How to dress for your French Riviera vacation

If you're planning a trip to the French Riviera, you're probably wondering what people are wearing today and what you should pack...

Although fashion is always changing, people on the French Riviera do tend to pay more attention to what they're wearing, and there is a definite unspoken dress code here - especially at night.  In fact, in cities like Cannes and Nice, it's not unusual to see women dressed to the nines - hose, heels, jewelry, with hair and make-up done - just to walk their dogs!

But the good news is, you don't need to come to the French Riviera burdened with lots of heavy suitcases! In fact, following these few simple tips will keep you from being charged extra baggage fees with the airlines and guarantee that you to fit in, no matter how you spend your French Riviera vacation.

Women:

Short-shorts are only worn by 18 year-olds with perfect figures.  The look French women go for here is more elegant, with clean lines, and a little more classic style.  Capri-length shorts are definitely in, along with a nice sandal or ballerina shoe. (No flip-flops unless you're on the beach, and sports shoes are only worn if you're actually doing sports!)

Other looks that work are harem pants, skirts or dresses. (And from the new looks for spring and summer that are already here in French stores, the maxi dress is back, and the peasant gypsy look is also making its debut.) And jeans are becoming more popular as well although they're still not a fashion staple like they are in the U.S.

Secret fashion tip: Because it's hot on the French Riviera, stick with light, neutral colors - white, cream, beige and khaki.  Choose separates that you can mix and match, so you don't have to bring your entire wardrobe with you.  (Besides, you'll need room in your suitcase for the new French clothes you're undoubtedly going to buy!) Bright colors and big patterns in clothing or costume jewelry will make you stand out - and not in a good way. If you love them, use them sparingly as accessories.

What to wear at night: Toss a shrug or light sweater into your suitcase for evenings. If you're planning on doing the night club or restaurant scene, your favorite little black dress, or a pair of flowing harem pants with a dressy sleeveless tank and a shrug will work nicely.  (Beads, tassels and sequins are so yesterday - think Armani, not Versace - unless you're invited to the kind of party where there will be lots of celebrities and the paparazzi showing up in droves - then all bets are off and it's anything goes!)

Shoes: Pack two pairs of shoes - a comfortable pair for walking and something a little more dressy for the evenings. You can pick up a pair of thongs for the beach when you get here. Be comfortable, but make sure your shoes are of good quality.

For the beach:  Since beach towels are heavy, leave yours at home and grab one when you arrive - you can find them at Carrefour, Eurodif, or Monoprix very inexpensively.  If you're going to be spending a lot of time at the beach, bring two swimming suits, so you never have to put on one that's wet and cold.  A pareo is great as a swimsuit cover-up, and it can double as a skirt or shawl as well.

The real secret for packing light: Accessorize. French women are experts at completely changing the look of an outfit by changing their hairstyle, and adding a different scarf, jewelry and make-up.

For men:

Casual chic is in.  During the summer, that means white, off-white or khaki short-sleeved shirts, a pair of dockers, light weight casual pants or nicely pressed jeans, leather shoes or dress sandals. (If you wear sandals, DON'T wear socks with them, please!)  Take it easy on the ostentatious gold jewelry and heavy gold chains.

Shorts are fine at the beach, and even if you're doing a little sight-seeing, or having a casual lunch at a sidewalk cafe.  But not at most restaurants. (Not that you'll be turned away, but you will be marked as a tourist, and may be the brunt of amused looks and the momentary subject of lunchtime conversation.)

What to wear at night: In the evenings, whether you're going to a concert, having dinner at a restaurant or going to a club, all you need to do is to put a sports jacket over the shirt and pants, along with a dressy pair of shoes, and you'll fit right in. 

Ties are usually optional, unless it's a fancy occasion, but it's a good idea to toss one in your bag, just in case.

And there you have it! Now you know exactly how to pack light and still look like you were born to lead the jet set lifestyle on the French Riviera.