Dressing for dinner in the south of france?
 

We have an upcoming trip to Cap Ferrat, Saint tropez, Cannes and Cap d'antibes. We will be dining at a variety of places including a few michelin star. I have a vision of these places being very chic, and am thinking ahead of what to pack for evenings out. For the beach towns, do people still dress up at dinner at the better restaurants or do they take on more of a beachy vibe? understated elegance ? I know this may be a very esoteric question so any advice is greatly appreciated. TIA

you can never be too well dressed (except in Atlanta, but that is another story)

"Understated elegance" is probably the correct answer, but the definition would probably provoke an endless debate.

I go to the Paris opera wearing jeans, but it is run by the government and not by snooty wannabes, so it's a totally different world.

haha! Thank you

thank you

If you have to ask…….I think the Jaggers - Jade and Mick wear ripped jeans and get away with it.

Best access the Daily Mail to check what Europe is wearing (or not) in St Tropez - it’s a great read.

Ok constructively - check out

https://www.reiss.com

it’s what I wear at our local 1 and 2 stars - possibly like 1950s Talented Mr Ripley - you can’t go wrong

I think the French call it understated elegance- don’t know where I read that !

I don't have to ask (I understand the implication), but wanted to, as I didnt want to show up in fancy wear while everyone else is in ripped jeans or vice versa... Thanks for the Reiss link, love their clothes.

As long as you wear a shirt with a collar and not shorts. For men a linnen shirt (no tie) looks good, women will probably wear long floaty dresses.

Thanks Tulips

The Cote D'Azur is dressier than the REAL PROVENCE. And less modest:)

Not meaning to offend anyone here but we came home after a month in France in the fall and made a vow to dress better! lolol :) All part of a beautiful country I suppose.

The long "floaty" dresses like Tulips mentions above, scarves, jackets handbags were inspirational. Of course, many of the French women wore these darling outfits with white sneakers -- practical shoes are a must! We didn't see any ties on men but saw great suede loafers, lots of long-sleeved shirts and jackets. We were in Aix-en-Provence, so perhaps it's more affluent than other parts of France. I would think Cap Ferrat, Saint Tropez, Cannes and Cap D Antibes are all dressier. We brought two "dressier" outfits and just re-wore them.

Of course, there are plenty of tourists in jean shorts, leggings, t-shirts, and baseball caps so you probably can't go wrong... just not to dinner ;)

This is a great response Irice.Thank you! I am definitely bringing multiple nice outfits - I appreciate your response!