6 French Style Tips You Definitely Haven't Heard Before

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

Have you ever met someone who makes absolutely everything they do look completely effortless? That is exactly how I felt the moment I met Victoria Vergara, professional surfer and Reef brand ambassador. While on a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, with the well-known surf brand, Reef, I had the pleasure of not only getting to gawk over the insane talent this woman possesses in the water, but also got to admire her warm personality, kind heart, and, of course, insanely stylish wardrobe. Born in Hossegor, France, Vergara's parents later moved their family to Réunion Island when she was 14. It was there that she developed her love of surfing and turned it into a career. 

A part of her job description is not only surfing but also tons of traveling. Because she lives out of a suitcase for months at a time, it should come as no surprise that she is an expert packer, somehow managing to pack practically while always looking insanely stylish. Throughout our five-day journey together, I was lucky enough to pick her brain on everything from her hometown to her surf background to her style hacks. While I wish I could share all of the above with you, today, we are focusing on Vergara's unique perspective on how to remain stylish amidst a hectic lifestyle. 

Ahead, read all about professional surfer Victoria Vergara's style tips and shop a few of her favorite Reef items. 

Tip #1: Wear Jewelry You Don't Have to Take Off

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Latigo Fixed Triangle Bikini Top ($39). 

Victoria was never without her delicately layered shark tooth necklace and matching chain. Whether it was while surfing, exercising, or at dinner, she proved that the simple addition of subtle jewelry could elevate everything from a swimsuit to a cocktail dress. 

Shop delicate jewelry:

Tip #2: Pack Reversible Swimwear

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(Image credit: @victoriavergara)

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Mod Wave Reversible One Piece ($77). 

Each morning while on this trip, we met in the lobby to gather before the day's festivities. After a few days, I had no choice but to comment on her wide assortment of bathing suits as she would not only have on a new one each morning but would also change throughout the day after surfing. It was then that she informed me that most of her swimsuits are reversible. This way, she gets two suits sans the stolen room in her suitcase. (Which is important since she travels a ton.) 

Shop reversible swimwear:

Tip #3: Bring Versatile Accessories

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Teal Core Solids Thong Bikini Bottom ($39) and Downtown Truss Sandals ($30). 

In true surfer girl fashion, Victoria always had the most picturesque piece to throw on after a day spent in the ocean. My personal favorite among the slew was an oversize cotton scarf that she was able to use as a sarong or a scarf, or simply throw around her shoulders to protect from the sun. 

Shop versatile scarves:

Tip #4: Wear Sneakers Everywhere

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Rover Low ($70). 

Victoria always had a pair of her Reef Rover sneakers packed away in her bag no matter where we were going. When your job description is as active as hers, you never know what the day or the climate might throw at you. As the true French style icon that she is, I found myself consistently in awe of the many ways she made her favorite sneakers look totally chic. 

Shop sneakers:

Tip #5: Transform Your One-Piece Into a Bodysuit

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Mod Wave Reversible One Piece ($77); Levi's jeans. 

With not a lot to work with in an average-sized suitcase post-return from France, she was forced to make due with the contents of her suitcase. At a BBQ we attended with the whole Reef surf team, she showed up in this adorable outfit that you know I inquired about. Again, to my surprise, she informed me of yet another style tip—wearing your bathing suit as a bodysuit. As you can see here, you can barely tell the difference. 

Shop one-pieces you can wear as a bodysuit:

Tip #6: Protect Yourself With Long-Sleeved Swimwear

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(Image credit: Brooke Dombroski )

On Victoria Vergara: Reef Mod Wave Long Sleeve Surf Suit ($79). 

While we are sure that absolutely anything would look good on Victoria's tan, lean body, this long-sleeved Reef swimsuit was particularly special. Not only did it protect her from the sun, but it also proved to be a talking piece for the duration of the trip. It kept her warm in the water while swimming with sharks (pause for dramatic effect), elongated her limbs with the high-cut legs, and blocked off those pesky UV rays. 

Shop long-sleeve swimsuits:

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.