5 Northern Reflections summer essentials I'm obsessed with — dresses, tops & more

Summer is finally here — which means we're thinking about beach days, backyard BBQs and cottage weekends.

When I'm shopping for summer wardrobe essentials, I'm looking for all things easy: effortless tops, floaty dresses and cozy sweatshirts you can throw on for a chilly night. That's why Northern Reflections is one of my go-to retailers.

If you're looking to update your wardrobe, I'm sharing five Northern Reflections summer essentials I'm obsessed with. The best part? For a limited time, the brand is having a major sale with 40 per cent of all tops (and plenty of other deals!) — which means many of my favourite styles are even more affordable.

To find out why each piece has earned my seal of approval, scroll below.

Short Sleeve Tiered Dress

• Lightweight cotton gauze, making it extra breathable and floaty

• A roomy, tiered style that flatters many body types

• A gorgeous eye-catching shade of pink that screams summer

Northern Reflections

Short Sleeve Tiered Dress

$48$80Save $32

The tiers on this piece give it some dimension while the cotton gauze material keeps it comfortable and breezy.

$48 at Northern Reflections

Anyone who knows me knows I'm dress-obsessed, and the online-exclusive Short Sleeve Tiered Dress is one of my absolute favourite dresses for summer. It's made from 100 per cent cotton gauze which makes it feel super lightweight and airy, while still being substantial enough to know there will be no issues with undergarments showing through. I love the tiered style combined with dolman sleeves — and the gorgeous pink hue is perfect for hot summer days.

I recently wore this to my friend's bridal shower and got a ton of compliments — but it could also easily be dressed down for a casual day out if paired with sneakers and a jean jacket.

Everyday Fit Striped Crewneck Tee

• Soft jersey knit, 100 per cent cotton T-shirt

• Flattering "Everyday" crew neck fit that skims the body without being too tight

• Features a print designed by Canadian artists

A good T-shirt is a wardrobe staple — and trust me when I say that if you haven't checked out Northern Reflections' tees (currently 40 per cent off!), you'll want to take note.

This tee is made from 100 per cent cotton jersey, meaning while it has a bit of give, it's not stretchy or clingy and maintains its shape really well. While Northern Reflections makes a ton of tees and tanks in solid colourways, I was drawn to this bright and colourful striped version, which gives a subtle vintage vibe (and is surprisingly neutral).

I've paired this with everything from shorts to skirts to trousers, but my favourite way to style it is with a pair of jeans. You can't go wrong with a T-shirt + jeans combo, and the cute stripes and elevated fit give this wardrobe equation a winning edge.

Northern Reflections

Everyday Fit Striped Crewneck Tee

$18$30Save $12

A T-shirt is a year-round wardrobe staple, and this colourful striped one is surprisingly versatile.

$18 at Northern Reflections

Garment Dye Crewneck Sweatshirt

• An easygoing, relaxed fit that sits away from the body

• 100 per cent cotton — cozy, fleecy warmth that still feels lightweight

• Great for pairing with shorts, pants, skirts or dresses on chilly mornings or rainy evening

A sweatshirt is a necessity for unpredictable Canadian summer weather — and I'm loving this lightweight cotton one in the prettiest shade of blue. It's snuggly without being too heavy, and is easy to throw in your suitcase or weekend bag.

While you can absolutely stick true-to-size if you prefer a classic fit, I sized up two sizes for an oversized look.

Northern Reflections

Garment Dye Crewneck Sweatshirt

$42$70Save $28

This simple sweatshirt is sure to be in constant rotation

$42 at Northern Reflections

Linen Wide Leg Crop Pant

• An effortless pull-on style that sits at the natural waist and is loose throughout the hips and thighs

• Made from 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent viscose, meaning they're airy and cool while still looking put-together

• Great for the office, backyard and more

I run hot, which means I'm not much of a summer pants person, but these lightweight linen pants just might convert me. They look chic paired with a blouse (I love pairing with the Short Sleeve Ruffle Shirt) but look equally as pulled-together with a T-shirt — or even worn over a bathing suit for a cottage or beach day.

One note on sizing — these are made to sit at your natural waist. If you're like me and like to wear your pants a bit higher-waisted, you might want to size down.

Northern Reflections

Linen Wide Leg Crop Pant

$70

The linen blend fabrication and the subtle crop keeps these pants lightweight and breathable.

$70 at Northern Reflections

Short Sleeve Ruffle Shirt

• Soft lightweight polyester blend with a subtle sheer look

• Slightly relaxed with extra room at the bust and waist to softly shape the body

• Looks great paired with Linen Wide Leg Crop Pant for a summery office look, or paired with bold accessories and jeans for a night out

I'm a big fan of bright colours, and the juicy hibiscus coral red of this ruffled blouse is spot-on for summer. The sleeve ruffles add a subtle dose of whimsy to this top, which works just as well for a patio brunch as it does for the office.

Northern Reflections

Short Sleeve Ruffle Shirt

$39$65Save $26

This short-sleeved ruffled top is a feminine update to a classic buttoned blouse

$39 at Northern Reflections

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