European Summer- what other place comes to mind than the French Riviera? With its golden beaches, azure water and gelato-coloured townhouses, it evokes that old-school glamour captured in movies and Slim Aarons photographs.
So you’re going to have European Summer! You can’t wait! Plane tickets are bought, a hotel overlooking the sea is booked and all you need is a wardrobe to match. But what to wear in the European Summer?
Worry not, we are here to help. Ana is our resident Frenchie and is happy to give you inside information!
Ana: Dressing well in France is part of the culture (even if we are just popping into the local bakery, sweat pants and leggings are a big no-no.) South of France is known for that certain laid-back glamour, with elements of Parisian chic and marinière style.
You’ll see a lot of designer brands in St Tropez or Cannes but don’t let it make you feel like you have to show off designer labels to fit in. You don’t need a big budget to look chic and sophisticated. The recent trend for quiet luxury and old money style is going to help you a lot here! Think no-name basket bags picked up in the local market, white dresses, linen shirts and simple tan accessories.
It’s the sort of wardrobe you can easily put together on a small budget. Part of the old money style is about having nothing to prove- and so visible designer labels are often frowned upon as they appear to be trying too hard. For example, there are a lot of designer straw bags which costs upwards of $300. But you can do as old money would- pick up a straw basket in the local marché for 10 Euros. Wear your local find with pride. After all, you have nothing to prove!
Accessorise make an outfit- a great pair of sunglasses, golden hoops or an eye-catching, unique phone case will jazz up simple outfits.
White or navy are the colours of choice- but add a pop of red like nails or lips (red looks great with tan) Patterns are not popular unless they are Breton stripes. A white dress paired with a pair of simple, tan sandals, a straw basket, a gold bracelet or hoops and a pair of sunglasses is all you need to look stylish- and to fit in with the glamorous crowd! Think simple outfits jazzed up with accessories. It’s the French way of dressing.
European Summer dos:
- Buy Rondini sandals- it’s a brand for French It girls in the know. The sandals are reasonably priced (around 150 Euros as opposed to 1,000 Hermers Chypre) and are handmade in St Tropez. The brand has been around since 1927 and has had a lot of celebrity clients. My favourite model is Bikini.
- Dress simply but do dress up-French people consider dressing well as a sign of respect for others.
- Go for natural fabrics only- linen, cotton, and silk. They look more expensive and will let your skin breathe in the Mediterranean sun.
European Summer don’ts:
- Don’t wear jean cut-offs- you’ll be immediately singled out as a tourist. Instead, go for a pair of tailored, linen shorts in white or navy, and a linen t-shirt or shirt.
- Don’t pile on visible designer logos. Mix and match your designer labels and market or vintage finds.
- Don’t wear heels on the yacht- should you be lucky to be invited to a boat party go for flat sandals or wedge espadrilles. No boat owner wants their teak deck marked by high heels!
And above all have fun!
Ana