A Fashion Guide for a Trip to the South.

A train or plane away, warm water and palm trees surround the beautiful dress and streets of the South.

The salty breeze and hot sun beating down invites a more comfortable, colorful and leisurely dress. On the Mediterranean, people look much more casual, yet just as chic as they do in the city. It is an elegant combination of beachy yet stylish.

The first essential when trying to blend in is everywhere: linen. You can spot it all over--in pants, button downs, tank tops, or shirts. A simple white linen coverup can be spotted on the backs of masses when on the beach. If not white, settling for a tan or beige top can work just as well to fit in.

Another element I found to be everywhere in Cannes, Antibes and Nice are small, printed floral patterned dresses or skirts. While strolling around the streets, local vendors line up racks of dresses and pretty blouses or skirts. You can take advantage of the somewhat cheaper prices and support local vendors or small businesses. A long floor length dress or modest skirt with bold colors can be found worn by locals just out for a stroll along the water.

Finally, the key to dressing like a local is color! While studying in Paris, it seems to be that black, white and something in between is typical in everyday dress. Yet in the South, color is utilized heavily. Bold pinks and oranges are paired with greens and blues– yes, even if they do not at all match! This means getting to finally pull out that funky blouse taking up space in your closet finally gets an occasion! Embrace the change and enjoy the sea, this can be a time for relaxation by the water while also getting to relax your everyday dress!