Styles for Summer 2025 that are Inspired by the South of France

When I first moved to Nice nearly 15 years agoMy vision of the Riviera is Grace Kelly glam. I packed two huge suitcases with pieces that would have been appropriate in Miami, but looked ridiculous on the French Riviera (mini dresses and stilettos). Don’t get me wrong—the South of France You can learn more about it here. The most glamorous place on earth. As well as spending the summers there, I’ve attended galas at which Justin Bieber drank champagne and attended a dinner party for 500 people on the Fourth of July, where Lady Gaga performed with Tony Bennett to the Chanel-clad audience. 

There are fewer brands in the Riviera because the French created the concept of “quiet luxury”. But what I learned quickly is comfort is key, especially in summer There’s no air-conditioning in sight. French people know how to dress up anything with the right style and accessories. breezy linen pants, a perfect little white dress. a pair of classic espadrilles Then, you will be able to go a long way in your suitcase If you are planning a trip to the South of France, here’s what you need to know. 

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Sézane Elvina Dress

Sézane may be a Parisian label, but the looks capture the South of France’s breezy, effortlessly chic style. This embroidered dress is a recent addition to my spring wardrobe. I have worn it everywhere since, from wine tastings in the Luberon to festivals and weddings. Domaine de Fontenille Monte-Carlo Grand Prix 

On breezier days, I throw on another new staple piece from Sézane, the suede oversized Will jacket. and a patent lug-soled loafer, while for warm sunny days in Provence it’s best to wear a pair slide sandals, with a stack chunky gold bangles, adding a bit of shine. Don a pair or wedges, and a raffia purse. Sézane’s Elvina dress This look is perfect for a romantic dinner in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hilltop town.

Kenneth Cole Raffia Slip Sandals, Gentle Soles

Flip-flops give away that you’re on the Riviera. At the beach, the French go two directions—casual espadrilles Or sophisticated sandal slides. I prefer the latter because they are versatile and can go from a sightseeing day to an evening of fine dining. The downside is that they are often difficult to open and do not provide enough support. This pair from Kenneth Cole, however, offers the best of both—they’re stylish and have a slight block heel to give you some height, yet the cushioned footbed ensures you’ll be comfortable during a full day of strolling around.

Chigant V-neck Tank

French tanks are not too tight. Women like looser fitting tanks that can be easily layered and tucked in to pants or skirts. The neckline of this gorgeous tank The silhouette is appealing to almost all figures, and it will instantly make an outfit look pulled together. This shade of moss is one I love, especially during the summer when it looks great with white midi skirts or cream colored pants. “A must for your wardrobe,” one shopper wrote, adding they’re already planning to get more colors—and I’m already thinking I’ll do the same.

Quince Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress

This is my favorite coral poppy color for summer. It breaks up the mostly neutral look of my wardrobe. tiered maxi dress at Quince This is the most striking dress I have seen this season. This dress can be worn from daytime to night thanks to its comfortable waistband, three-tiered skirt and smocked design. Coral-colored leather sandals and heels in mahogany would be a great match. You could also dress it down to go sightseeing for the day with white Superga or leather-lined Superga sneakers.

Madewell Pull-on Linen Barrel Pants

Because I’m short, tailoring pants is a challenge for me. This is a great alternative. linen pair from Madewell The petite size is the perfect length to cover my 5’1″ frame. These linen pull-on pants are super comfy, but look stylish thanks to their barrel-shaped shape. These pants are the epitome of South of France style and look great with either a tee or a transparent blouse.

Madewell Denim Popover Top

When I lived in Nice, a denim dress like this one from Madewell My summer staple. It’s easy to wear and looks pulled together. The perfect piece for the South of France. For a morning strolling through the main market in the Cours Saleya, I bring a classic Provençal-style basket bag and wear leather slides, while in the nearby medieval villages like Èze, I trade out sandals for Keds sneakers To have more stability on the cobblestone streets. I have worn my denim dress to cover my swimsuit by rolling it and keeping it in a beach bag.

