What to Wear in the South of France (Your Complete Style Guide)
Hunny Buns and I recently got back from the dreamiest getaway to the South of France. We spent two weeks frolicking around various hot spots, like Nice, Cannes, and Aix en Provence. The trip was to celebrate our anniversary, and honestly, it was everything I had hoped for and more.
If you’re reading this post then you likely are in the process of planning your own getaway to France — yay! Let me just say that you’re in for such a treat.
I know that for some, the packing and outfit planning process can be quite intimidating. However, I want to encourage you to have fun with your looks and show off your personality. There’s no better place to do so than while traveling. With that being said, luggage space is precious (especially when you’re traveling internationally) so I wanted to share my guide on what to wear in the South of France.
Planning your outfits ahead of time can be really helpful so you avoid overpacking — or packing the wrong things entirely. The items you bring will vary depending on the weather and time of year you’re visiting, but overall, the outfits I’m sharing below can be customized with more or less layers to accommodate different climates. Bon voyage!
What to Wear in the South of France
Maxi Dress + Heels
A flowy maxi dress is an ideal outfit choice for various outings and occasions, but it just so happens to be the ideal go-to in Europe. Because we visited in the summer, the temperatures were quite warm and I wanted lots of lightweight options to reach for. Maxi dresses fit the bill and ended up being my most frequently worn item throughout the trip.
Another reason I love packing dresses is that because they’re just one piece, I don’t have to think too much about putting together an outfit. This makes getting ready a breeze and saves more time for exploring — who doesn’t want that?!
Trousers + T-Shirt + Loafers
When you’re in the mood to switch things up, opt for a pair of classic trousers and a basic tee. And yes, even if you’re visiting France during the summer months, pants can still make for a good option. Wear them on cooler days or in the mornings and evenings before the temps hit their high. You can also reach for linen trousers, which are more lightweight and breathable than traditional crepe-style pants.
On top, I’d suggest going with a simple t-shirt. You’ll get tons of wear out of tees during your trip since they pair well with everything — denim shorts, jeans, linen shorts, skirts, etc.
Mini Dress + Sandals
Mini dresses are a no-brainer to tote along on a South of France trip. They’re so comfortable yet offer a sophisticated and feminine look. You can wear any of the finds I sourced below from day to night, just switch out your sandals for heels if you want to go with something “fancier” for a dinner or happy hour.
Tip: Sandals are fine to wear throughout the day, but if you plan on doing a lot of walking (possibly on cobblestone or hilly roads), consider going with white sneakers instead. Save your heels for quick trips to dinner or for when you’re getting a ride!
Wide Leg Pants + Tank
I know I touched on this above, but linen pants are one of the best pieces you could bring on a trip to France. They’re highly popular in Europe and they give you an opportunity to wear something other than a dress (while staying cool in the summer.) If you’re traveling during a colder season, you could always swap the pants out for a pair of wide leg jeans — just as stylish yet a bit thicker.
Pair either with a sweater tank (I adore this one) and accessorize with a silk neck scarf. In the fall, a turtleneck sweater would also look cute!
The outfit below utilizes the same base layer (the trousers!) yet results in an entirely different look just by swapping out the top and accessories. I sourced this top from Amazon and couldn’t believe it was under $35 — I feel like it was meant to be worn on a trip to France.
Oh, and bringing layers along on your trip is always a smart call, regardless of the season you’re visiting. I love this cardigan because it’s the prefect weight for transitional weather. Tie it around or drape it over your shoulders for an effortless look.
Linen Shorts + Blouse
One piece that I consistently find myself reaching for whether I’m at home or traveling? Linen shorts. They are so easy to pack because they take up virtually no space and they are ideal for all-day wear. I know some people might worry that they’ll look too wrinkly throughout the day, but honestly, that’s just part of the look. Choosing a pair that’s made with thicker and more quality linen can help them from getting overly wrinkled (these are my fave!)
Style your linen shorts with a pretty blouse, like a patterned pick (polka dots would be fun) or even a basic button-down shirt. Add a thin belt, some sandals, and a crossbody bag to accessorize things in a practical way.
Swimsuits + Beach Accessories
I would say it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll spend some time at the beach during your South of France trip. While I’m sure you don’t need a reminder to tote along swimwear and beach accessories, I still wanted to include some of my favorite finds here.
If you have the room in your suitcase, I’d highly suggest bringing along a straw beach bag and a wide brimmed hat. You can carry either of these onto your plane if needed!
Need more Europe recommendations? Check out these blog posts:
– Exactly What to Pack for Europe in the Summer
– What I’d Wear in France by Activity
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