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The southern coast of France is nothing short of stunning. You’ve probably seen its light blue waters and colorful buildings in movies or while scrolling through your Pinterest board and been taken aback by its ethereal energy. I recently had the pleasure of spending a week along the French Riviera and can confirm that it was a difficult goodbye. If you love the energy that Paris brings but you’re keen to be near a body of water then this is the place for you. I stayed in Nice, which is one of the largest cities along the Mediterranean. This was the perfect base for visiting numerous cities around the coastline. You have the perfect mix of old-age France complete with summery hues and a newer part of the city with Parisian-like architecture. While there is a fair share of difference between the capital city and the South, one thing remains…the Southern Frenchies know how to style an outfit. If I had to describe the style of the locals it would be coastal chic. Think Parisian neutrals and class with a heightened use of flowy pieces and lots of linen.
As soon as I landed in the seaside city I strolled along the Promenade des Anglais, which is placed alongside the bright blue Mediterranean. This was the best introduction to the city and gives you the perfect view of the nature that encapsulates it. There were a handful of markets and vendors throughout the city, each with its unique item that was special to the city. I always recommend seeking out an accessory like jewelry to remember a trip by. If you’re more into the glitz and glamor, look to the west and you’ll find Cannes, Saint Tropez, and Antibes. These spots are infamous for their high-end lifestyle, equipped with ports full of yachts and luxury shopping spots. The beaches bring high praise, with gorgeous sights and top-notch beach club service. Though the extravagant lifestyle brings its kind of fun, I truly fell in love with the small towns to the east of Nice. Mainly Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer. These little spots are tucked into the mountainside and are home to stunning beaches. I found myself spending nearly the whole day enjoying the quiet luxury of life alongside the water.
While it was lovely to explore the many sights of Côte d’Azur, it’s a must to be prepared for the sunshine and heat that accompanies them. Luckily I was surrounded by the French who continue to prove you can be comfortable and chic in any situation! Here are some of the pieces I saw throughout the week:
All about Sets:
If you’re looking to travel light this summer or struggle to throw together an outfit, sets are for you. Sets work perfectly to elevate your style simply. The look is always cohesive and elegantly monochromatic without having to do any work. I spotted various sets during my trip, their elegance and practically stood out immensely. The best part of investing in a set is the ability to pair it with different pieces. Essentially creating ample outfits out of two new pieces. When looking for a new set I always recommend going for a monochromatic and multi-use piece. For instance, a white halter top and pant set. Both items can be styled with other pieces in numerous ways and look elegant when styled together. This ensures that you can re-wear and restyle these pieces year-round. These are some pieces that I think are the perfect investment!
If you’re looking for a brighter spring-summer look this is the one! It’s comfy yet super chic!
(Image: @marvaldel)
Butter yellow is all the rage as the warm weather approaches. As someone who’s not hugely into a colorful wardrobe, I love this color for spring and summer as it’s not too overwhelming on the eye and steps away from traditional neutrals. Not to mention this set is made up of two perfect capsule wardrobe pieces that have remained in high demand over the last few years.
Shoes:
One of the most underrated parts of an outfit is one’s shoes. While it can be difficult to find shoes that are both comfortable and flattering, I think the search is worth it! During the warmer months, it’s essential to find a versatile sandal or open-toe shoe that you can wear all summer long. In the South, I noticed a plethora of woven and strappy sandals that often complimented a similar style bag or added a beachy element of their own. Comparable to Paris, I also saw various styles of ballet flats. Though the French love a chic white sneaker, the ballet flat is a highly favored option when it comes to elevating a warm-weather outfit while remaining comfortable. If you love a classic flip-flop for the summer don’t fret. The classic black flip flop-style shoe has been making a comeback.
(Image: @saraloura )
Tan sandals are a summer and spring item that will never go out of style. Every year they reemerge as the classic warm-weather shoe, pairing perfectly with the beach aesthetic. There are so many styles but I love the simple band with a solid sole. This option is lovely and European made…perfect for Euro summer!
(Image: @lisonseb)
I adore this shoe for a beachy vacation and it can be adapted year-round. It is a stunningly versatile style that can effectively elevate any look. The black flip-flop style was quite popular on the beaches of France. Opt for a chunky flip-flop or a kitten-heel style to complete your beach-ready outfit.
(Image: @alina_frendiy)
I find that a solid white shoe can be a bit harsh when it’s not a sandal or a sneaker. When it comes to ballet flats they are often most flattering in a colorful tone but I love the vibe these give. It’s the perfect mix of trendy and timeless. The woven mesh is a recent trend that can be difficult to style but I love this solid breathable mesh that gives off the same energy in a more cohesive way. The pointed toe completes the elegance of the shoe and makes it perfect to enhance any outfit.
