When you think of a summer in France, you’re probably dreaming of relaxing by the coast in the French Riviera. The French Riviera doesn’t have any official borders, but essentially it’s the coastline of the southeast corner of France. Sparkling water, immaculate resorts, and old world towns come together to create the perfect mix of coastal charm and upscale sophistication. And the fashion is just as magical as the colorful buildings and scenic views. French Riviera style is a relaxed take on Parisian chic, with coastal elements woven in. Have I caught your attention yet? Read on for 11 tips to get the French Riviera style this spring and summer.
1. Layer with button-down shirts
If you’re looking to get the French Riviera style, you’re going to need this piece for sure: a classic button-down. Whether you choose a solid white or blue and white striped version, this will be one of the most important pieces to nail the coveted coastal style from the south of France.
French girls in southern France love the button-down shirt because of its layering power. You can leave it open over a swimsuit for an effortless (yet chic) cover-up, pair it with linen shorts to go out to lunch and sip sparkling wine at one of the many seaside cafes, or tuck it into the waist of a flowy maxi skirt for dinner.
2. Create looks with classic stripes
There’s a lot of overlap between Parisian chic and French Riviera style, and this next tip is the perfect piece of evidence. Classic stripes are a very popular piece in French Riviera style, dating back to when French sailors wore striped Breton shirts as part of their uniform in the mid 1800s. Now, they’re an iconic part of the French girl uniform – no matter what region you’re in.
Breton stripes are the ultimate embodiment of classic and elevated coastal vibes in southern French fashion. Whether you’re styling a striped skirt, shirt, dress, or matching set, it’s the go-to pattern if you’re looking to nail the French style this summer.
striped shirt | skirt | tote | sunglasses | sandals | earrings
3. Add a straw tote
Curious about what accessories to sport if you’re heading to the French Riviera? All you need is a straw tote. It’s a versatile bag that you can carry with you to the beach, lunch, cocktails, and even to dinner. Not only is it practical by being easy to clean and wipe down after a day at the beach, it’s also large enough to hold a change of shoes, a swimsuit, your beach read, and a few snacks.
You don’t have to go designer (although that Celine bag is dreamy!) to get the look of a stylish straw tote. Good news for you – there are plenty of retailers that offer a similar look at a fraction of the price, just without the designer logo.
4. Style your swimwear
The French Riviera is known for its stunning beachside resorts and beautiful water, As with any beach town, swimwear is a big part of the local style scene. And you don’t have to be in the south of France to elevate your swimsuit in a chic way. No matter if you’re by a lake, ocean, or pool, you can get the coastal aesthetic by styling up your bikini or one-piece for the day.
Flowy fabrics such as cotton and linen are a great choice when it comes to choosing your swim cover-ups. Dresses, pants, and shorts in these materials will keep you cool and dry quickly if they get wet. Next, think about accessories such as a wide-brim or bucket hat to add a classic touch. Then, strappy sandals or espadrilles add that bit of French aesthetic to pull your look together. Finally, don’t forget a pair of oval or cat-eye sunglasses.
bikini top | skirt (similar) | sandals | tote bag | towel | sunglasses
5. Pick out a pair of chic sunglasses
Speaking of sunglasses, take your look up a notch with the perfect pair. They don’t have to be expensive to give the right vibe. However, I try to find a sweet spot when it comes to the price of my sunglasses. You want quality UV protection to protect your eyes. However, you also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg in case you happen to lose them.
French brand Le Specs offers a great variety of styles that are fitting for the French aesthetic. Sunglasses can be a great place to try out new trends. They can change the whole vibe of your look without spending a pretty penny on a new wardrobe. For the southern French vibe, stick to oval, cat-eye, square, or wire-rim styles.
6. Stay cool in linen pants and shorts
The right fabrics can make all the difference when it comes to staying cool in a coastal town. If you’re spending long hours outside or in the sun, you’ll want to find pieces that offer sun protection without causing you to overheat. Linen, cotton and poplin are the fabrics you’ll want to hone in on to beat the heat.
These fabrics are breathable, flowy, and easy to style when it comes to effortless warm weather looks. Plus, it’s okay if they wrinkle – it only adds to the laidback aesthetic.
button-down | shorts | sandals | tote | sunglasses
7. Dress up with maxi skirts
Elevate your summer looks with a maxi or midi skirt. Even if you’re just headed to a leisurely lunch, swapping out your shorts for a breezy maxi skirt can put your outfit on a whole other level and make you look much more put together. It’s a great way to make even your most casual pieces look more elegant.
Try pairing your skirt with a fitted tank, a tucked-in button-down shirt, or even a t-shirt for a look that’s as comfortable as it is chic.
8. Try all-white looks
Embrace a monochromatic outfit in all-white to truly embody the coastal aesthetic. Not only will an all-white look complement your summer glow, but it’s so easy to get dressed in the morning when you’re reaching for two pieces in the same color. It’s a great go-to outfit formula. It’s also a surefire way to look like you put more thought into your outfit than you actually did.
sandals | skirt | tank top | tote bag | earrings | sunglasses
9. Look elegant in a little black dress
Although you can certainly play around with colorful pieces in the French Riviera style, many of the popular choices still adhere to the guidelines of a neutral capsule wardrobe. With that in mind, don’t forget about a little black dress when you’re styling outfit ideas.
The trick is to add coastal-inspired elements to contrast the elegant nature of a little black dress. Accessorize with seasonal accessories like a French straw market tote, leather sandals, and a chic pair of oval sunglasses to complete your look. Keep your jewelry minimal. A small pair of gold hoops and a watch are all you need to complete the ensemble.
10. Accessorize with slides or strappy sandals
A pair of slides or strappy, yet comfortable sandals are a must if you want to nail the French Riviera style. Visiting one of the French coastal towns will involve a lot of walking, so it makes sense to grab a pair that is also supportive enough to ensure you don’t get blisters right off the bat.
The other great thing about these sandals is that they can be used to dress down your elevated pieces to make them more appropriate for a laidback, oceanside vibe. Pair them with a maxi dress for dinner, or style them with a pair of linen pants and a button-down for an easy brunch look this spring or summer.
11. Experiment with pops of bright colors
Although many of the looks featured above are in neutral tones, a bright pop of color is an important staple in the French Riviera style. Just like the houses themselves, this is where this style can further deviate from a city aesthetic. Try shades of pink, bright blue, or orange to liven up your basic, minimalist pieces. You’ll fit right in with the captivating cities along the coastline of southern France.
Fashion with the French Riviera Style
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of French chic and coastal vibes for the upcoming season, you’ve come to the right place! These 11 tips will help steer you in the right direction as you start thinking about your spring and summer style. And the best part is, you can create many of these looks with pieces you already own.
Want more ideas to inspire your chic vacation fashion? Up Next: How to Create a Versatile Tropical Vacation Capsule Wardrobe: Must-Have Pieces & Effortless Outfits
Thank you! I always enjoy your Blogs!
Happy Valentines day!
Janice
Thank you so much, Janice. You too!