While writing this week’s Edit Privé No. 47, Why Summer Outfits Are So Hard to Get Right, and researching the pieces for the weekly capsule collection, I came across so many beautiful things for summer that I suddenly felt the urge to rebuild my entire summer wardrobe, especially the part of it that belongs to holidays.
I wish I could tell you where we are going this summer, but for now, nothing has been planned. We are quite used to last-minute trips and holidays decided almost at the very last moment, so I imagine this summer will be no exception. Each year now, my quiet little mission is to find a corner of the Mediterranean still somewhat untouched by mass tourism. This is the search I wrote about last year in In Search of Mediterranean Magic.
After visiting Ibiza and driving across the island in search of little hidden corners of paradise away from the crowds, then spending last summer on the Greek island of Samos (an island still wonderfully untouched by mass tourism, where we sometimes had the impression of being almost alone in the world and discovering a Greece that felt more raw, more intimate) this year, we would love to explore another Greek island where time seems to have stopped. I will certainly write you a letter from there. Wherever “there” may be.
But enough digressions. This week, to accompany your summer holidays, wherever they may be (because the important thing, really, is that they are yours), I wanted to share a small selection of things found here and there to help you build your holiday wardrobe.
Whether this year you decide to go somewhere in Europe, perhaps to France, Spain, Italy, or maybe, like me, to Greece, I selected pieces that feel unmistakably summery, but still elegant and comfortable. Things to wear during the day for a walk through a city or a little mountain village, for an afternoon pause by the sea, for dinner at a restaurant in the evening, or simply for those in-between moments that make holidays feel so special. In this edit, you will find dresses, of course, but also lightweight trousers, linen shirts, little jackets for the evening, a few pieces of jewelry, swimsuits, sun care, and other beach accessories.
I have also noticed many searches on the site regarding sunscreen, so here is what I personally use. For the body, I usually bring an SPF 50 from La Roche-Posay, which I apply every morning on holiday before getting dressed, even before knowing exactly what we will do that day. I also always keep it in my basket with me. For the face, I prefer a lightweight SPF 50, often a Korean formula such as Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh, or Aime The Daily SPF, which I wear over my day cream and serums.
I have made a habit of wearing sunscreen daily, even in Amsterdam, as the sun tends to bring out redness in my skin. On holiday, I don’t wear makeup during the day, so I can easily reapply sunscreen. I only wear makeup in the evening. And, of course, I spend most of my time in the shade, under a parasol, beneath a hat and sunglasses. Getting a tan has never really interested me on holiday.
To help you not forget anything, here is the list of things I usually pack in my holiday suitcase:
- Jeans: very useful in the evening if you want to feel comfortable when it gets a little cooler.
- Flat leather sandals: simple, comfortable, and elegant enough to wear from the beach to the city.
- A pretty pair of shoes for the evening: slingback pumps, ballet flats, or refined low-heeled sandals.
- Different styles of summer dresses: for the day, the beach, and dinner in the evening.
- Linen shirts: classic or oversized, to wear over a swimsuit, with shorts, jeans, or linen trousers.
- Long linen Bermuda shorts: a chic alternative to very short shorts when it is very warm.
- One-piece and two-piece swimsuits: I like to bring both, depending on the day.
- Sun care: one SPF 50 for the body and one lightweight SPF 50 for the face.
- Sunglasses: preferably a timeless pair that goes with everything.
- A hat or cap: essential for the sun, and always useful on holiday.
- A versatile straw bag: large enough for the beach, but elegant enough to carry in town.
- Classic T-shirts: to wear with skirts, jeans, Bermuda shorts, or linen pants.
- Embroidered white tops: very easy to wear with jeans; they instantly create a pretty summer outfit.
- A light jacket: very useful in the evening when it gets a little cooler.
- Skirts: lovely for dinner at a restaurant, and a nice change from summer dresses.
- Sneakers: useful for long walks, travel days, a little hike, or any moment when sandals are not quite enough.
