What to wear in the south of france?

Well, we all need a break sometimes. We all need that feeling of relaxation every so often, whether it is a trip from NYC to the Hamptons or a plane ride to the Côte d’Azur in the South of France. There is something enchanting about sunshine, sand and pastel houses by the blue sea. The French Riviera, which is also known as the South of France is perhaps one of the most popular holiday destinations across the globe. It’s quite laid back, it’s warm, and it exudes that kind of relaxed sophistication that is perfect for you. But what to take? What to wear in The South of France in October, or in winter, or even for a whole week? Let’s find out. So, come on, take a deep breath and let’s begin.

Understanding South of France Fashion

The South of France is not Paris. The people seem to be more relaxed here and the atmosphere is rather bright. People can wear Linen shirts and straw hats and look good in them. They do prefer light colours such as white, beige and pastel colored clothes. But some style conscious locals can be seen wearing bright red or yellow hues as well. In Nice or any other beach towns like Antibes you will see baskets full of fresh flowers sweet gelato and people in comfortable and casual shirts.

I will compare it to a day in the Hamptons from New York in a way. Hamptons are known for their beaches and charm, but it has an American flavor to it. South of France has a European touch to it. However, in both the places, you may need a good outfit that portrays a casual yet stylish appearance.

Below are some questions people often ask about what to wear in the South of France. This is going to be an interesting and rather straightforward approach.

1. What to Wear in the South of France in October?
   October in the South of France can be beautiful. The summer heat has already dissipated and the sun shines bright although not as hot as summer. Some days it still feels like you are in early summer and you might be lucky to feel a warm breeze. But nights can be cold.

Here is what I recommend:

Sweaters & Cardigans: At least have one or two in your bag at all times. In the course of a day, a cardigan would be enough; at night, if it is windy, one may need a warmer coat.
Long Pants & Jeans: It is better to take jeans or light weight pants as they will be perfect if it gets a bit colder.
Midi Dresses: It is still rather warm in October and therefore it is better to take a dress or two with you. Couple it with a cardigan and some comfortable shoes such as sneakers or closed toed heels.
Closed-Toe Shoes: It can still be quite hot in some areas and thus suitable for wearing sandals, but when it is cooler in the morning or in the evening one should wear closed-toe flats or white sneakers.
Jacket or Blazer: A good blazer is a great way to smarten up an outfit and can be worn over a t-shirt when it’s cooler.
A little story: I was in Antibes in the middle of October and the mornings were rather cold and I wore a denim jacket over a breezy dress. I could wear a jacket and have an iced coffee while sunbathing on the beach for some part of the day. I needed that jacket again by the time the sun set. It was a great October combination

1. Linen : lightweight,
2. Chinos or Tailored Shorts: Chinos in neutral tones like beige or navy work with almost any top. In summer, linen shorts or well-fitted cotton shorts are great for strolling around.
3. Loafers or Sneakers: Loafers dress an outfit up. White sneakers keep it casual yet stylish.
4. Simple T-Shirts: A plain white or navy T-shirt can be worn under a lightweight blazer or alone on a hot day.
5. Navy Blazer: A good blazer can make you look sharp for a dinner out.
   
6. If you need more tips for men’s style, you can turn to Leonce Chenal, which provides helpful information about French style.

3. What to Wear in the South of France in Winter?

It is not always hot through the year as the French Riviera can get rather cold in the winter. Here it only rarely snows in the coastal areas, but it can rain and there can be winds. The temperatures can drop to the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit (roughly 5°C to 15°C).

Below are some winter outfit ideas:

Coat or Warm Jacket: Here you do not need a huge parka as you would in New York City but a coat or a puffer jacket is perfect if the wind is strong.
Cozy Sweaters: It is advisable to carry some sweaters or cardigan around as they can come in handy. You can find most people wearing light colors such as cream, gray or navy because they go with almost everything.
Scarves and Hats: A scarf provides warmth around your neck and is quite fashionable as well. A normal beanie or a warm wool hat can also be helpful when it is cold.
Closed-Toe Shoes or Boots: Boots will keep your feet warm especially if it is likely to rain. Shoes that are suitable to be worn on cooler days include the plain white sneakers or any plain shoes.
Long Sleeve Shirts: To stay warm you can wear layers such as a long sleeved top under a sweater and then you can unkiss it if it becomes hot.
Even in the coldest month of the year you can get some sun so make sure to wear sunglasses. It is also possible to walk around in a thick sweater and then find people drinking hot chocolate by the beach. The winter in South of France is beautiful and not as crowded as the rest of the world.

4. What to Wear in the South of France for a Week?
When packing for a week, try to keep it versatile. This will make it easier to organize your things and not to carry a very big bag. You might also find a cute hotel if you’re staying for longer—learn how in StayVibes’ article.

Here is a simple formula:

• 2-3 Dresses (for women) or 2-3 Button-Up Shirts (for men)
• 1-2 Bottoms (e. g., pants, shorts or skirts)
• 1 Light Jacket or Blazer
• 2-3 T-Shirts or Blouses
• 1-2 Sweaters (this will depend on the season)
• Swim suit; this is if you are traveling in the warmer months or if the hotel you are staying in has an indoor pool.
• Shoes: It is advisable to carry one pair of sandals one pair of comfortable sneakers and one pair of formal shoes.

Here’s a table to sum up a possible week-long packing list:

Bottoms (Shorts/Pants/Skirts) : For casual walking around and enjoying the view of the surroundings you will need casual apparel such as shorts, pants or skirts.

T-Shirts / Blouses : It will be advisable to take anywhere between 2 – 3 shirts or blouses that can be worn on a daily basis.

