The authentic and timeless world of Ralph Lauren
May 2026
RL/Women

Packing for Paradise

Why the fantasy of a vacation wardrobe is its own pleasure worth savoring.
The plane tickets are purchased. The hotel is booked. Calendars are cleared. All that’s left is the actual planning; finding that quaint, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the after-hours boîte, the hidden flea market, and the postcard-perfect beach spot to fill up the itinerary. Inevitably, the question of what to wear arises. Take, for example, the French Riviera, which set the scene for the Spring 2026 women’s Polo campaign. The area has a rich history of style inspiration, in film, literature, music, and art. Some references, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night, are approaching the century mark. And yet the influences are as modern and relevant as ever, be it a striped marinière, a simple maillot, or a big straw sun hat. As spring break marches on and the promise of summer travel begins to peek through the horizon, we’ve compiled a French holiday–inspired packing list to top them all. —Shannon Adducci
The Packing List
Côte d'Azur Chic
Planning vacation looks should involve some daydreaming: Will you pack that rattan clutch and dramatic sun hat to complement all the handwoven raffia fixtures at La Réserve à la Plage? Which sundress will take you from a tour at Château Minuty to dinner at La Brigantine? How can you cinch your pareo to channel Romy Schneider while sipping a Piscine at La Ponche? Perhaps you are a Zelda, with a scarf tied jauntily over your shoulders sur la côte at Belle Rives, or a Rosemary Hoyt, coy in kitten heels among the imposing grandeur of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Or even a pixie-haired, chambray-clad Jean Seberg à la Bonjour Tristesse. The French Riviera may be replete with inspiration, but dreaming up the narrative of any getaway, one bikini at a time, is a reminder that sometimes anticipation is the best part.
Polo Play Leather Shoulder Bag
€ 445.00
Plaid Panelled Sleeveless Dress
€ 595.00 € 417.00
Polo Play Leather Thong Sandal
€ 295.00 € 207.00
Classic Fit Linen Shirt
€ 185.00
Logo Paisley Cotton Bandanna
€ 85.00 € 68.00

Related Story

RACING ON THE RIVIERA

In the summer of 1981, a Frenchman bet an American he could beat him in a boat race off the coast of Saint-Tropez. Their friendly little wager created what might be the world’s most beautiful regatta.
By Josh Condon
Read Now
Ways to Wear
Tropez All Day
There are things one might wear while on vacation that could seem out of reach back home, in day-to-day life (sarongs, wide-brimmed hats, and backless dresses come to mind). But with the right styling and an adventurous attitude, plenty of fashion flings can go into seasonal rotation. Here, three whimsical pieces to bring from vacation to every-day.
Nº 1
The Wrap Pant
A breezy piece in linen, Polo’s wrap pant conjures images of walks along the beach and tropical sunset cocktails. We’ll take that version of the pant when we can, but with a white button-down shirt, cable-knit cardigan, and neck scarf, it’s suddenly a clever day-to-night spring ensemble.
Cable-Knit Cotton Short-Sleeve Cardigan
€ 225.00
Relaxed Fit Cotton Shirt
€ 185.00
Tie-Front Wrap Trouser
Nº 2
The Big Scarf
Perhaps the easiest piece to bring home from a getaway is a scarf. On vacation it’s worn as a head covering for boat outings, or as a nonchalant wrap in the evening. At home, tie it around the waist with a flourish. It’s bound to be the accessory of the season, wherever one may go.
Floral-Print Silk Shirt
€ 395.00
Beaton Stretch-Cotton Trousers
€ 245.00 € 196.00
Beaded Leather Kitten Heel Sandal
€ 495.00 € 347.00
A Few More Things
Sun's Out
It’s the finishing touches that really nail a vacation wardrobe. This time around, choose staples with a graphic, vintage lean that announce the season, such as a pair of sporty sunnies with a vintage cat-eye or oval shape, a bring-everywhere straw bag, or a striped towel with a postcard-inspired design.
Polo Sport Beach Towel
€ 80.00
Shannon Adducci is a writer and fashion editor based in New York. Her work has appeared in Elle, GQ, Departures, Robb Report, WWD, and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
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