Lessons in Grace: Summer Must-Haves
In terms of fashion and beauty, Princess Grace embraced a "less is more" aesthetic. Her influential summer style captured her relaxed, playful side, whether on holiday in Montego Bay or in her French Riviera summer house "Les Moulins de Villars.” With our muse as inspiration, we explore some essential must-haves that embody the ease of summertime à la Grace Kelly.
FASHION
Button-down shirts
A quintessential element of Princess Grace's summer attire was the button-down shirt. She opted for structured, well-tailored shirts in natural fabrics like cotton and linen, perfect for staying cool in warmer climates. Whether in classic white, soft pastels, or muted neutrals, these shirts provided a versatile base for her outfits. A timeless staple, look for button-down shirts with well-constructed collars, plackets, and hems. Choose a relaxed fit to emulate Princess Grace's laid-back beach style.
Tailored shorts
Princess Grace's summer wardrobe featured tailored shorts that balanced comfort and sophistication. She favored high-waisted cuts with a flattering, structured silhouette. These shorts were paired effortlessly with button-down shirts, simple blouses, or t-shirts. To dupe the vibes, choose shorts with clean lines and minimal details. The emphasis should be on finding the perfect fit and selecting fabrics with structural integrity. The benefit of a sturdy fabric is that it will give the cut of the garment a cleaner look.
Easy Summer Dresses
Even in a casual setting, Princess Grace's dresses combined simplicity with elegance. She favored light, flowing fabrics with minimal detailing. Sundresses and shirtdresses in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or jersey knit strike the right effortless balance. Opt for classic silhouettes that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Again, finding the perfect fit is the key to comfort and looking flawless.
ACCESSORIES
Silk scarves
Princess Grace was renowned for her chic use of scarves and was rarely seen without one. She tied them delicately around her neck, draped over the shoulders, or used as a hair accessory (as a headband or to protect her hairstyle.) Through her use of scarves, she injected the most pattern, color, and print to effortlessly elevate her ensembles. On vacation, silk scarves, like the Monogram Mediterranean Blue, are easy to pack and deliver on versatile refinement. A silk twilly, like the Yellow Gold Promenade, easily transitions from headband to chic necktie to elegant handbag accessory. Embrace this timeless accessory and opt for 100% silk, especially in summer, to benefit from the fabric's light, breathable properties.
Pearls
The lustrous simplicity of pearls perfectly complemented Princess Grace’s accessible summertime attire, adding a touch of sophistication without overpowering her looks. These natural, iridescent gems seamlessly matched her lightweight dresses, tailored shorts, and crisp button-down shirts, demonstrating that even in the relaxed ease of summer, pearls can add a subtle yet unmistakable elegance to any outfit.
Sunglasses
See the world through a new lens – where elegance meets innovation. Coming soon to Grace de Monaco.
BEAUTY
Makeup
Princess Grace's makeup routine was renowned for emphasizing her innate beauty rather than overshadowing it. In the summer, she embraced an even more fresh-faced look, opting for seemingly minimal makeup that allowed her radiant skin to take center stage. Get the look by using her double blush method to contour and highlight your bone structure. Sculpt using a darker shade of blush in the hollow of the cheeks and a lighter, brighter shade on the highest points of the cheekbones. Coat your lashes in mascara to define the eyes. Finish with a tinted lip balm or a bright shade of a classic red lipstick like Dior Rouge 999, a Princess Grace favorite. Complete every look with a signature scent like Promenade Sur Le Rocher or take our fragrance quiz to discover your perfect scent.
Sun Protection
As an enthusiastic supporter of Lancaster, Monaco’s prestigious suncare brand, Princess Grace knew that protecting her porcelain complexion was paramount, especially under the Mediterranean sun. Protecting her porcelain complexion was paramount, especially under the Mediterranean sun. Today, prioritize your skin's health with advanced SPF formulations that offer broad-spectrum protection while hydrating and nourishing the skin. Sun protection coupled with a chic, wide-brimmed hat and stylish sunglasses will ensure you stay flawless and radiant throughout the summer months.
Princess Grace's summer must-haves transcend fleeting trends and embody the essence of enduring style that’s easy to emulate in modern times. She knew that when aiming for polish and sophistication, simplicity will never fail you.
Photo Credit
Image from "To Catch a Thief" and also features Cary Grant.
