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I'm Heading to the South of France—15 Outfits I'm Re-Creating to Look Like a Local

By Swedan Margen

I'm Heading to the South of France—15 Outfits I'm Re-Creating to Look Like a Local

Come summertime, there always seem to be a few experiences that everyone’s trying to check off their bucket lists for the season. For some, that's spending a day by a body of water or eating an ice cream in the sun, but for a lucky few, that means escaping for a little holiday. One could argue that the latter has become one of the more “quintessential” things to try to check off one’s summer bucket list, as evidenced by the slew of social media posts flooding our timelines from the shores of France, Spain, and Italy. In fact, traveling abroad during the summertime has become such awidespread phenomenon that it has given rise to the term "Euro summer" as a way to describe the collective experience. But with the popularisation of these particular destinations has come the minor issue of figuring out what to pack to avoid looking like a tourist.

No one wants to spend a few hours in the air only to have their holiday outfits be, well, a flop. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this quandary: scroll through social media. There’s no better way to figure out what to wear, and not wear, than referencing what other people packed for their holidays to get some inspiration from. Call it an act of selflessness or self-preservation, but I’ve spent hours scouring the internet in search of inspiration. Ahead, I've shared a curation of 15 holiday outfit ideas that are straightforward enough to re-create and comprise packable pieces. (Think comfortable sandals, trendy swimsuits, and linen separates.)

Whether you’re heading to the South of France or somewhere else on the continent, replicating any of these ensembles will ensure you'll effortlessly fit in with the locals or, at the very least, secure a few compliments.

15 Summer Holiday Outfits to Recreate This Summer:

1. Linen Trousers + Sandals + Basket Bag

European vacation outfit idea is shown in a photo of a woman standing in a doorway at a hotel by her black luggage wearing brown aviator sunglasses, an oversized white t-shirt, a long cord necklace, wide-leg tan linen trousers, with white platform flip flops and a raffia tote bag

Style Notes: No matter the duration of your flight, train, or boat ride, chances are you don't want to arrive looking disheveled—enter the ensemble above. One of the best ways to ensure you look and feel your best while in transit is to opt for breathable pieces such as an oversize T-shirt styled with wide-leg linen trousers and comfortable flats (either flip-flops or sneakers).

Shop the Look:

Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers

COS

Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers

Linen trousers are a summer wardrobe staple.

Leather-Detail Straw Tote – Beige – Women – Arket Gb

ARKET

Leather-Detail Straw Tote

This is a such a great alternative to a designer basket bag.

Lula Cream Leather Flip Flops

Mint Velvet

Lula Cream Leather Flip Flops

These will go with so many outfits.

2. Headscarf + Strappy Top + Linen Trousers

European vacation outfit idea is shown in a photo of a woman sitting outside on a bench wearing a black and white headscarf, black oval sunglasses, gold earrings, a black spaghetti strap tank top, white linen trousers, a black watch, a black and white handbag, and black flip flops

Stye Notes: Once you've settled into your destination or are ready to start your day, the last thing you want to worry about is trying to pick out a stylish outfit. Rather than trying to do the most, keep it simple by relying upon your trusted staples, such as a tank top, linen trousers, and flip-flops. If you're worried they're not sophisticated enough, you can always elevate them by styling them with a pair of statement earrings and a headscarf.

Shop the Look:

Centered Monogram Silk Scarf Crème

Toteme

Centered Monogram Silk Scarf Crème

This Toteme scarf is so chic.

Polyamide Top With Thin Straps

ZARA

Polyamide Top With Thin Straps

A must-have for any capsule wardrobe.

Linen-Blend Trousers

Such an affordable pair that will be worn so much in summer, I immediately bought them.

3. Strapless Dress + Strappy Sandals + Basket Bag

European vacation outfit idea is shown in a photo of a woman standing outside wearing a brown silk headscarf with a black strapless maxi dress, black heeled thong sandals, gold bangles, and a raffia shoulder bag

Style Notes: While you can't go wrong with straightforward staples throughout your trip, there are some occasions when you might want to feel a bit fancier—e.g., frolicking about town or visiting small shops. One way to look a bit more put-together is to style a strapless dress with a raffia shoulder bag, and sandals. It will allow you to look sophisticated, sans effort.

Shop the Look:

Hedy Strapless Gathered Linen and Voile Maxi Dress

FAITHFULL

Hedy Strapless Gathered Linen and Voile Maxi Dress

Faithfull is one of my favourite Aussie brands.

Sophie Heeled Sandal

Reformation

Sophie Heeled Sandal

Sophie Maxi Leather-Trimmed Woven Straw Tote

MUUÑ

Sophie Maxi Leather-Trimmed Woven Straw Tote

MUUÑ's straw bags are so elegant.

4. Boxy Blazer + Capri Shorts + Heeled Sandals

European vacation outfit idea is shown in a photo of a woman at a museum wearing black sunglasses with a black boxy blazer, white t-shirt, black capri pants, and heeled thong sandals

Style Notes: For those days you want to feel a bit more dressed up, or you're heading out for dinner, your wardrobe staples play a key role. For example, a boxy black blazer and fitted T-shirt feel infinitely cooler when paired with capri pants and heeled thong sandals. Not only will you look like a walking masterpiece, but packing these staples will also allow you to make the most of the space in your suitcase, as you can style them in other ways.

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