Ah, the French Riviera.
From the casinos of Monte Carlo to the shops of Saint Tropez, few destinations are such a byword for sophistication and class.
Yet you needn't be holidaying in the Riviera to dress as though you've just stepped off a yacht – this is fashion that works wherever the sun is shining.
Sunglasses, suits, shoes – we've drawn up a shortlist of the finest in Mediterranean chic.
Now all you need is another beautiful English summer and you're golden.
Oh...
Riviera Style
StenstrÖms
White shirt, £139
There isn’t much that’s more effortlessly elegant than a crisp, pure-white shirt, but while it’s among the simplest of pieces in a man’s wardrobe, getting it right can be tricker than it should be. Lucky, then, that Swedish shirting expert Stenstöms has taken all the hard work on for you. Each one of its 100% washed-linen shirts consists of 23 components, undergoes 60 different operations, and is checked at five critical inspection stations during manufacture. It’s a meticulous process resulting in a classic piece that requires little more from you than the nous to pair it with something equally chic (read: ditch those ancient shorts and get yourself some decent summer slacks, stat). For more info, stenstroms.com
Serengeti – Delio
£216
Serengeti makes the most technically advanced eyewear available. High performance Photochromic and Polarized lenses with spectral control are specifically tailored to care for the eyes of drivers and everyday wearers. The products themselves are crafted from the highest quality materials and are styled with an elegance that endures the test of time. Made of handcrafted acetate, and benefiting from a 40% thinner frame than the classic Serengeti Acetate Collection models, Delio is equipped with Serengeti mineral lenses with unique 3-in-1 technology that adapts to all conditions. For more info, see Serengeti
S T Dupont
£9,470
Whether you’re signing your bar bill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or lighting a cigar along the promenade in Cannes, you’re going to want to do so with the Seven Seas set from French heritage brand S T Dupont. Created as a tribute to explorers and their ships, the fountain pen, roller bloc, stand and lighter are the perfect companions to your own adventures. All presented in a veneered oak wood box. For more info, st-dupont.com
New & Lingwood
Cowdray suit jacket, £595 and trousers, £350
For class and comfort fit for a sun-soaked French sojourn (or, indeed, any bright and breezy summer affair), New & Lingwood has it nailed with its Cowdray suit. Cut from luxurious cream Italian linen twill, the single-breasted jacket with patch pockets exudes classic laid-back charm, while two-inch turn-ups add a frivolous old-school air to the high rise, twin-pleat trousers. Take it right back to the Riviera’s heady heyday and pair with a pale blue pyjama shirt (£275, part of set), classic leather braces (£145), and a glass of Pastis (strictly optional). Bon voyage! For more info, newandlingwood.com
Beatnik
£69
Deep-sapphire frames and mid-brown lenses make new Swedish eyewear brand Beatnik’s Acid Blue sun specs a fresh choice for those seeking shades with a touch of fun. There’s more than a little touch of Scandi cool here, thanks to understated design, minimalist circular shape and a colour palette that elegantly reflects summer at the seaside. All of this at a price that would shame most eyewear brands. For more info, see iambeatnik.com
Chatham
£120
Is there another form of footwear that adds Riviera-inspired finesse to an outfit quite like the deck shoe? Keep it ultra marine with these deep-sea blue suede Compass II boat shoes from British shoewear company Chatham, renowned for its nautical history. They come complete with non-marking rubber soles, meaning you can wear them on board your superyacht (or when you’re looking at other people’s superyachts). For more info, chatham.co.uk
Gran Sasso
£300
Casual but with no compromise is the design ethos that runs throughout Gran Sasso’s SS19 collection, and this zip-up jacket is the embodiment of the look. A cotton and nylon mix means it’s comfortable and practical – whether you wear it as an extra layer on summer evenings or take it on short flight to Nice, it’ll look fresh and remain crease-free. For more info, gransasso.it
Hawes & Curtis
Suit, £228, shirt, £55, loafers, £139
Hawes & Curtis’ ‘Whatever Your Journey’ collection is inspired by the spirit of travel. What this translates to is a pared-down edit of practical pieces that can be worn wherever your adventures take you. Our pick is this versatile slim-fit linen suit in soft, stylish grey – the dapper jacket has a fitted waist and the trouser legs are tapered for a look that’s neat and modern. Make the most of the suit’s subtle colourway by adding a monochrome paisley slim-fit shirt and black tassel loafers with a leather lining that makes socks superfluous – this is summer after all, and the usual formalities simply don’t apply. For more info, hawesandcurtis.com
Tumi
£895
Taking its cues from automotive design, Tumi’s Arrivé collection uses high-polish chrome details, elegant curves and sleek magnetic zippers to put users in the fashion fast lane. The Hannover slim briefcase is great for those on the move, with a helpful quick-access pocket for your phone, as well as an open centre compartment and handy carry strap. For more info, see uk.tumi.com
