The South of France was even more magical than I imagined. It had that same effortless elegance we experienced in Paris, but with an added layer of glamour and vibrancy that felt completely unique to the French Riviera.
We chose Nice as our home base and explored nearby towns using public transit, which, by the way, is incredible. It’s clean, efficient, and honestly one of the easiest ways to get around the Côte d’Azur without the stress of driving.
From pastel streets and sparkling blue water to the charm of the historic Old Town, the South of France is pure inspiration. When planning my outfits for this trip, I wanted looks that felt chic yet relaxed, pieces that captured that coastal French aesthetic while still being comfortable enough for long walking days (and lots of eating along the way).
Think airy silhouettes, vibrant colours, and effortless styling that feels polished without trying too hard.
Here’s what I wore across the French Riviera.
Maxi Skirt & Scarf Combo: Effortless Riviera Chic
I’ve always loved a versatile scarf. I own way too many, from vintage finds to everyday staples. A good scarf works as a head accessory, neck detail, or even a top if you get creative.
For this look, I styled a colourful scarf (from a Marc Anthony True Professional PR box) as a top, and it instantly became one of my favourite outfits from the trip. The colours felt perfect for summer in the South of France, and turning it into a top gave the look a playful, vacation-ready feel.
This Amazon maxi skirt was an easy packing decision. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable, ideal for travel days and long walks while still looking feminine and elevated. It also adapted perfectly to my growing bump, which meant I didn’t need to rely on maternity-specific pieces.
I paired the outfit with simple white sandals that quickly became my most-worn shoes of the trip. I also wore gold metal-frame sunglasses that work as a beautiful, more accessible dupe for the iconic Celine Triomphe sunglasses; timeless, chic, and the perfect finishing touch to give the look that effortless French Riviera polish without the designer price tag.
One-Shoulder Ruched Dress: The Perfect Vacation Statement
Ruched dresses are one of my favourite wardrobe staples because they’re naturally flattering and incredibly forgiving. The moment I saw this green one-shoulder dress on Cider’s website, I knew it belonged in my suitcase.
The colour felt vibrant yet elegant, and the fabric made it comfortable enough to wear during pregnancy and realistically, long after. That was a big priority for me while shopping for this trip. Instead of investing heavily in maternity clothing, I focused on pieces that worked with my changing body while still feeling like me.
My goal throughout pregnancy has been to adapt my style rather than replace it, and this dress proved that you don’t have to sacrifice personal style for comfort.
To finish the look, I wore a pair of vintage cat-eye sunglasses I found at a local Toronto vintage shop, which added the perfect touch of old-Hollywood glamour to the outfit. I love how cat-eye frames instantly elevate even the simplest dress and make everything feel a little more polished. Since my exact pair is vintage, I’ll link a similar option from Amazon below so you can recreate the same timeless, Riviera-inspired vibe without having to hunt for a one-of-a-kind find.
A Glam Moment for Monaco
Of course I saved one of my most glamorous outfits for Monaco. 💁🏽♀️
There’s something about Monaco that feels elevated the moment you arrive. Everything looks polished, from the perfectly manicured streets to the yachts lining the harbour. It’s stylish without feeling loud, luxurious yet still charming. You can genuinely feel the glamour in the air.
Monaco makes an easy day trip from Nice or Cannes, about a 30 to 40 minute drive or train ride. Despite its reputation for luxury, it’s very walkable. Just be prepared for hills and make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
We spent the day wandering through the streets, walking past the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, admiring the peaceful Japanese Garden of Monaco, and strolling by some of the most beautiful designer storefronts. Even if you’re not planning to shop, window browsing in Monaco feels like an experience in itself. The entire city feels like a fashion mood board.
For the occasion, I wore a stunning red maxi dress from Commense. It was airy and fresh, perfect for a sunny day of exploring. The fabric moved beautifully with every step and kept me comfortable the entire time. I never felt restricted or overheated, which is exactly what you want when walking around in the Mediterranean sun.
The bold red colour felt right at home against Monaco’s elegant backdrop and made me feel polished without trying too hard. It’s proof that you don’t need an over-the-top outfit to match a glamorous destination. You just need something that makes you feel confident and completely yourself.
Beach Day Style in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer quickly became one of my favourite stops along the French Riviera. It’s one of the most picturesque seaside towns I’ve ever visited; colourful, relaxed, and incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Since we planned to explore mostly on foot (this mama was determined to get her steps in!), it was the perfect destination.
One thing many people don’t realize before visiting the South of France is that most beaches are made of large stones rather than sand. While researching, we discovered Villefranche-sur-Mer, known for having softer pebbles and more comfortable swimming areas. Plus it’s just minutes from Nice.
We took the bus there on a sunny morning and walked down to the beach. I wore a blue sheer knit dress from Cider that felt perfectly aligned with the coastal scenery. The colour against the Mediterranean water was stunning, and the lightweight knit made it ideal as a chic beach cover-up.
Unfortunately, this exact dress is sold out, but here are similar options:
Personal Style Over Trends
Being somewhere as luxurious and stylish as the South of France can make you feel like you need an entirely new wardrobe to fit in. Honestly, social media can create that same pressure; constantly comparing ourselves and feeling like we need more to belong.
But my approach to fashion has always stayed the same: invest in pieces you genuinely love and can wear multiple ways.
Trends come and go, but personal style evolves with you. The goal isn’t to dress differently because you’re visiting a fancy destination, it’s to express yourself in a way that feels authentic and fun.
And if there’s one thing I learned from this trip, it’s that confidence and comfort will always look more stylish than trying too hard. 💁🏽♀️
If you loved these looks, you can also see what I wore in Paris in my previous outfit guide.
