I Just Got Back From Cannes, and These Are the 12 French Fashion Staples Everyone Is Wearing, From $30

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

The south of France, specifically Cannes, has its own elevated dress code; if you don't follow it, you risk sticking out like a tourist. After all, it's where chic Parisians vacation during the summer and sunbathe on their super yachts while sipping rosé from Provence; naturally, it's going to lend itself to a particular way of dressing.
Although Cannes is a beach resort town, you can't wear flip-flops and baggy T-shirts. Everyone seems to use La Croisette, the promenade hugging the French Riviera coastline where you see celebrities during the Cannes Film Festival, as their personal catwalk: designer beach cover-ups, stylish sandals, and Italian-branded bags are everywhere. So, it pays to arrive prepared, with items like linen clothes that will keep you cool and looking stylish and comfortable sandals for long days on your feet that can pass as designer (even if they're Amazon!).
If you're thinking of visiting Cannes, whether your first time or a return trip, here is a primer on what to wear, based on my experience as someone who visits regularly.
In Cannes, everyone spends the day on the beach and then moves to a restaurant for lunch and dinner. The easiest way to do this seamlessly is to wear a beach cover-up dress. I saw different versions of this elegant crochet cover-up during my trip, which can go from beach to dinner by simply swapping your swimsuit for a slip. Pair it with a straw tote and sandals during the day, and gold jewelry and an elevated shoe at night.
If crochet is not your thing, this Cupshe Women Beach Cover-up is equally effective at working double duty. It comes in a range of sizes from XS to XXL and has a lightweight material that won't weigh you down. With most of the beach clubs in Cannes being a short walk to the main shopping street, many beach-goers wear similar styles like this after a day at the beach before heading straight to their favorite eatery or bar at night.
If I had a penny for each time I saw these Hermes-style sandals in Cannes, I could afford to join the elusive and private Members' Only Club at Palm Beach in Cannes (which is rumoured to start at $3,000 a year!). While the actual Hermes sandals cost close to $1,000, these Amazon shoes are equally fun to wear at a fraction of the price. There's a mixed-texture upper material that adds flair, and a cushioned sole that will keep your feet comfortable, perfect for walking up and down La Croisette.
No visit to Cannes would be complete without wearing a floral, colorful summer dress. This Farm Rio midi dress fits perfectly into the Cannes fashion scene, with its slightly more elegant appearance for enjoying an aperitif while watching the sun set by the water. Made of viscose linen, it'll feel lightweight and comfortable on, perfect for hot summer days.
The temperature can reach insanely hot levels in Cannes, so it pays to bring a lot of outfits because you will sweat through them. An easy way to make sure you have enough outfits is by packing a few matching sets that you can easily mix and match or wear together. This shirt and shorts set from Zara is made with cotton yarn and has an elegant yet slightly casual look. The rounded hem with side vents on the top will help you stay cool when the breeze in Cannes comes late at night. The matching Bermuda shorts are also made with 100 percent cotton, so they'll feel soft and comfortable. The best perk about these shorts is that there are side pockets to put your hotel room key or loose change in. $128 $115 at Madewell.com
Europeans love wearing linen during the hot summer months. The material is loved by many because it helps you stay cool, and sweat doesn't show up as easily. This lace-up Madewell shirt is an elegant option that can be worn out to dinner or as a cover-up after you leave the beach, making it a smart, versatile addition to your suitcase.
It seems like every celebrity has a designer straw hat these days, with Natalie Portman and Kate Middleton donning them at the French Open and Wimbledon, respectively. The sun in Cannes can feel blistering hot during the summer months, and it definitely pays to have a good, wide-brimmed hat to cover your face. This straw sun hat will be worth the investment because you can wear it with just about any outfit. Plus, it's made from a lightweight straw so your head won't overheat, even in the direct sunlight.
One of the coolest places in Cannes is Medusa, a restaurant and cabaret show located in Palm Beach. It's a popular spot to dance, sing, and sip on cocktails, so wearing a show-stopping number like this draped belt minidress is one way to fit right in. With exaggerated sleeves and a gold embellished belt, you won't need to add more to this look than a cute pair of shoes and a handbag.
You would be surprised at how many people work out while on vacation in Cannes. While many people spend their time in the gym, I personally think it's much nicer to put on your favorite running shoes and take a spin around the promenade. One of my go-to running shoes for traveling is the Hoka Arahi 8s, which are arch-supporting, comfortable, and versatile enough to wear beyond runs and the hotel gym. $80 $40 at Nordstromrack.com
Not many people wear bikinis in Cannes, and I saw a lot of one-piece swimwears out on the beach. Something like the DKNY Ruched One-piece Swimsuit is a good choice, because if you pair it with shorts, a skirt, or wide-leg palazzo pants, you can easily wear it as a bodysuit to a popular restaurant like Zuma or Anna and not look like you're wearing your swimwear to dinner.
Don't forget your sunglasses when in Cannes. As a nod to the '50s when celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Grace Kelly visited for the Cannes Film Festival, these stylish June sunglasses by Vallon are the perfect choice for shielding your eyes from the blinding sun.
If there is one thing you can't forget when visiting Cannes, it's sunscreen. During my recent visit, the temperature never dropped below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and this was at the very beginning of the summer. Shiseido's Clear Sunscreen remains one of my favorite SPF picks because it's not oily, yet it gives you a nice glow when applied to your face.
One of the best activities in Cannes is to hire a boat or yacht and chill out on the water with your friends. If you're going to do this, you need to bring champagne, rosé, and some excellent French cheeses and other snacks to make the most of the day. This Osprey Transporter Heavy Duty Gear Tote is large enough to fit everything you need—and then some. The waterproof material also makes it a great bag for the beach, too, so it can pull double duty.
If your hotel has its own private beach club like mine did, you will want to reserve a beach chair and spend a day outside the water. Be sure to pack a portable charger to avoid your battery running out. This portable charger with built-in cables is great to travel with because of its multi-purpose functions and fast-charging action.
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