No matter the decade, the style on the French Riviera has remained almost the same since the 1950s. The cropped trousers, Breton stripes, basket bags and straw boaters that style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin wore to Cannes still remain the unofficial dress code of St Tropez. If you are wondering how you could recreate this extremely fashionable look without the budget for head to toe Chanel and Hermès, here is the ultimate guide to mastering the chic St Tropez style:
Light and airy
While style icons often wore silky wrap blouses when yachting in the Riviera, today it’s all about crochet tops and beach cover-ups in all shades of creams and whites. Color palettes are mostly neutral, with a few accent colors to add some dynamics, while materials are light and flowy, mostly cotton and linen, with some silky items incorporated into fashionable evening looks. This season in St Tropez, summery, breezy and lightweight seems to be the winning combination.
Stripes and florals
We all know that Breton stripes are a Riviera classic, but it’s not just about the popular tees this season. Striped maxi summer dresses are also an unavoidable part of any French girl’s holiday wardrobe. Lightweight and breathable, yet incredibly girly and attractive, these dresses are ideal for long walks on the beach and soaking in the breathtaking view of the St Tropez sunsets. But apart from the iconic stripes, it seems that floral-printed sundresses are also at the heart of every Riviera suitcase, as our favorite French influencers keep showing us time and time again just how beautiful, sexy and feminine they can look in all shades of red.
Chic swimsuits
While swimsuits are an unavoidable part of any summer vacation, this season it’s all about expressing your personality, as well as your personal style, through unique beachwear choices. One of the most popular choices French women are going for are chic swimsuit bottoms in interesting cuts and fun prints that turn heads on the beaches of St Tropez. Paired with boho crochet cover-ups, or even cute flowy tops that truly showcase them in all of their glory, fashionable swimsuit bottoms are a must for any Riviera fashionista.
Wicker everything
When it comes to accessories, it’s all about incorporating natural elements into your outfits that truly give off that breezy and chill seaside vibe. To look like you’ve just stepped off a yacht in the St Tropez marina, opt for a wide-brimmed straw hat, preferably one with a colorful ribbon wrapped around the brim. Even though the Jane Birkin basket bag is one of the most iconic French Riviera staples, there’s no shortage of wicker bags in all shapes and sizes in St Tropez this season, from small over-the-shoulder bags to big round totes. Espadrilles are another French girl staple – they’re incredibly comfortable and versatile, so you can effortlessly move from the beach to a chic restaurant for lunch or drinks after your tanning session.
Natural makeup
Photo by The Tonik on Unsplash
Similarly to their style choices, French women rarely go full glam with their makeup, but rather keep things effortless, simple and au naturel. In order to bring out their natural attributes and showcase their beauty in the best possible way, Riviera girls are swapping their foundation for a lightweight tinted cream and using a concealer to mask any imperfections they may have. Brows are soft and subtle, only slightly filled in with a pencil, while cheeks are rosy and sun-kissed, with a healthy glow. Whether it’s eye shadow, lip gloss or blinding highlighter, St Tropez is all about shimmer and shine this summer.
Wet hair look
Inspired by the runways, this season is all about wet-looking locks and beachy waves. Radiating with an elegant yacht gleam, this chic hairstyle makes you look like a glamorous globetrotting woman who has just emerged from a dip in the sparkling sea and is ready to soak up the French Riviera sun. Glossy, gleaming and incredibly feminine, this wet hair look is a must for any St Tropez fashionista.
Thanks to social media, we have endless sources of Instagram pictures to show us how French girls are doing the holiday dressing right now, and it seems like the abovementioned tips are essential for achieving the chic St Tropez look.