- A few relaxed off-duty pieces: soft shorts, a light sweatshirt, or a matching set for long beach walks, morning coffee, tennis, golf, or quiet moments at the hotel.
- A beach towel: simple, soft, and generous enough for the beach or pool.
- Books: essential for the beach, the hotel room, or any quiet moment.
- A few pieces of jewelry: to embellish your evening outfits.
The idea, really, is to have a mix in your suitcase: very simple, comfortable, versatile things to wear when it is very hot and all you want is ease, and a few more dressed pieces for the evening or for any moment during your holiday when you want to feel a little more elegant. But without further ado, here is the selection I made for you this week. I hope it helps you finish packing your suitcase, or simply begin dreaming of where summer might take you. Bon voyage!
Some links in this article are shared with compensation from Varely and AYR. It’s not sponsored, all writing and choices are my own. If you choose to buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you. Merci.
Zara linen blend polo collar blouse
Céline Triomphe oval-frame acetate sunglasses
Varley Marla button placket tank
Massimo Dutti cotton cupro blend camisole
Farm Rio embroidered linen-blend wide-leg pants
Zara belted striped midi dress
Massimo Dutti cropped button jacket
Massimo Dutti flowing linen halter midi dress
Massimo Dutti Short sleeve cotton T-shirt
Completedworks silver, cubic zirconia earrings
Reformation Adeline espadrille flat
Zara embroidered linen blend shorts
Faithfull Adnina lace-trimmed satin wide-leg pants
A must have for me is an oversized scarf to use as a beach wrap, wear over shoulders on a crisp evening, or use as a head scarf to tame flyaways on a convertible car drive, and of course indispensable on a flight.
Thank you so much for sharing, Coeur! You are absolutely right, an oversized scarf is the ultimate multi-tasking accessory. I love your idea of using it as a head scarf for a convertible drive; it sounds incredibly glamorous!
My sister and I are going to be in Monaco in February, any good shops and what to wear that time of year ?
How wonderful, Stormy! Monaco in February is beautiful, though it can get a bit crisp with the sea breeze. For that time of year, I highly recommend a chic layering approach: think tailored blazers, a classic trench, or a lightweight wool coat paired with fine cashmere sweaters and elegant loafers. As for shopping, the Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade near the Casino is absolutely stunning for luxury pieces. For a more traditional feel and charming local boutiques, I highly recommend taking a lovely stroll through the old town (Monaco-Ville). Have a truly magical trip with your sister!
Great post! As a Floridian, I use your summer recommendations to feel chic year round. Thank you for posting!
Do you have any hat brands you like? Looking for a new hat that is cool on my head but stylish. Merci!
Thank you so much, Jill! It makes me so happy to know my summer edits are helping you feel chic in beautiful Florida all year round. For a hat that keeps you cool while remaining incredibly stylish, I highly recommend exploring brands like Cuyana, Gigi Burris, Eugenia Kim, or Janessa Leoné. If you are looking for a classic French touch, Maison Michel is a wonderful option for a true luxury heirloom piece. Merci for your lovely message!
YES! Please write and share an Ibiza travel guide with us! I know it will be amazing and the inspiration and motivation to get me there. Bon voyage!
Thank you very much Renee! I promise I’ll write an Ibiza travel guide as soon as I get back ;)! I’m so excited to share all the details with you <3
I am a plus size girl 3x. Any suggestions for us? Clothing brands, outfits? Thank you
Thank you very much for your comment Jacqueline! I’m currently looking into plus-size options and will definitely share any great brands I find. In the meantime, if anyone from our community has recommendations, please share <3
I’m going to be in the Riveria in end of September what does the style look like then? Coming from a very warm climate my spring/summer/fall all are the same. I’ve been in Paris for Xmas so that I am aware or the dressing style but I’ve never been to France in the shoulder season.
Bonjour Stephanie! I’ve written a detailed article about the French Riviera style, but also a French guide to dressing for fall. I hope that’ll help, xo.