her thoughts on her signature personal style, favourite fabrics and key wardrobe pieces. Here’s what she had to say about effortless summertime fashion, whether you plan to channel the runways or your favourite street style stars.

Real Style: Do you have a favourite summertime fabric that you love to wear?

Liv: Probably breathable fabrics. Cottons, linen, anything that is a real fabric. I do like stretch as well. Who doesn’t like stretch? I’ve had two children, so!

Real Style: What is your must-have accessory for Summer 2016?

Liv: I think a great crossbody bag, something that’s easy, effortless and keeps your hands free. To be honest, since I have two kids (a one and a half year old and a three year old), I’m always looking for something practical that still looks pulled together.

Real Style: What are some style essentials that all women should have in their wardrobe this season?

Liv: For summer, I think head to toe white. I think it’s more than just a trend, I think it always looks pulled together. It’s easy to wash, and it looks tailored, crisp and clean. I love the fact that stripes are so big on the runway. Everyone from Stella McCartney to Prada and Dior, they were all doing stripes. Lots of different variations, so they work for every single body type and they are colourful and nautical at the same time. I also like that sort of romantic feeling, what we’re seeing with the pretty blooms of all shapes. Whether it’s big and organic, or very delicate and refined.

Real Style: Do you have any top celebrity fashion icons? 

Liv: For celebrities, I think that it’s Kate Bosworth on the runway, always knocks it out of the park. As a current celebrity, I think that she plays with fabrication and silhouettes. She’s not shy to try something new. Classically, I like Grace Kelly. She’s timeless, she’s refined.

Real Style: How would you describe your personal style?

Liv: I think my style is quite elegant. I’m a sucker for all things white. Head to toe white is my summer essential, I love how refined it looks. My personal style is tailored, but I do play with patterns and colour.

Real Style: Who are your favourite Canadian designers?

Liv: To be honest, one of the Canadian designers I am really liking and saw for the first time this spring is Ellie Mae. She showed her fall collection this past spring, she’s brand new. She was asked to present at Toronto Fashion Week, and I think her taste is exquisite. I really love what she’s doing with jackets. I think her little jackets are brilliant. I love her fabric. Honestly, anything that she’s doing is brilliant. It’s wonderful to see somebody who’s brand new, fresh out of the gate, just check all the boxes. She’s been worn by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.

Real Style: In your opinion, what defines great style?

Liv: Whether we like it or not, I think style is a reflection of who we are and how we are feeling. So when you get dressed in the morning, whether you’re feeling dark and moody or bright and cheerful, I think it really reflects how you’re feeling on the inside or what you want to project. So, not necessarily how you are feeling, but how you want to be portrayed. Style, I think, is a very strong ability to reflect a lot of things.

Photo: Liv Judd Soye