Light Sweater or Cardigan : It can be cold in the mornings or in the evenings so it is advisable to carry one or two.

Jacket or Blazer : This is where the blazer comes in handy; you can wear it during dinners or when it gets cold and windy.

Swimwear : This one is rather optional, though it’s better to have 1 – 2 pieces of swimwear for the beach or the pool.

Shoes (Sandals, Sneakers, Dress Shoes) : 3 pairs total So you’ll have something that is comfortable and some that are stylish.

Scarves / Hat / Accessories : One or two of these are enough;

South of France Fashion 2024

Fashion Trend Changes every year in France. But in the year of 2024, according to google , people are expecting the ‘quiet luxury’ trend. This means using fabrics that are quality, using colors that are not bright and using designs that do not have large logos. However, due to the fact that the South of France is rather warm and full of life, you may still spot some bold details such as a bright scarf, large sunglasses or a statement bag.
Here are some predicted 2024 highlights:
• Flowy Maxi Dresses: The longer dresses in cotton or linen are versatile to switch from day to night.
• Straw Accessories: The basket totes or the straw hats are still often featured as part of the Riviera the look.
• Understated Jewelry: A touch of elegance can be achieved by adding pearls, small gold hoops or dainty necklaces.
• White Sneakers Everywhere: From roaming around the cities to having breakfast in a local café, a good pair of white sneakers can complete any casual chic outfit.

Extra Tips: How To Save Your Skin – Protect Your Face & Neck

The sun in the South of France is quite powerful and you do not even feel the heat immediately.

Here are some basic tips:

• • Sunscreen: When you are exposing your skin make sure you put on sunscreen on your face, neck and arms. Wear it every now and then especially when you are under the sun.
• fashionable Hats: Straw hat will also protect your face from sunburn.
• Sunglasses: This way you will protect your eyes from the UV rays. Moreover, sunglasses are a good accessory which makes you look good in the photos.
• Light Scarves: In windy conditions a thin scarf can also act as a warm cloth that protects your neck from the sun rays.
• Fun fact: French pharmacies are also well known for their good quality sunscreens and skin care products. You can purchase them when you arrive if you don’t want to come with many skin products.

Getting Around Cobblestone Streets

Many of the old towns of the French Riviera are built on cobblestone streets. They seem like postcard pictures, but are not very comfortable to walk on. Once I was in Eze, an ancient village and I hurt my foot because I was wearing very flexible shoes. I realized that one had to wear proper shoes and I switched to wearing:
• Flat Sandals or Sneakers: They have good traction. It can be Birkenstocks or simple sneakers which will enable you to move without slipping.
• Low Heels or Wedges: If you still want to look more elegant, it is better to choose wedges instead of high heels. This is because the base is wider and it is easier to balance on it.
• Espadrilles: They are rather French and have a rope sole. It can be more comfortable for cobblestones than very thin flats, for instance.

Why Layers Matter

Let me give you a quick story. One summer, I decided to go to Nice. It was rather hot and I had on a mini dress that showed my arms. But that night near the water I felt a cool breeze coming through. Thank God I had a light cardigan with me around my neck or rather in my bag. This is why layers are important. It is possible to have heat even in the middle of July and August near the sea, and yet, the temperature may become cooler towards the evening.
Always make sure to carry at least one layer when you are leaving the house whether it is a light sweater, a denim jacket or a cardigan. You do not want to end up cold and having to cancel the plans you had for the evening.

How to Make the Most Out of One Week

If you are in the South of France for a week only, you will surely wish to explore the place as much as possible. But do not over do it. Another thing that makes the region special is that it makes one slow down. When you walk through the old town of Antibes or the promenade of Cannes it is good to look at the details like the pastel colored shutters, the smell of fresh bread from a bakery or a local band playing at a small cafe.

• Mix Beach and City Outfits: One day you may need to visit a beach club in Saint-Tropez and the next day you may need to go to the markets in Nice. Make sure your clothing plan is suitable for both types of activities.
• Budget for Shopping: There are many shops that sell linen clothes, hats and handcrafted jewelry on the Riviera. In case you intend to carry home a straw tote, then ensure that you leave some space in your suitcase.

Fashion & Experience:

Clothes are not just for the reason that they make you look good – they can also make you comfortable. In the south of France it is hard not to wander around, try some gelato, get lost in small streets, and maybe go to a wine tasting or an art museum. So, ensure that your outfits are as comfortable as possible since you will be doing a lot of walking around, tasting gelato, exploring the streets, going to wine tasting sessions or even visiting museums.
When I was touring around the area, I felt most joyful in a white dress and sandals and a straw hat. This way, I could roam around and after some time, I could find a shade and have a cold drink then go back to exploring. Comfort with a touch of the Riviera vibe that is it.

Summarizing It All

Here is a quick summary of what to keep in mind:
• It is warm during the day in October and gets cold at night. It is advisable to wear layers.
•For men; They should take linen shirts, comfortable trousers, sneakers or loafers, and a navy blazer in case of formal nights.
• Winter calls for a coat or a jacket, a scarf, sweaters and shirts and boots or closed toed shoes.
• For a week, try to take things that can be interchanged – for instance, 2 or 3 simple dresses or shirts, a few bottoms and a jacket or a blazer.
• Largely, the 2024 fashion trends include the use of soft neutral colors, quality materials, and brightening details. The concept of quiet luxury is popping up all over the place.
• It is also important to cover your face and neck when going for exposure to the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
• Do not wear high heeled shoes when walking on cobblestone streets. The espadrilles, the flats or the sneakers are your best friends.

If you need more style ideas, look at Charmed By Camille or Leonce Chenal. For general travel tips, like how to find special ocean views or budget-friendly stays, check out some of our other guides on StayVibes.com.