I'm a Stylist—Here's Everything I Just Wore on Holiday in the South of France

Planning a trip to the South of France this summer? Or maybe you’re just trying to piece together some last-minute outfit ideas for your next Mediterranean mini break. Either way, if you’re stumped for packing inspiration, I’m here to help. I recently headed to the Côte d’Azur for a long-awaited holiday and returned to my favourite hotel (possibly in the world), Les Roches Rouges. And one thing’s for certain: I’d had time to put a lot of thought into my outfits.

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Not that they ended up being particularly extravagant—I’m actually somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to holiday dressing and mostly eschew the usual printed dresses and bright colours that fit sun-drenched destinations for a more understated palette. Not only does this help keep my packing list down since everything usually goes together in a neat summer capsule, but it also means the pieces I do choose to invest in look just as classic year after year. Think a simple white dress, for example, or a black strappy swimsuit.

The good thing is this timeless aesthetic also works well when you’re trying to look your chicest on the Riviera. The French are well-known for their love of an elevated basic, after all, from basket bags to light linens, fresh stripes and crisp monochromatic colours. Keep scrolling, and you’ll see a lot of these things in my five most-worn holiday outfits. You probably even own a lot of the items already, and hopefully, the below can serve as helpful styling inspiration. If you are looking to update your holiday wardrobe, though, I’ve added links to some of my favourite summer pieces. Happy holidays!

1. White Maxi Dress + Slides + Mini Bag

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Style Notes: You can wear a simple white dress when wandering around the town during the day and add a mini bag and some gold jewellery for sunset dinners.

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2. Linen Shirt + Black Bikini + Straw Hat

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Style Notes: I've never got on well with a kaftan. Instead, my pool and beach cover-up of choice is always a linen shirt. Tuck it into a simple pair of drawstring shorts when you head to lunch for a breezy but polished look.

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3. Black Swimsuit + Midi Skirt + Flip-Flops

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Style Notes: Is there anything more timeless than a black swimsuit? I've had this one for years, and it's just as chic every summer. Plus, it's flattering. I dressed it up here with a pretty midi skirt when we went for a boat trip and long lunch.

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4. Black Linen Minidress + Basket + Slides

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Style Notes: Black may not seem like the most summery colour, but that's exactly what makes it so unexpectedly chic. Opt for linen fabrics and shorter lengths to stay cool. This was the perfect outfit to head inland on market day.

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5. Pretty Top + Linen Shorts + Basket Bag

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Style Notes: Linen shorts are my new go-to when I want something a bit more elevated than denim cut-offs. This backless halterneck top was ideal for the hottest day of the holiday, but it still felt dressy enough to wear to the hotel's restaurant at lunch.

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Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.