One of the most rewarding parts of my job is curating our street style shoots, capturing the latest fashion trends as they unfold in real time. As temperatures have continued to rise and the need to bundle up under heavy layers has diminished, we’ve taken to the streets once more, focusing our energy on chronicling the best looks we can find from across London. Now, though, we’ve taken our fashion lens to another country to compare style notes and see which trends resonate the most on entirely different soil. And where better to do so than the French Riviera?
Throughout my career, I’ve found inordinate amounts of joy in analysing the style of French women and finding ways to emulate their iconic fashion choices. So, you can imagine my delight when the Who What Wear team asked me to unearth the chicest outfits worn in the South of France through a very special street style shoot. I connected with a photographer working out of Cannes, and I eagerly waited for the IRL outfits to land in my inbox. The date we settled on just so happened to fall slap bang in the middle of Cannes Film Festival when the pavements are practically transformed into a series of catwalks, so I knew we’d have some serious inspiration on our hands. Still, even I couldn’t anticipate just how good the fashion would be.
There will always be cliches attached to French style; some are warranted, some aren’t. However, the looks we found prove Gallic wardrobes go way beyond berets and ballet pumps, pretty as they may be. The sheer diversity of looks we discovered surpassed my expectations—proof that, with street style, you never truly know what you’re going to get. From bold colours and relaxed tailoring to basket bags and a sprinkling of Chanel, each outfit was a unique expression and sleek representation of what modern French style truly is.
I could carry on writing this love letter to the fashion choices of French women, but perhaps it would be a better use of my time to show you them. Keep scrolling to see the impressive outfits that people on the French Riviera are wearing right now.
Style Notes: Bandeau dresses were one of the most prevalent trends on the runway. There were satins and tulles in the designer collections but, in real life, it’s clear denim is the fabric to seek out, not only because of the impact they’re having on the market but also their versatility. Easy to dress up or down, I love this particular pairing which features chunky running shoes instead of commonplace sandals.
Style Notes: It might sound typecast but French women genuinely do carry basket bags all of the time. Instead of the structured top handles that dominated in previous seasons, 2023’s take involved oversized totes with thin black leather straps, as seen here on the streets of Cannes.
Style Notes: I might be a millennial but I can still spot a Gen-Z trend when I see one. Basic tops and fancy trousers are the generation’s fresh take on the old reliable jeans and a nice top outfit combination, and this outfit is a prime example of how it should look.
Style Notes: Accessories can make an outfit and we saw plenty of incredibly add ons during our shooting stint. However, somethings, it’s the simplest tweaks that can elevate an outfit. Case in point: the headscarf.
Style Notes: I’m always seeking out easy outfit solutions and, save a dress, a skirt co-ord is the swiftest way to look put together in minimal time. Between the cropped bandeau top and tired maxi skirt, this pairing feels so current.
Style Notes: When it comes to jewellery, Cannes was all about making a statement. From stacked bangles to show-stopping earrings there was many a bijoux moment worth documenting. However this capture, featuring a thick gold choker, was the highlight.
Style Notes: Breton stripes are an intrinsic part of many of our wardrobes, but no one wears them quite like French women. This Chanel iteration will live rent free in my mind until I can acquire my own. And when I do, I’ll style it just like this woman—with white tailored trousers and a classic handbag.
Style Notes: One of the biggest colour trends of the season, tangerine tones were all over the French Riviera, but this look stood out amongst them all. Matching your zingy slip dress to your heels? Inspired!
Style Notes: Denim skirts started trending at the first signs of spring and they’re not going anywhere as we head further into summer. Cannes was full of the style, from minis to floor-lengths. Me? I like this midi option, which allows for a chic shoe moment. Just add a white vest top.