J.Crew Gamine Eyelet trim Shirt

In the South of France, style shifts from masculine to feminine and heavy on embroidery. Although some of these looks are expensive in Saint-Tropez boutiques, this shirt from J.Crew It’s almost exactly the same as what you would find on France’s Riviera. This crochet top is slightly cropped and looks great with anything from a shorts or skirt to a bathingsuit, linen pants or a high waisted skirt.

Everlane Linen Shift Dress

I’m a fan of pastels, but because I tend to stay safe, the only colors you’ll find me wearing are peach and mint. The pastels have become my favorite. butter yellow trend This year and next pale yellow shift dress from Everlane The perfect summer shade. Jane Birkin would be proud. The retro silhouette drapes at the right places. Perfect for an afternoon of museum hopping around spots like Musée Picasso in Antibes or Musée National Marc Chagall in Nice, you can quickly elevate the look for evening with a pair of slingback flats or wedges.

Seafolly Ruched one-piece Swimsuit

The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us Seafolly bathing suit It’s a bit pricey, but it is a suit you can wear every year. The corset-like neckline gives it a sexy, yet sophisticated feel. The pattern can be worn with linen pants, denim shorts or my favorite, a one-piece as a bodysuit. 

At a beach club like Byblos Beach in Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez, I’d wear it with a button-down linen top (buttons open, of course) and a pair of crochet pants with raffia wedges, and voilà—I’m ready to go from la plage Beach club’s chic boho restaurant.

J.Crew Cotton Voile Pants

In the South of France beach clubs, a coverup is as important as swimwear. I like to wear more than a sarong, and these cover-ups are perfect for that. J.Crew daffodil-patterned pants Can be used as a double set with the matching bandeau bikini top. The poppy print looks similar to styles from brands like Farm Rio and Zimmermann—yet they’re a fraction of the price, and now on sale, nearly 25 percent off. These are breezy, designed for the beach but they can be worn in town with a thin knit tank or a white linen shirt.

Yxilee Straw Tote Bag

Straw baskets can be found in every store, especially down south. While I like the traditional market baskets as shopping bags, I prefer a tote bag with more structure. This hand-woven shoulder bag at Amazon The size is perfect, as it’s big enough to fit a Turkish beach towel and a bikini but not so heavy that it weighs you down. It’s easy to pack and it can be used as a personal item in a plane, or even stuffed into a suitcase without losing its shape.

Levi’s 94 Baggy Shorts

You’ll notice that unless you’re on the beach, most locals in the South of France don’t wear anything short or tight—and this includes denim shorts. You can opt for a vintage fit that has a mid-length cut and baggy style. these classics from Levi’s. They’re a great basic to pack in your suitcase to wear during the day, or even over a bikini on the beach. You could wear them to a casual Nice restaurant like iconic La MerendaWhen paired with wedges or block heels. 

Quince European Linen Wide-leg Pants

In the summer, I practically live in linen since it’s lightweight and breathable—the key to surviving scorching summer days (especially when many places in the South of France don’t have air-conditioning). You can use linen wide-leg pants as loungewear or beachwear for the summer, and they are much more stylish than leggings. This European-inspired pair from Quince is now more than half off, and while the elastic waistband and relaxed fit give it a pajama-like feel, it looks much more elevated—and expensive. 

Free People Cruise Oversized Aviator Sunglasses

This oversized pair of Free People aviators is fun and playful. Retro style is a great way to make a fashion statement. Wear them at the Jacquemus beach club at the Hilton or at home. Monte-Carlo Beach Club Enjoy a meal at the seaside Nammos Cannes. They are also a good addition to your summer rotation because of their price. You won’t be too worried if you misplace them.

Furtalk Foldable Wide Brim Sun Hat

Wearing an oversized floppy cap is the fastest way to make yourself stand out. It may sound glamorous, but French people are more interested in subtlety. You can wear a Panama wide-brimmed hat instead. this Amazon-loved oneYou can easily fold it and put it in your beach bag. Not only does it have UPF 50+ sun protection, it even comes with a detachable chin strap, so no need to worry about it blowing away on a boat day around Cannes’s Lérins Islands.

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