Bags:
Every year we see the beach tote slowly come out of storage and make a strong reappearance during the summer. It’s the classic warm weather option, pairing perfectly with the lighter colors of the year. This was one of the most common bags I saw among locals and tourists alike. Not only was there a trend of a woven bag in the South but in Paris as well. Depending on its shape and style, woven bags can be a great addition no matter where you are. It’s the perfect carry-all tote, whether that be groceries, books, or beach accessories.
(Image: @laurandnicolas)
This is a similar style to what I’ve seen around both the streets of Paris and along the coastline. I love how the handle is woven into the frame of the bag, it’s very cohesive yet chic. This could be used as a beach bag or an everyday summer look in the city. It also comes in a denim color which I love! It’s great for a unique look while staying in line with the woven bag vibe.
Tops:
In the warmth of summer, it can be difficult to style effectively without overheating. It’s truly strategic when it comes to building a summer wardrobe and I’ve found the best way is to stick to the basics. Rather than opting for statement tops that can be hard to style and re-wear effectively, I’m a huge advocate for learning to style neutral or pastel tops. By remaining a bit simple on a top you allow for more range when it comes to pairing. Like most of the French wardrobe, you’ll often see elevated basics in neutral or lighter tones.
(Image:@dekota_thompson)
A one-shoulder top is a perfect capsule wardrobe addition. Its flattering cut is essential for summertime when you want to show some skin but remain a bit modest. The material on this top is a bit stretchy as well which makes it a comfortable option for day-long wear. You can style it with nearly anything, from jeans to shorts or skirts. This top is great to dress up using accessories such as gold jewelry, belts, shoulder bags, or even a gold accent on the shoulder.
I adore this top for a bit of a statement while remaining casually chic. The deep scoop cut is perfect to show off a summer tan while the corset stitching cinches the waist.
(Image: @iamsamiira )
Sticking with the basics means all the love for a tube top. This is the perfect beachwear as it’s easily layered when needed. I also see this as a year-round piece, it can be styled with a cardigan or a jacket for days with a breeze and as a layer of warmth for colder winter months. While a scarf may not be the first thing on your mind in the summer, I adore the elegant energy it gives off. The scarf easily elevates the look of a basic top, which is great for a vacation dinner.
Bottoms:
Finding the perfect bottoms for summer is so important when it comes to comfort and wearability. In the South, I noticed a lot of linen, skirts, and dresses. Rarely did I see denim, which makes total sense when you’re living near a beach in warmer weather. If you’re looking to build a bit of a capsule wardrobe while packing for Côte d’Azur or somewhere similar, I would always start with bottoms! Tops can be easily layered and worn in various styles, but I find it a lot harder to reuse certain bottoms. A simple white skirt is a great start as it can be adapted to fit the vibe of the city or sea. If you’re more into pants but feel denim would be a tough move, opt for linen pants or shorts. The fabric is breathable and lightweight while still giving a chic vibe. Here are some options inspired by what I saw on my trip:
(Image: @lisonseb)
The boxer short style has been a recent trend both city and seaside. I love the casual vibe with the ability to dress them up a bit! They act as a subtle statement piece but blend perfectly into the beach aesthetic!
If you don’t know by now, a maxi white skirt is the IT item of spring and summer. Rightfully so! This is such a versatile item, whether you’re at the beach, in the city, or the country you can always find a perfect way to style a ruffled skirt.
(Image: @hannaroslan)
Denim and heat can be a difficult mixture, even more so for dress pants. Linen is the classic option for higher temperatures as it’s breathable and lightweight. It also gives off elegant beach energy which makes it so key for the South of France.
Dresses:
For me, dresses are the true star every time I go on a tropical vacation. It can be tough to plan outfits, so packing a dress or two can eliminate the struggle. Many of the locals went the dress route as well, usually paired with a sandal and draped cardigan. I love this look because it is effortless and comfortable yet allows you to feel put together and confident. Dresses can be a great way to experiment with texture, prints, and shapes. While it’s a bit riskier to buy statement pieces that need to be styled, a dress is a bit more lax!
(Image: @vervanerp)
I adore the duality of this dress! It almost looks like a set. The skirt portion is so similar to the trendy white maxi, making it a perfect layer-able item for a sweater or other top!
If you want to hop on the yellow train but you’re not sure about the previously mentioned set, maybe a dress would be more your speed! I love that it is just light enough to feel a bit neutral while fitting the beach energy. It also comes in pink, blue, and white if you love the style but want to try a different color!
Hoping you are inspired by the Côte d’Azur and that you’ll be lucky enough to take in its sights this summer…til our next rendezvous!
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