I’m Heading to the South of France—15 Outfits I’m Recreating to Look Like a Local

Come summertime, there always seem to be a few experiences that everyone’s trying to check off their bucket lists for the season. For some, that’s spending a day by a body of water or relishing eating a scoop of gelato in the sun, but for a few lucky few, that means escaping for a little European vacation. One could argue that the latter has become one of the more “quintessential” things to try to check off one’s summer bucket list, as evidenced by the slew of social media posts flooding our timeline from the shores of France, Spain, and Italy. In fact, traveling abroad during the summertime has become such a widespread phenomenon in broader culture that it has given rise to the term “Euro Summer” as a way to describe the collective experience. But with the mass popularization of these particular destinations has come many problems, one of the minor issues being figuring out what to pack so that you don’t look like every other tourist.

No one wants to fly half across the world only to have their European vacation outfits be, well, a flop. That’s even more true if you happen to find yourself traveling to the South of France for the summer, like me, as the pressure to look as stylish as locals can be a bit stressful. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this quandary: scroll through social media. There’s no better way to figure out what to wear, and not wear, than referencing what other people happened to pack for their trips to the South of France. Call it an act of selflessness or self-preservation, but I’ve spent hours scouring the internet in search of inspiration. Ahead, I’ve shared a curation of 15 European vacation outfit ideas that are straightforward enough to recreate and comprise packable pieces (think: comfortable sandals, trendy swimsuits, and linen separates). Whether you’re heading to the South of France or anywhere else on the continent, replicating any of these ensembles will ensure you effortlessly fit in with the locals or, at the very least, secure a few compliments.

WHAT: For When You’re in Transit

WEAR: Sunglasses + Oversized T-Shirt + Linen Trouser + Long Lariat Necklace + Flip Flops + Raffia Tote Bag + Suitcases

Styling Notes: No matter the duration of your flight, train, or boat ride, chances are you don’t want to arrive looking disheveled—enter the ensemble above into the chat. One of the best ways to ensure you look and feel your best while in transit is to opt for breathable pieces such as an oversized t-shirt styled with wide-leg linen trousers and comfortable flats (either flip-flops or sneakers).

WHAT: For Grabbing a Cup of Coffee

WEAR: Headscarf + Sunglasses + Statement Earrings + Tank Top + Linen Trousers + Flip-Flops + Handbag

Styling Notes: Once you’ve settled into your destination or are ready to start your day, the last thing you want to worry about is trying to pick out a stylish outfit. Rather than trying to do the most, keep it simple by relying upon your trusted staples, such as a tank top, linen trousers, and flip-flops. If you’re worried they’re not sophisticated enough, you can always elevate them through styling them with a pair of statement earrings and a headscarf.

WHAT: For Walking Around (or Shopping)

WEAR: Headscarf + Linen Dress + Raffia Shoulder Bag + Bangles + Sandals

Styling Notes: While you can’t go wrong with relying on straightforward staples throughout your trip, there are some occasions when you might want to feel a bit fancier—e.g., frolicking about town or frequenting small shops. One way to look a bit more put-together is to style a linen dress with a headscarf, a raffia shoulder bag, and sandals. It will allow you to look sophisticated, sans effort.

WHAT: For a Day Exploring Museums

WEAR: Sunglasses + Boxy Blazer + T-Shirt + Capri Pants + Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If you’re going to spend the day looking at art, you might try to rival a masterpiece, too. The easiest way to look elegant at any gallery or museum you attend is to pair your everyday staples with a few more “exciting” items. For example, a boxy black blazer and fitted t-shirt feel infinitely cooler when paired with capri pants and heeled thong sandals. You’ll not only look like a walking masterpiece, but packing these staples will also allow you to make the most of the space in your suitcase, as you can style them in other ways.

WHAT: For a Casual lunch

WEAR: Halter Top + Sporty Sunglasses + Choker Necklace + Slip Skirt + Mesh Ballet Flats + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Whether you’ve spent the morning strolling the streets of St. Tropez or visiting a museum in Marseille, there’s a moment, specifically, around lunchtime, when you find that you suddenly want to make an outfit change. But what does one choose to change into without overthinking it? It’s simple, really. Throw on a pair of sunglasses, a halter top, a slip skirt, and mesh ballet flats for a look that’s still chic but casual enough for a mid-afternoon lunch at a café.

WHAT: Le cinq à sept (Happy Hour)

WEAR: Headscarf + Statement Earrings + Bangles + Mini Dress + Statement Belt + Clutch Bag + Flip-Flops

Styling Notes: Getting dressed for a casual lunch is relatively easy, but deciding what to wear for a casual cinq à sept (also known as drinks)? Well, that can be a bit more challenging. If you know your plans for the evening will include a few glasses of an Aperol spritz but nothing else super-swanky, you can rely on the straightforward outfit idea outlined above as your solution. There’s something about a mini dress styled with statement jewelry, sandals, a scarf, and an oversized belt that will always be a combination worth raising a glass over.

