Packing Heat: A Man’s Style Guide for Sun-Drenched Riviera Cool
Elevate your warm weather wardrobe from poolside poser to Mediterranean aristocrat with our definitive primer on dressing for the iconic Riviera playgrounds.
Let’s get one thing straight, gents. When it comes to embodying that rarefied sweet spot of money-drenched indolence without looking like a try-hard nouveau riche buffoon, nobody does it better than the Riviera’s sun-bronzed aristocrats. These tanned overlords of Mediterranean sprezzatura have mastered the art of blending tailored Italian luxury with an audacious streak of seaside rebelliousness. It’s a deliciously contradictory aesthetic that can leave you wondering: is he a rebellious artist who stumbled into an eight-figure trust fund, or a scion slumming it as a bohemian beach bum?
Their secret lies in an almost preternatural ability to appear simultaneously disheveled yet impeccably composed. It’s an exquisite dance of tension, teetering between studied nonchalance and laser-focused intent. Get too polished and perfect, and you’ll quickly be sniffed out as the former—a desperate social climber reeking of new money trying hopelessly to emulate old-world aristocracy. But get a little too unkempt and ramshackle in your pursuit of that romantic Tom Ripley allure, and bam—you’ve devolved into actual derelict territory (which, to be fair, is a vibe some particularly jaded trust fund burnouts aim for during peak Riviera debauchery seasons, like Cannes yacht week).
No, true mastery requires an almost spiritual understanding of when to lean into bold statement pieces that tantalize with beachy irreverence, and when to step back and let sleek, quiet luxury do the talking for you. It’s an intricate choreography that juxtaposes rakish, devil-may-care insouciance with a whisper of refined European sophistication—hinting at the generations of cultured, globetrotting bon vivants in your lineage.
But nail that deliciously contradictory sweet spot, the magical equilibrium between continental dignity and anything-goes Riviera spirit, and you’ll unlock the ability to command envy from the hardwood decks of Monaco’s sweeping harbors to the bougainvillea-draped, winding footpaths of Positano. A mastery of refined style that simply cannot be purchased, only inherited from generations of European ease. So review our picks and pack wisely, for the intoxicating shores of the Mediterranean rivieras demand nothing less than sartorial perfection.
What to Pack for a Trip to the Mediterranean This Summer
- Dolce & Gabbana Linen Suit Jacket and Linen Suit Trouser
- Christian Louboutin Paquepapa Espadrilles
- Loewe XL Puzzle Fold Tote in Raffia
- Brunello Cucinelli Linen Pleated Pants
- Jacques Marie Mage Mojave Sunglasses
- Jacquemus Le Polo Bacino La Casa Shirt
- Tom Ford Printed Cheetah Swim Short
- Luca Faloni Portofino Linen Shirt
- Loro Piana Baseball Cap
- Brioni Men’s Journey Gabardine Pants
- Saint Laurent Pepe Slides
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label Silk-Linen Sweater
- Zegna Light Beige Premium Cotton Polo Shirt
- Manolo Blahnik Mario Leather-Trimmed Raffia Loafers
Dolce & Gabbana Linen Suit Jacket and Linen Suit Trouser
The epitome of Sicilian dapperness, this unstructured linen duo from D&G’s Palermo collection marries relaxed construction with refined touches. The softly tailored jacket flaunts a breezy yet elegant silhouette, while the twill trousers are crisp in front yet comfortable enough for seaside lounging—for those who prefer sipping Aperol over fretting about wrinkles.
Christian Louboutin Paquepapa Espadrilles
Only the provocateurs at Louboutin could subvert the humble espadrille into something so decadently continental. Made for transitioning from beach dalliances to evening yacht indulgences in unabashed glamour, these suede Paquepapa slip-ons blend the ease of a traditional Spanish peasant slipper with unmistakable Parisian luxury, courtesy of those iconic red-lacquered soles.
Loewe XL Puzzle Fold Tote in Raffia
This artisan-woven raffia tote is a transforming carryall for the discerning gentleman explorer. Sleekly collapsible yet roomy enough to stash Provençal antique market finds, it’s the perfect portable wardrobe with soft calfskin handles for juggling wardrobes between chichi Saint-Tropez soirées and beachside fêtes without missing a beat.
