Packing for the Dream
Sunsets and Savoir-Faire
It is fair to say that most of us dream of a wonderful holiday. Easy, breezy, relaxed, romantic, cool, sportive, restful — or with a vibrant nightlife, perhaps.
At the hotel, by the pool, on the track, at the restaurant, at the nightclub or beach club — we dream of dressing with the same easiness we have when it’s Monday morning, and we’re just wearing our go-to clothes (a varied version of a uniform) to face our work and routine, and everything that goes with it, only much nicer and freer!
Amazing … for a few days in the year, it is summer holiday time.
That bikini will be worn, those linen shorts and a camisole top, that dress a notch too short for the pub back home — but by the beach? So “well” appropriate.
How about leaving your hair to dry naturally, or just a gloss and suncream as makeup?
The packing recipe is very straightforward: get your sarong, flip-flops, swimsuit, two or three bikinis and dresses, a cool linen shirt, a couple of shorts, a striped top, some hats, a few scarves, a sexy sandal.
That is your cabin bag sorted.
And the rules are clear:
Keep it simple… keep it cool.
Oh but , it is not thaaaaat simple…
For an updated look you should add some jewellery — or lots. Summer is the time to show skin and its adornments.
Where do I get the “good” bikini?
How about a flowy dress in cotton voile with a tasteful print?
Should I carry a leather bag or go with a straw woven basket?
I have just come back from a dreamy week at the Cote Basque, in Southwest France. Famous for surfing, it was in fact a masterclass in French beach style - famously effortless, elegant, and practical — combining natural beauty with timeless chic. (I wonder if I stayed a couple of weeks more, would I blend seamless with the scene?)
In case you fancy a few days by the French seaside (or somewhere in Europe) I have compiled a few observations of the locals that might help you:
1. Less is more — but make it intentional
The Biarritz youth and adult beachgoers master the balance between minimalism and refinement. They accessorise hair, hands, wrists, ankles, waists … with a few well-chosen pieces - many from unique brands, real jewellery, and meaningful pieces - a gold chain, hoop earrings, or a charm bracelet. A silk scarf tied around the neck, head, or handbag is a typical touch of je ne sais quoi.
2. Natural beauty first
Makeup is minimal, often limited to tinted sunscreen, lip balm, and maybe a touch of mascara. Hair is left to dry naturally — tousled beach waves are preferred over heat styling (though hair is well taken care of - the city has many salon de beauté in case you want a treatment!) , but they use some accessories to bring style - a silk scarf, hair clips, hat, scrunch etc.
3. The iconic cover-up
A well-cut sarong, button-down linen shirt, or a breezy dress serves as the go-to beach cover-up — stylish enough to go from beach to café with no need to change. All in earthy tones, whites, navies, and soft pastels, of course.
A few days in town you will have a tan to help you blend with the crowd.
Any more tips on how to transition from city chic to coastal ease? Choose brands that have a swing to them, with a sense of effortless sophistication while being practical for warmer, laid-back environments.
Here’s a small selection for you:
Sézane - Parisian boho meets Riviera ease. Their dresses, blouses, and sandals work equally well in the Marais and in Saint-Tropez. Perfect for: Lightweight sundresses, straw accessories, and linen separates.
sezane.com
Rouje - Flirty wrap dresses, retro prints, and natural makeup – ideal for a sunset apéro by the beach. Good silk blouses, summer dresses, espadrilles.
rouje.com
Jacquemus - Designed with the South of France in mind, but coveted on Paris runways. The essence of Provence meets modern minimalism. Bold straw hats, asymmetric dresses, sleek beach-to-dinner looks. It is the ultimate French girlie brand.
jacquemus.com
Eres - Pricey but so Elegant… swimwear of dreams - if you are a grown-up with an enviable wallet.
eresparis.com
And to go with your Eres one-piece … a hat from Maison Michel (both owned by Chanel). Known for luxury hats that work in both fashion-forward Paris and sun-drenched coastal towns.
maisonmichel.paris
La Veste - The playful, vintage-style beach dresses, tops and pants by Blanca Miró & María de la Orden — bold, handcrafted, and unapologetically joyful. Made in Spain
lavestelaveste.com
and MDLO Maison Olá has the most girlie artisanal hats — chic elegance with built-in sun protection.
maisonola.com
Isabel Marant - the queen of boho-rock have breezy dresses, shirts and skirts — casual Parisian cool meets seaside vibes.
intl.isabelmarant.com
Flòwze - Italian-made rope & leather sandals — versatile for city days and beach evenings that are quite cool and better price than the Miu Miu ones.
Hunza G - Known for their signature crinkle-stretch fabric, bold colors, and retro-inspired silhouettes - perfect for effortless, flattering swimwear and dresses that work poolside or on city streets.
hunzag.com
Damson Madder - Eclectic, colorful, and artisanal prints with a boho-luxe feel. Their pieces—dresses, swimwear, and resortwear—are perfect for mixing vibrant style with everyday ease.
damsonmadder.com
Farm Rio - Celebrated for its tropical, joyful prints and sustainable practices. Their swimwear and vibrant dresses make for a statement look that’s equally at home on the beach or urban outings.
farmrio.com
The Label Edition - Spanish brand with a great selection of separates and relatively good prices.
Wishing you a great sunset season.
Love the French vibe! They seem to be born with style. A great article - inspiring for the summer break.