Postcards from Sète: Channeling French Riviera Style
There’s something about the South of France that brings out the best in your wardrobe. The breeze, the light, the energy- it all invites a slower pace and a more intentional approach to getting dressed! This look, captured on a quiet morning walk in Sète, a coastal town not far from where I grew up, reflects everything I love about French spring fashion: simplicity, ease, and a touch of elegance!
French Riviera Style: The Outfit Formula
If you're ever wondering what to wear in the South of France in spring or how to recreate that effortless French girl style wherever you are, this outfit is a perfect starting point! Think: timeless, minimal, but full of personality.
The Trench Coat: An absolute staple in any French spring wardrobe. Lightweight, neutral, and ideal for the Mediterranean breeze.
Marinière Top: A striped staple of French fashion. The classic navy-and-white tee adds a subtle statement and layers effortlessly under a trench. It’s casual, nautical, and always chic.
Cropped Cream Trousers: Polished but casual, and easy to pair with anything. French style is rarely about bold statements, it’s about refined silhouettes and well-fitted pieces.
Ballet Flats: Simple, classic, and comfortable. A go-to for wondering along the canals of Sète or any cobblestone street.
Woven Bag: A nod to coastal textures and artisanal touches, woven accessories are a go-to along the French Riviera.
This look would feel right at home in Saint-Tropez, Nice, or Cassis, but it’s equally perfect for a spring day wherever you are. That’s the beauty of French fashion: it travels well!
How to Dress Like a French Girl in the Spring
French women don’t overcomplicate it. Here are a few style tips inspired by this look, and the vibe of the French Riviera:
Stick to neutral tones: beige, ivory, black, and soft browns are a year-round palette.
Add structured staples like a blazer or trench. They pull any outfit together instantly.
Choose comfortable, walkable shoes! the French walk everywhere, and ballet flats are always in rotation.
Invest in natural textures: woven bags, linen, light cotton.
Keep makeup minimal and fresh. A flushed cheek and natural lip go a long way.
If you’re curating a capsule wardrobe inspired by French coastal towns, this outfit hits all the right notes. I actually shared a full capsule wardrobe on what to pack for the South of France in spring - from lightweight layers to walkable shoes, it’s filled with versatile pieces that make dressing effortless and chic!
Sète: The Underrated Gem of the South of France
While many travelers rush to Nice or Marseille, Sète offers something more intimate. Though it’s not technically part of the French Riviera, Sète sits along the Mediterranean coast in the Languedoc region, and it carries a similarly relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere (with far fewer crowds!). Often called the Venice of Languedoc, this charming coastal town is laced with canals and lined with pastel buildings. It’s ideal for anyone looking to experience the South of France without the hustle of more tourist-heavy destinations in spring!
Here’s what to do if you find yourself in Sète:
Start your morning with coffee by the canals, ideally with a view of fishing boats floating by.
Visit the Halles de Sète, the indoor market bursting with local produce, cheese, and seafood.
Don’t miss the local specialty, tielle sétoise, a savory seafood pie found at bakeries around town.
Walk up to Mont Saint-Clair for panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
Catch a show or just admire the architecture at the Théâtre de la Mer, a seaside amphitheater built into the rocks.
Browse local boutiques for woven bags, ceramics, and made-in-France staples.
Sète is also known for its artistic community, so take time to wander into small galleries and admire the murals scattered around town!
This outfit, worn on a peaceful morning in Sète, felt like the perfect expression of French spring style. It’s proof that dressing with intention doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few versatile pieces: like a trench coat, classic flats, and a woven tote - you can create your own French Riviera-inspired moment, no matter where you are!
With Amour,
M.