May always feels like the beginning of something warmer. Maybe it’s the way the light softens, or how the days begin to stretch a little longer. It reminds me of early mornings by the sea, soft breezes, and the quiet rhythm of life in the South of France, where I was born and raised.

I feel incredibly lucky to call Southern California home now. It’s not quite the same, but there are moments, especially near the coast, when it feels wonderfully familiar. A little closer to home. I was just in the South of France this past March, and yet even now, these little ocean views transport me. That sense of calm, that stillness - it stays with me, and gently shapes how I move through this season.

In this post, I wanted to share a little of that feeling: a mix of soft spring style notes, peaceful routines, and a few favorite places that have stayed with me long after I left them!

Soft Style Shifts for the Season

As the days get warmer, I naturally start to shift into lighter layers and softer textures.

Light knits – Perfect for cool mornings and easy to layer throughout the day.
Soft tones – Neutrals, sandy shades, and ocean-inspired blues always feel calming and timeless.
Relaxed silhouettes – Breezy shirts, wide-leg trousers, and pieces that feel good to wear.
Understated accessories – A raffia bag, delicate jewelry, or a favorite pair of sandals adds just enough without feeling overdone.

I try not to overthink it, just mixing pieces that feel good to wear and nod to the season. A striped shirt always adds that effortless touch, and I love pairing it with soft trousers and minimal accessories. The key for me is staying comfortable while still feeling like myself. If you’re interested, I’ve linked some items for inspiration here and below!

A few of my go-to seasonal staples right now:

If you’re looking for more wardrobe inspiration, you might enjoy these posts too: What to Pack for the South of France in Spring or 3 Spring Outfit Ideas with a Timeless French Touch

It doesn’t take much, just a few intentional pieces to help you feel more grounded and comfortable as the season begins to shift!

A Moment to Romanticize the Everyday

Even now, living far from the Mediterranean, I try to bring those same slow, meaningful rhythms into my routine, little rituals that create space to breathe, like taking the time to view the ocean, going on daily walks through my neighborhood, relaxing while sipping my coffee, and being mindful of how often I reach for my phone, etc.

If you’re not by the sea, here are a few simple ways to recreate that feeling, wherever you are:

Brew a coffee or tea and take it outside, even for five minutes, feel the warmth, listen to the quiet.
Choose your outfit slowly, even if it’s simple. Light a candle or play soft music while you get ready.
Bring coastal tones into your space: soft blues, whites, warm neutrals - through a scarf, a mug, or even a screensaver.
Take a walk without your phone in hand. Let your thoughts wander.
Keep a book or journal nearby for when you want to pause instead of scroll.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s the softest habits that anchor us most!

In Case You’re Wondering…

All of the ocean views in this post were captured during my visits home to the South of France, quiet moments I always come back to, whether I’m there or just reminiscing. Each place carries its own rhythm and charm, and together, they tell the story of slow, beautiful days by the sea.

Tabouriech: Tucked between the vines and the sea, this spot is one of my favorite summer memories. The rosé is crisp, the air is warm, and everything seems to pause. Even just one glass, with a view of the oyster beds and the sun beginning to lower, feels like a full moment.
L’Horizon, Grau d’Agde: A simple café with the kind of view that makes your coffee taste better. I love coming here early in the day, when everything feels still and the locals are just starting to settle in with their espressos and newspapers. It’s the kind of place where you don't feel like a visitor.
Cap d’Agde Port: There’s something special about being on the water here. It’s calm, never too crowded, and the view from the boat as you drift past the little restaurants and boats feels like a movie. A breeze, a quiet moment, and the rhythm of the port moving gently around you.
Sète: The cliffs near Sète are wild and beautiful, full of raw charm. The views are sweeping, and the air always feels a little saltier, a little freer. I love sitting along the edge and just watching the waves crash and pull back again. If you’d like to learn more about Sète you might be interested in this post as well: Postcards from Sète: Channeling French Riviera Style
Marseillan: A small port that always feels like a secret. There’s a softness to the light here, especially in the late afternoon, when the boats are still and the sun hits the water just right. It’s peaceful, familiar, and always feels like coming home.

A Quiet Reminder

As the season shifts, I hope this brings you a little inspiration! Whether it’s in the way you get dressed, how you start your mornings, or the pace you choose to move through the day. It doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes the smallest changes, the quietest rituals, have the biggest impact.

Wherever you are, may this be a reminder to slow down, soften a little, and return to what feels like home. Or maybe even dream up a new place you’d like to go - a café with a view, a quiet port town, or just somewhere that invites you to pause and breathe a little deeper!

With Amour,

M.