The majority of holiday style guides suggest a few T shirts, swim shorts and sunglasses to take on your trip. We get it. All three items are necessary when crossing borders. What if you skip arm day? Or if you don’t want to swim and just enjoy squinting into the sun. It is important to note that this approach leaves out a very stylish and very important way of dressing abroad.
Riviera style, which is both practical and beautiful, remains just as popular today as it did when it was first introduced almost a century back. Emerging as one of the first modern resort areas in the late 18th century, the list of those who visited the French Riviera reads like a who’s who of stylish cultural tastemakers (Messrs F. Scott Fitzgerald and Pablo Picasso were particular fans).
From the 1920s onwards, Europe’s most affluent flocked in their droves to cities like Nice, Marseilles and Cannes, as well as Portofino and San Remo on the Italian equivalent.
Riviera style began as an attempt to translate European sophistication for a location that was more humid than the average. Daily activities were limited to sunbathing, and for those who felt energetic, some yachting. While fashion has changed over the years, the fundamentals of men’s Riviera style have remained the same.
Of course, you don’t just have to be on the Côte d’Azur to channel this simple, laid-back style. Whether you’re keen to cut a debonair figure on the coast or just recreate a little of the Riviera back home, here’s what you need to know.
Palette
The Riviera aesthetic relies on a combination of color and sensibility.
At the core of the Riviera palette you’ll find light neutrals like white, beige, stone, tan and ecru, all of which, helpfully, look their best in sunny weather and combine easily with most other hues while keeping you cool by reflecting rather than absorbing light.
To add interest, you can use nautical colors like reds and navy blues, or pastels such as mint green, sky-blue, pale yellow, and lavender. These are the perfect accents for a neutral base.
Polo Shirt
Riviera’s polo shirt should be a must-have. Coming collared – unlike a T-shirt – it protects your neck from exposure to direct sunlight while providing a solution to looking refined in the heat while also being more lightweight than an Oxford shirt.
Traditional cotton piqué styles are inarguably classic and will serve you well for years to come, but it’s also worth exploring other fabric options like lighter weight Egyptian and Sea Island cotton for guaranteed comfort in Côte d’Azur temperatures.
Keep an eye out for knitted polos that harken back to the style icons of the 1950s who made this destination famous. Toweling is also a great option for wearing after a swim.
Try wearing yours with chinos, tailored swim shorts, or under a light blazer for a stylish yet relaxed finish.
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The Breton Long Sleeved Top
The Breton stripe top is one of the most French items of clothing. Once the uniform for all French navy seaman in Brittany – each with 21 stripes to mark Napoleon’s victories – now a year-round wardrobe workhorse on any soil (or sea).
While you’ll find plenty of short-sleeved T-shirt versions on the market, skew classic with a long-sleeved, lightweight cotton example featuring navy, black or red stripes to your summer wardrobe.
This nautical staple will add a subtle nautical touch to any Riviera look, whether or not you intend on boating. However, to avoid looking like you’ve set sail for a fancy dress party, steer clear of pairing it with items like boat shoes or, you know, a sailor hat. Keep the rest of your look simple with dark colors for the lower deck.
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Lightweight and Unstructured Tailoring
Riviera weddings are popular due to their romantic setting and idyllic location. If dressing for one, or an evening cocktail or boardwalk dinner date, a polo shirt and a pair of shorts won’t cut it.
Avoid sweat towels and opt for a few lightweight, unstructured pieces of tailoring.
It’s here that fabric choice becomes extremely important. Seersucker, lightweight cotton, linen, and blends are all good summer tailoring fabrics. They’re breathable and comfortable to wear.
To maximize ventilation without skimping on style, look for a cut that’s slim enough to flatter your form, but not so restrictive as to compromise airflow.
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Tailored Shorts & Chinos
While denim shorts are a good choice for a night on the town in Tenerife – this stretch of Mediterranean coastline requires something more sleek.
When you have to show your legs, well-cut shorts will keep you looking neat and tidy. If you forget to steam your linen trousers, a pair of similarly cut chinos will do. They can be cropped at the ankle or rolled to create a sockless appearance.
Fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal for tailored separates. Keep your color choices conservative (think navy or white) to maximize mixing and matching. However, if that’s not a concern, opt for a pastel shade or subtle print to stand out from your fellow sun-worshippers.
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Tailored Swim shorts
Taking a dip needn’t mean your style standards have to dive, too. With more and more labels crafting masterfully tailored swimwear, it’s possible to look just as put together by the pool as at a villa party. Well, almost.
No matter if you buy designer shoes or high-street ones, the rules are the same. You should consider your skin color when selecting block colors and be confident to wear styles with prints. Keep them below the knee.
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Footwear
Although the only way to do the beach is barefoot for optimal Riviera insouciance, there will be times when you’ll need to cover up on the shore.
Classic leather sandals in black or brown work well, teaming effortlessly with the rest of a Riviera wardrobe, while espadrilles offer a good alternative for men who don’t rate sandals but still want to keep things relaxed and refined.
For bar-hopping or grabbing a bite to eat, sub in a timeless pair of loafers or driving shoes, preferably in suede for an additional flush of luxury that’ll mark you apart.
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Finishing Touches
A Riviera look is never complete without some debonair styling.
Given that even the glitterati would deem ties to be unnecessary in the summer heat, swap yours out for a silk pocket square placed neatly in your blazer’s breast pocket. If your neck feels naked without a neckerchief, you can substitute a loosely tied neckerchief.
A straw fedora, or Panama hat is a great addition to your outfit. It will give you instant style points and also provide some sun protection.
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