What Fashion Is Really Like in the South of France

European style has been romanticized throughout Americans' social media for quite some time. Many influencers have portrayed the South of France style as classy and chic. The truth is, authentic South of France fashion is not about aligning with trends and keeping up with luxury designers. While, of course, different parts of the South of France have cultures that drastically contrast one another. Fashion in Cannes is not the same as it is in Marseille. Where there is more luxury shopping, popularity, and tourism, fashion will be well-aligned with how influencers portray South of France style. However, I choose to write this because I want to show you all the beauty of the unseen fashion and culture of the authentic small villages that have remained unchanged by modern tourism. 

Trends, luxury, and fast fashion are not what make up authentic South of France fashion. Instead, the locals invest in organic, long-lasting fabrics of cotton and linen. They do not define fashion as a part of fitting in with the trends circulating throughout social media, but rather as what is practical to buy. It is not the norm to buy from fast-fashion websites. Instead, most clothing is handmade by local seamstresses living in the region. I think many might question: how exactly is this self-expressing or authentic? Locals in the region are wearing clothes that reflect their personal culture, aligning with a style that reflects who they are. Their ancestors chose to style themselves in a way that allowed them to be present with nature, work, cook, and essentially live life the way it was designed to be lived. I love the South of France because life is lived so simplistically, which aligns with their style.