WHAT: For a Fancy Dinner Reservation

WEAR: Hoop Earrings + Satin Dress + Clutch Bag + Heeled Sandals

Styling Notes: Congratulations, you’ve secured that coveted reservation at the spot that everyone is talking about online. But if you’re now wondering what to wear to that fancy dinner reservation, consider the outfit above your blueprint for the night. When in doubt, styling a satin dress with a pair of heeled sandals, hoop earrings, and a small clutch bag will always be the right move for the occasion.

WHAT: For a Day Spent at a Swanky Resort

WEAR: Sunglasses + Statement Earrings + Linen Mini Dress + Sandals + Handbag

Styling Notes: No matter if you’re staying in Monaco or Cannes, chances are there’s at least one resort hotel that you’re considering swinging by to see the pool, restaurant, or bar—even if you’re not staying there for the duration of your trip. There’s no better way to play into the fantasy that you’ve booked the penthouse suite than by putting on a pair of classic black shades, statement earrings, a linen mini dress, and a structured handbag. You’ll be giving Hollywood starlet takes the South of France.

WHAT: For a Beach Day

WEAR: Sunglasses + Bikini + Flip-Flops + Raffia Tote Bag + Swim Coverup

Styling Notes: Frankly, there’s nothing better to wear for a day at the beach than a good bikini. Although there are ample options when it comes to swimwear, if you want to give off an air of elegance, go for something on the more “simple” side. Nothing looks more sophisticated than a bikini in a neutral shade styled with timeless accessories such as black sunglasses and slinky flip-flops.

WHAT: For a Boat Day

WEAR: Statement Earrings + Sunglasses + Button-Down Shirt + Bikini + Matching Coverup

Styling Notes: Ok, so you managed to secure the elusive invite onto someone’s boat? Love this journey for you. However, if you’re stressing about what to wear to avoid standing out in this opulent setting, consider embracing the attention by opting for a swimwear look in one eye-catching shade. By opting for a more daring cobalt blue bikini paired with matching cover-ups and bold accessories, everyone will be convinced that the boat actually belongs to you (even if it doesn’t).

WHAT: For a Dressing Up Post-Dip

WEAR: Sunglasses + Statement Earrings + Scarf + Bikini Top + Capri Pants + Heeled Sandals

Styling Notes: When you finally wrap up your day at sea, you might want to swing by a restaurant, bar, or another spot before calling it a night. In those moments, it’s nice to have packed a few pieces in your beach bag that allow you to transition your beach-day look into a look that’s ready for the night. You can dress up your swimsuit with a few simple swaps: turn your sarong into a scarf, slip on a pair of capri pants, and replace your flip-flops with a pair of heeled sandals.

WHAT: For a Casual Beachside Club

WEAR: One-Piece Swimsuit + Sarong + Heeled Sandals + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: One of the special things about the South of France (or any seaside destination in Europe)? The beachside nightlife venues. While every beach club calls for different dress codes, you can’t go wrong with leaning into the setting by styling a minimal one-piece swimsuit with a maxi-length sarong, heeled sandals, and a clutch bag for the night.

WHAT: For a Night Out Dancing

WEAR: Maxi Dress + Heeled Sandals + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: If your plans for the evening aren’t at an open-air venue, but rather a traditional nightclub, then you should adjust your look. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with opting for a vibrantly-hued maxi dress styled with heeled sandals and a small clutch bag. It’s a simple formula, but it’s sure to ensure you stand out on the dance floor.

WHAT: For a Live Music Show

WEAR: Statement Earrings + Draped Top + Stacked Bangles + Bermuda Shorts + Heels + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: While going out dancing and seeing a live music show might seem like they’re similar activities for the night, well-traveled people know there’s a subtle distinction. No matter the type of music, the occasion calls for a more timeless look (such as the one above). Pairing a draped top with pleated shorts (or capri pants), stacked jewelry, heeled sandals, and a clutch bag will always be a combo that’s music to everyone’s ears.

WHAT: Purely for the Pictures

WEAR: Sun Hat + White Maxi Dress + Sandals

Styling Notes: Hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good idea of what you want to pack for your upcoming vacation. But if I could impart any last wisdom on you, let it be the following: don’t be afraid to take pieces you want to photograph. Sure, maybe it’s a little bit cliché to put on a massive sun hat, white maxi dress, and sandals to take a picture by the sea, but isn’t that the whole point? It’s not a European summer unless you pack outfits that you want to document, so make the most of your moment. You might not fully fit in with the locals, but at the very least, they’ll respect your dedication to your personal style.