Earlier in the summer, I took the plunge and crossed a long-cherished goal off my bucket list: I spent an entire month in the south of France. Mid-May, I packed up my laptop and a breezy capsule wardrobe, boarded my EasyJet flight and took off on my working holiday of dreams in the idyllic Riviera.
In between sipping rosé on my balcony and cooling off in the Mediterranean Sea, I snapped into fashion writer-mode and paid attention to what the locals were wearing. And let me tell you, it wouldn't take a keen-eyed, clothes-obsessed tourist like myself to notice the sheer volume of elegant coastal outfits on display.
Côte d'Azur style differs slightly from the Parisian aesthetic we know and love; not least because it's usually several degrees warmer there. You can expect the familiar streamlined and trend-averse approach to dressing, but you're likely to spot brighter palettes and lighter fabrics the further south you go. In general, ensembles are geared more towards a relaxed seaside culture than a busy urban lifestyle. Crisp whites, azure blues and rich tan accents characterised many of the looks I mentally filed for inspiration, with basket bags, silk scarves and cat-eye sunnies out in full force.
By my fourth week there, certain sartorial patterns had emerged, and I realised I was seeing some of the same formulas on repeat. After digging around on Instagram, I found six looks that capture the distinctive south of France style I'll be trying to re-create for the rest of the summer. Keep scrolling to see the effortless outfit combinations that grabbed my attention over and over again.
1. White Linen Co-Ord + Espadrilles
Style Notes: Linen co-ords are a summer essential no matter where you are in the world, but they feel especially chic in the context of the Côte d’Azur. Adopt the confidence of the French and opt for white-on-white—you won’t catch Riviera residents worrying about coffee spills.
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This would also look so sweet with denim shorts.
Comfortable and chic.
These will elevate every outfit.
Turn to Castañer for all your espadrille needs.
2. Men's Shirt + Slip Dress + Basket Bag
Style Notes: For Nice locals, a leisurely stroll down the promenade is occasion enough for a pretty silk dress. I noticed this typically 'feminine' item was often styled with a loose-fitting shirt in a chic example of high-low dressing, which the French are infamous for.
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Take your usual size for a slouchy, relaxed fit.
The cowl neckline is so flattering.
Influencers are flocking to this basket bag brand.
Matching your shoes to your bag is still cool, if you ask me.
3. Strapless Top + Tailored Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I came away from France with fresh ideas for how to wear my tailoring. Rather than teaming my clean-cut trousers with shirting or a blazer, I'll be trying out this sophisticated silk-scarf-and-tube-top combo.
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No awkward tanlines here.
This colour palette feels really expensive.
COS makes the best tailored trousers on the high street. Period.
The Mary Jane strap will stop these from slipping off.
4. Striped Shirt + Cream Denim + Oversized Tote
Style Notes: South of France fashion is rich with nautical influences, and as such, blue-and-white stripes are easy to spot in this part of the country. Where Brits would be quick to pair the classic print with blue jeans, here you'll find locals styling theirs with lighter, brighter denim.
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Chuck this on over a bikini on beach days.
One of Arket's bestselling accessories—and for good reason.
I love the length of this skirt.
You can fit just about everything in this roomy tote.
5. Black Swimwear + Shorts Set
Style Notes: We've waxed lyrical about the shorts set trend for months now, and I was pleased to discover the French fashion set has also embraced the look. Pull an all-black iteration on over a simple swimsuit next time you're at the beach.
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A fun twist on a classic bikini cut.
Made from recycled materials.
This set will no doubt sell out soon—Deji Studios is a bit of a cult favourite.
Don't these look designer?
6. Basic Tee + Midi Skirt + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Spending time in France made me appreciate the value of high-quality and timeless basics. While I spotted plenty of key SS23 trends on my travels, I was pleasantly surprised by how many eye-catching outfits included plain tees and tank tops.
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If you're seeking new basics for summer, look no further than this high-street hero.
This is so romantic. It would be easy to dress up for a date night, too.
Introducing your new everyday bag.
It doesn't get more comfortable than this.
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