Brunello Cucinelli Linen Pleated Pants
These breathable yet tailored Italian linen pants from Cucinelli bottle the essence of la dolce vita. The crisp pleated front whispers refinement for channeling your poetic side while penning villa prose in Positano. But the laid-back, slouchy cut guarantees comfort while wandering ancient olive groves with a glass of rosé in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Jacques Marie Mage Mojave Sunglasses
Part rebel cowboy, part Italian artisan, these intricately carved acetate frames marry rugged Americana with continental European craftsmanship. The ornate Western-inspired details—like turquoise inlays and bucking bronco motifs—are made for swashbuckling adventures, whether chartering a Côte d’Azur catamaran or squinting across your seaside villa’s rosé-soaked terrace.
Jacquemus Le Polo Bacino La Casa Shirt
This boxy viscose-knit polo is a love letter to the languorous spirit of the Riviera. The short, elbow-baring sleeves and buttonless collar cut an easygoing yet clean silhouette made for kicking back aboard Saint-Tropez yachts or stretching out at Juan-les-Pins cafés. It’s the perfect topper for showing off your hard-earned golden tan from cruising the serpentine coastline in a convertible.
Tom Ford Printed Cheetah Swim Short
When in the Riviera, unrepentant exhibitionism is simply de rigueur—and nothing personifies louche indulgence quite like these boldly printed Tom Ford swim trunks. Imagine slipping them on for champagne-soaked cabana debauchery in Cannes before transitioning to even more intimate megayacht affairs off Monaco’s gilded shores.
Luca Faloni Portofino Linen Shirt
This breathable yet elevated linen button-down is Italian seaside style, perfected. Crafted by master Ligurian weavers in sun-soaked hues from pastel neutrals to rich Mediterranean shades, it’s the ideal laid-back layer for charming village strolls or al fresco rosé-fueled revelry along the coastline. Subtle one-piece collar and mother-of-pearl button details reveal your cultivated continental tastes.
Loro Piana Baseball Cap
Epitomizing Riviera cool, this impeccably crafted linen six-panel baseball cap flaunts Loro Piana’s peerless Italian heritage with modern flair. From the subtle tonal embroidery to the palladium ring and hand-sewn accents, it’s a luxurious take on an iconic shape made for exploring or manning the top deck in style.
Brioni Men’s Journey Gabardine Pants
When your Riviera agenda calls for juggling decadent sailings with polished shore explorations, let Brioni’s versatile Journey pants be your seaside companion. The elasticated waistband and streamlined construction are tailored for laid-back comfort aboard yachts, while retaining enough sophistication for wandering the pastel cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast.
Saint Laurent Pepe Slides
These leather two-strap slides are a reinvented classic that will seamlessly take you from cabana to beach club to evenings of overindulgent Riviera decadence without sacrificing an ounce of Saint Laurent’s inimitable style. Pair with printed swim shorts or casual suiting for the pinnacle of louche luxury.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Silk-Linen Sweater
This fine-knit mulberry silk-linen sweater is a timeless expression of Italian Riviera refinement from Ralph Lauren’s esteemed Purple Label. The streamlined silhouette and neutral hue complement the warm, healthy glow earned from sun-drenched afternoons poolside at the palazzo.
Zegna Light Beige Premium Cotton Polo Shirt
Zegna’s premium cotton polo embodies the warmth of the Mediterranean sun through its cozy honeycomb texture, while breathable long-staple fibers keep you eternally cool and chic. The buttonless polo collar and short sleeves lend a modern touch—ideal for effortlessly transitioning from shipboard leisure to evening aperitivi on the sun-dappled piazza. Pair with crisp linen shorts or tropical-weight tailoring for the epitome of seaside sprezzatura.
Manolo Blahnik Mario Leather-Trimmed Raffia Loafers
Manolo Blahnik’s Mario raffia loafers masterfully blend the sophistication of a classic penny loafer with the laid-back spirit of a traditional Mediterranean espadrille. The breathable, texture-rich raffia uppers with leather trims conjure visions of whiling away sun-drenched afternoons in idyllic seaside villages.
