Coucou from Nice! 🇫🇷

I’ve been in the South of France for a few days now, which obviously means I’ve been doing some very important research: people watching and looking at what everyone is wearing.

There is something about seeing fashion in another city that makes you notice little things you probably wouldn’t at home. And while I came here fully prepared for some beautiful views, good food and a little sunshine, I’ve also found myself paying a ridiculous amount of attention to what people are wearing.

I also came here expecting a little bit of fall weather, but apparently October didn’t get the memo because it is still very much summer in the South of France. We’ve been enjoying beautiful sunshine and temperatures that have me questioning why I bothered packing certain pieces in the first place. Not that I’m complaining about getting a few extra days of summer!

Anyway, I have some fashion observations.

And of course, I couldn’t come all the way to the South of France without spotting someone in a Habs jersey. Not exactly the French fashion I was expecting to see, but as a Montreal girl, I obviously had to snap a picture. #GoHabsGo 

It’s giving effortless

The first thing I’ve noticed is how uncomplicated a lot of the outfits are. There are plenty of well-dressed people around, but very few outfits feel like they’re trying to be an outfit.

One combination I keep seeing is a statement bottom paired with a simple white tee. Printed skirts, colourful trousers, interesting textures and silhouettes, all paired with the most basic tops imaginable. And somehow, it works every single time.

Nothing revolutionary, but it all looks very chic. Which is slightly annoying because it does make you wonder why you’ve been overthinking your own wardrobe.

I’m also noticing a lot of relaxed silhouettes mixed with more tailored pieces. There’s a nice balance between looking put together and looking comfortable, without everything feeling overly coordinated.

The shoes are a dead giveaway

If there’s one thing separating the locals from the tourists, I’m convinced it’s the shoes.

Ballet flats and loafers are everywhere, which, as a self-proclaimed ballet flat enthusiast, I fully support. They’re being worn with everything from jeans to skirts to dresses, and they make even the simplest outfits look a little more polished.

Meanwhile, the tourists are very much in their sneakers. Specifically, New Balance sneakers.

And before anyone comes for me, I am writing this as someone who has been walking around Nice in her New Balances. I fear I am part of the problem.

But after spending entire days walking around, I understand both sides. The locals look fabulous, but my feet are very grateful for my footwear choices.

The tote bag situation

Another thing I’ve noticed? The bags.

While I usually gravitate toward a smaller crossbody when travelling, there are so many women here carrying tote bags. Not necessarily those enormous bags that could fit your entire life inside, but something a little roomier and more structured than your typical crossbody.

Leather totes, woven bags, simple shoulder bags. They’re practical without looking overly practical, if that makes sense.

And much like the shoes, I think the bags are another little giveaway between the locals and the tourists. We’re walking around with our crossbodies securely zipped and strapped across our chests, while everyone else looks like they just casually threw their essentials into a beautiful tote and headed out for the day.

I can’t even blame us. I have a passport and approximately seventeen other things I’m convinced I need on me at all times.

It’s all in the little details

Beyond the shoes and bags, I’ve been noticing how much the smaller details contribute to the overall look.

Sunglasses seem to be a permanent accessory, even when they’re pushed up into someone’s hair. Gold jewellery, a great belt, a little scarf tied around a bag, and the occasional oversized button-down are all making appearances.

There’s also a really nice mix of feminine and masculine pieces. A flowy skirt with a basic tee, tailored trousers with a relaxed shirt, or a more structured bag paired with an otherwise casual outfit.

Nothing feels overly coordinated, and I think that’s what makes it interesting. It’s less about wearing something particularly trendy and more about how everything is put together.

As much as I’ve been enjoying the unexpected summer weather, I did pack some true fall pieces because Nice isn’t my final stop. Paris is next, and I’m very excited to finally pull out the sweaters, jackets and slightly heavier outfits that have been patiently waiting in my suitcase.

For now, I’m soaking up every last bit of sunshine, taking plenty of fashion notes and enjoying the fact that my biggest concern is whether I should be wearing my ballet flats instead of my New Balances.

Anyway, off to Paris I go!

À tantôt!

Bisous, Laura