Travelling to Provence and wondering how to pack for the summer?
I spend half my time here and yet I still get it completely wrong sometimes.
I forget after a long, cold and oftentimes dreary winter, how hot, hot, hot Provence can be. Even now in early June.
Yesterday was one of those days… I got it totally wrong.
Somewhere between 33 and 39 degrees in full sun at the magnificent amphitheatre in Orange, I decided I should re-think how to pack for Provence in the summer.
By the way, old Orange is a beautiful town to explore in Provence.
The amphitheatre and museum are well worth a visit and if you can time your stay to include an evening at the opera…
I promise it will be nothing short of magical.
How to pack for the summer?
Bare is not the answer unless you want to be bronzing all day every day.
Sunscreen is a necessity and lots of it, but I do believe that covering up is the safest and easiest way when touring around Provence.
Light colours.
Pure fabrics… linen and cottons… that breathe with the body.
Pretty dresses, skirts and tee shirts, white and beige trousers… long and short sleeved shirts.
I’m thinking bermuda shorts… with a striped tee.
A large scarf is an absolute must to protect the shoulders, arms and neck from the fierce rays.
Of course, large and fabulous sunglasses…
And hats… soft hats with a decent brim that protect but fold easily into a good tote.
A large sized tote that holds all is perfect for a day out in the sun.
It works well to hold all the bits if you are lazing by the pool and a tote can easily accompany you in the evenings.
The footwear is easy… if you like the sneakers … perfect… practical and comfortable.
For something lighter and more summery… the espadrilles are brilliant.
And yes, I have seen the Birkenstocks in Provence… xv
‘In The Bag’ Basics
dresses and skirts
the betsy johnson print fit and flare // the halogen cyprus eyelet cotton // the lilly pulitzer cotton tunic
**the vince camuto white cotton maxi skirt // the theory italian cotton knit midi skirt
shirts and tees
the rag & bone long sleeved striped tee // the perfect fitting cotton tees from gap // ** calson cotton ballet neck tees
rachel roy sleeveless tunic shirt // hinge boyfriend chambray // tory burch brigitte military shirt
pants and bermudas
campbell cargos and linen capris from j.crew // the minnie in beechwood from j.crew // white jeans always do the trick
vince bermudas // andie from j. crew
and the rest
the soludos classic espadrille // the best sunglasses from illesteva // the lovliest raffia hats from helen kaminski
the karoo cotton floral from marc jacobs // downing silver tote from j.crew
