When most people think about French style, they picture trench coats and jeans on cobblestone streets. But how do you translate French style when it’s too hot to wear a coat or jeans?

Thankfully, French style isn’t tied to a certain season or travel destination. So instead of basing your outfits on its more notable staples, you rely on its style philosophies to create a travel wardrobe that’s uncomplicated, versatile and refined.

Here’s the French approach to dressing in the heat.

1. Pick a Neutral Palette and Breathable Fabrics

Neutrals can be paired with practically any other colour, while keeping the look polished. When you’re travelling to a warm destination, this is incredibly helpful when you want to pack light by mixing and matching pieces throughout your trip.

In warm weather climates, neutral colours aren’t limited to cream, black, navy and taupe. A neutral palette can also include muted terracotta, olive green, faded yellows or rust-coloured tones. A neutral palette also contrasts beautifully against vibrant buildings, markets, florals and greenery.

It’s also important to wear natural, breathable fabrics when you’re travelling in a warm climate. Natural fabrics will keep you cool on a warm day and they absorb moisture a lot better than synthetic fabrics. Here’s a list of material to look for when you’re buying clothing for a warmer travel destination:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Poplin
• Gauze Cotton
• Lightweight Denim

2. Keep it French by Choosing Minimalist Prints

To keep your approach French-inspired, choose a timeless or “quiet” print. A navy stripe, small polka dots or an understated floral print. Nothing that’s overly bold, loud or strictly a “vacation print”, like large palm trees, anchor prints or big tropical flowers. A print should complement an outfit and not overpower it.

To help you decide whether something falls into the vacation print category, ask yourself whether you’ll be able to wear it when you’re not on vacation. If the answer is no, then it’s probably not a French-inspired piece. French style is understated and contains pieces that can be worn and restyled consistently. So if you’re only wearing it a couple times a year and when you do, it’s the main focal point of the outfit, it likely doesn’t align with a French-inspired aesthetic.

3. Add a Pop of Colour with Accessories

Wearing a neutral palette looks polished and timeless, but can also risk looking flat in a sunnier setting. Using accessories to add a pop of colour to an outfit strikes the perfect balance of vibrancy and restraint. Accessories add visual interest and contrast a more muted palette.

Here are a few ways you can use accessories to add a layer of warmth and personality to your outfit:

• A raffia or rattan textured handbag
• A vibrant silk scarf
• Oversized or tortoiseshell sunglasses
• Colourful earrings
• A stack of vivid resin bangles
• A chic woven or braided leather sandal

When you’re travelling to a warmer climate, French-inspired style relies on principles, not pieces. A neutral palette keeps your outfit uncomplicated and breathable fabrics keep it practical for all-day wear. A subtle print keeps the look refined, while thoughtful accessories add an extra layer of interest that pulls the outfit together.

The key isn’t to look overly polished on vacation. It’s to feel comfortable, relaxed and still like yourself.