Summer in the South of France Has Begun—6 Easy Looks to Copy

If you haven't heard yet, everyone is obsessed with the coastal-grandmother aesthetic. And while the hype is real, I think there's an even better aspirational aesthetic out there. Any outfit that gives off "South of France" energy is basically an elevated take on that coastal trend everyone has been buzzing about. You'll see a lot of the same motifs—strong basics, striped knits, and neutral colorways—but with a touch of rich-aunt energy.
With the Cannes Film Festival behind us, we saw all of our favorite fashion people head down to the South of France. The coastline's aesthetic dominated their wardrobe, as we saw everyone wearing outfits that are timeless and classic. The looks that I saw were so good that I decided I'll be copying them all summer long. Have a closer look for yourself.
White Cutout Swimsuit + Woven Bag
A one-piece swimsuit is a must-have for any woman trying to get the "South of France" vibe this summer. French women know how to put a spin on the classics, so think about choosing a swimsuit with a cutout or two. I'm personally loving strapless pieces right now to minimize those pesky tan lines.
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A swimsuit you'll have in your closet forever.
Inspired by the classic '70s straw bucket bag beloved by Brigitte Bardot, this new bag will quickly become the star of your summer wardrobe.
Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress + Mules
To French women, a cotton poplin maxi dress is a summer staple. They all have one and aren't afraid to invest in it. Wearing this dress on the train from Paris to Nice is exactly what I'd suggest if I were lucky enough to be taking that journey.
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The woven texture is a classic part of a French woman's wardrobe (think Jane Birkin), so having that motif in your footwear is a fabulous idea.
White Tank + Loose Trousers
For days spent exploring the quaint French towns that line the coastline, you'll want to have an effortless look like this in your suitcase. Throw the white button-down over your shoulders when you feel like covering up more, but show off your midsection with the cropped tank top we all need to have.
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These are my favorite loose pants, and I'm showing them to everyone.
Striped Knit + Bouclé Shorts
Nothing feels more effortless than a striped knit and shorts. French girls will be living in this simple look all summer long, and so should you. You'll feel like you're in the South of France wherever you are.
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Color-Blocked Cardigan + Shoulder Bag
Color-blocking is going to be a theme you'll see all over the South of France this summer. All of the cardigans and dresses you find with this motif feel so elevated. Wearing a cardigan like this over any outfit is definitely a good idea.
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Matching Set + White Button-Down Shirt
I love any look that feels like I just stepped away from sitting by the swimming pool with a good book. This outfit definitely makes that point very well. A matching set has never steered me wrong, and adding a white button-down on top of it is a fabulous idea.
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Now, let me pack your bags for a trip to the South of France:
You'll need a dress like this for all of the soirées you'll be invited to.
A Los Angeles–based design studio turns works of art into towels you can bring wherever the wind takes you. They're made from the finest Turkish materials, so you'll want one in your suitcase.
I can't leave you without plugging yet another striped sweater.
French girls know how to accessorize for a beach day, so you need a cover-up like this to get their look.
Up Next: French Girls Don't Go to the Beach Without This One Accessory
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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