To travel well is to travel in style. To the most discerning amongst us, this typically means tweaking your wardrobe to the sights and shades of whatever destination you’re visiting. This summer, my itinerary includes a few weekend getaway trips to Paris and Marseille. Despite these locations offering two varying iterations of France’s enchantment, these mini breaks are a perfect way to immerse myself in the local style and bustling culture of these cities. My dilemma, however, lies in what to pack for these trips. Enter, my edit of the best French summer staples.

As a place, Paris is made unique by its Haussmann architecture, legendary bistros like Brasserie Lipp and streetside bars that sling St-Germain spritz amidst the hum of the city. On the other hand, Marseille’s proximity to the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, yet slightly grungy reputation, makes it both sun-kissed and gritty, even if long alfresco lunches at gorgeous establishments like Tuba Club are on the agenda.

With distinct approaches to fashion—not to mention the added pressure of feeling like I need to blend in with my surroundings when on holiday—the contents of my luggage have become my paramount concern of late. Whilst I’m there, I want to feel like I’m emulating the je ne sais quoi of French women with my wardrobe, rather than just looking like I’ve copied a stereotypical ensemble that will immediately identify me as a tourist.

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