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Scandi, French, British, Americana—each calls to mind a crystal-clear fashion cliché. Picture a Londoner wrapped in tartan smoking beside a red phone booth. A Midwesterner in a Ralph Lauren flag sweater and a cowboy hat that’s seen better days. You get the idea. But what about Canada Surely a nation of 41 million is more than just the infamous denim tuxedo and a fur-trimmed parka. We’re often branded the polite lovechild of the U.S. and U.K.—but that sells us short. To be Canadian is to be kind, yes, but also quietly bold. We wear our global influences with pride—and somehow still make them our own. And if there’s a silver lining to all the tariff drama, it’s this: Canadians have never been more patriotic. From repping maple leaf pins to buying more local brands, there’s a tangible togetherness that’s infiltrating our hearts and closets. So, returning to the original question: what even is Canadian style? To find out, we enlisted the help of 15 industry insiders from coast to coast to share their insights. And now, we’re revealing our findings.
Vancouver
In Canada’s West Coast capital, the tropes are true. In Vancouver, a job is just a place, not a personality. Hiking, biking and skiing are non-negotiable, not just a Hinge humble-brag. And Gorpcore? A lifestyle, not a fleeting trend. The Vibe: “Casual, comfortable and eco-conscious.” –Jia Seung, project manager at Vancouver Fashion Week and director of operations at Global Fashion Collective The Uniform: “Vancouver is the originator of Pilates-girlie-leggings culture. Salomon sneakers and a Lloyd toque are must-haves.” –Leila Bani, stylist and creative consultant The Influences: “Vancouver’s style is shaped by its stunning natural surroundings and active lifestyle. Its mild weather encourages layering and stylish outerwear, while the cultural diversity adds global flair to fashion and design.” –Caroline Phelps, general manager of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week The Point of Difference: “Compared to that of other Canadian cities, Vancouver’s style is notably more casual and relaxed, partly due to its mild climate and accessibility to outdoor spaces like beaches and mountains. It’s rare to see suits and ties here.” –Seung
Calgary
Sure, Cowboy Carter may have triggered the Western resurgence, but in Calgary, ranchwear was here way before we were singing “Texas Hold ’Em.” Just don’t confuse it for a costume convention. Practicality and comfort take precedence when the weather goes down to -35ºC. The Vibe: “Casual athleisure and a bit of ’90s street style with Western accents. I used to think that Calgary’s style was conservative, but in the past few years, I’ve noticed a shift toward shorter and tighter silhouettes.” –Haithem Elkadiki, designer of KaaDiki The Uniform: “Aritzia Super Puff jackets, all kinds of boots—like Sorels, Uggs and Alberta Boot Co.—and Celine sunglasses.” –Andie J, content creator The Influences: “The Calgary Stampede and the second-hand markets that are hosted around it. The Stampede has really turned itself into a major fashion powerhouse, and the influence of vintage Westernwear and Indigenous style has really taken hold in Calgary.” –Andie J The Point of Difference: “Calgary sort of bridges the gap between the super-relaxed style of Vancouver and the attention to detail that Torontonians have. We’re the best of both worlds.” –Leah Van Loon, fashion writer and stylist
Toronto
To borrow a quote from Tina Fey’s 30 Rock: “Toronto’s just like New York, but without all the stuff.” Indeed, like the American city, it’s a melting pot of every culture, personality and aesthetic you can imagine—only a fraction of the size. But when you talk about Toronto style, there are two things you can depend on: black outerwear and white sneakers. The Vibe: “Vibrant, confident and diverse.” –Sage Paul, co-founder and executive and artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Arts The Uniform: “Toronto is essentially the business-casual capital of Canada. Think oversized blazers worn with sambas.” –Ashley Galang, fashion stylist The Influences: “Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. With so many different cultures, there are so many global influences informing how people here dress—whether it’s Japanese minimalism, French elegance or Middle Eastern craftsmanship.” –Morgan Hanson, fashion publicist The Point of Difference: “In Toronto, we rep the parts of ourselves we’re most proud of—whether that’s a neighbourhood, gender identity or ancestral background. Fashion is an integral part of culture, and I think Toronto’s culture is about our differences.” –Paul
Montreal
How do you know if someone’s from Montreal? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. So it’s only fitting that for a city with such a strong sense of pride, they like to wear their nationality on their sleeve. Enter the local designers, niche merch and other odds and ends that crier Québécois. The Vibe: “Effortlessly cool, individualistic and a little bit unexpected. It really reflects the mix of cultures.” –Tiffany Lai, content creator The Uniform: “A Kanuk puffer, Sorel boots and something uniquely local made by someone who lives just a few metro stops away. Montrealers wear their identity with pride.” –Marie Saint Pierre, CEO of her eponymous brand The Influences: “Montreal is a big commuter city. Because we’re either on public transit or walking around the city, people wear comfortable shoes and layers for the changing weather and carry a bag that they can fit their whole life in.” –Simon Venne, fashion stylist The Point of Difference: “Montreal doesn’t dress like the rest of Canada— it dresses like itself. The city’s style is a love letter to individuality, where the avant-garde meets the everyday and no one’s afraid to make a statement—even in a snowstorm.” –Saint Pierre
Halifax
Although the East Coast is known more for its seafood than its style, you shouldn’t be so quick to write them off! Brewing in Halifax is a joyful community of crafters, crocheters and home sewers. The result: a series of personality-filled pieces that promote colourful knitwear, kitschy patchwork and upcycled outfits. The Vibe: “Laid-back, resourceful and sprinkled with pockets of joy. –Musemo Handahu, content creator The Uniform: “A Baggu Crescent Bag, a Le Bonnet beanie or Lloyd toque and either a Blundstone or a Dr. Martens boot.” –Hannah Sears, owner of Slowly Slowly The Influences: “The city is surrounded by universities and colleges, attracting a lot of students. Also, Halifax is the centre of Atlantic Canada, with many traders and international cruise ships docking at the port, giving the city a nautical edge.” –Mac Intia, fashion stylist and creative consultant The Point of Difference: “There’s a huge DIY mindset here—so many people have taken up sewing and knitting! I find people here aren’t so quick to jump on trends. It’s more about practicality and longevity— seasonless and timeless pieces.” –Sears This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2025 issue. Find out more here. Continue Reading
