A bicycle makes it easy to turn an ordinary ride into a day outside with a picnic along the way. A blanket, something to eat and a few essentials can fit into a basket or pannier without needing to plan a complicated outing.

The route can be part of the experience. Country lanes, canal paths, coastal cycle routes and quieter roads through farmland all provide opportunities to stop somewhere away from busy traffic.

A bicycle basket works well for lighter items such as bread, fruit and flowers picked up along the way. Heavier things are better carried in panniers or securely attached to a rear rack so that the bicycle remains comfortable to ride.

Food can stay simple. Sandwiches, bread and cheese, fruit, pastries and something to drink travel well and require little preparation. Another option is to stop at a bakery, market or farm shop during the ride and build the picnic from whatever you find locally.

A blanket makes it possible to stop almost anywhere suitable, from a field edge to a riverbank or shaded area beneath trees. In warmer weather, finding shade can be more important than choosing a particularly scenic spot.

Distance matters less than having enough time to stop. A short ride with a long picnic can make just as good a day outside as covering many kilometres.

Cycling also changes how you experience an area. Smaller roads and paths become accessible and it is easier to stop when you see a market, an interesting village or simply somewhere that looks good for lunch.

With a bicycle, a packed blanket and a few things to eat, a picnic can become part of the journey rather than the destination.

#BikePicnic #Cycling #Countryside #PicnicIdeas #StepOutside

An outfit can contain several different fabrics without looking overly complicated when the materials have clearly different surfaces. Smooth fabric, soft knitwear, fringe and woven textiles each add something different, even when the colours come from the same palette.

The easiest combinations use contrast. A fine printed fabric can sit next to a heavier knit, while velvet or brushed materials work well with lighter cotton and flowing fabrics. Tassels and fringe add another texture without introducing an entirely new garment.

Print can be treated in the same way. Several patterns can work together when some are small and detailed and others are larger or more graphic. Keeping a few colours consistent across the fabrics helps connect pieces that are otherwise quite different.

This approach works particularly well with pink, terracotta, green, cream and muted brown. These shades can move between lightweight and heavier fabrics, making layered dressing less dependent on one particular season.

Instead of matching every material, the interest comes from combining surfaces that are visibly different from one another.

Discover Marrakech

Textiles are part of the visual character of Marrakech, from patterned fabrics and cushions to tassels, woven details and richly coloured interiors.

→ Discover more of Marrakech

#TexturedFashion #LayeredFabrics #TextileDetails #BohemianStyle #Marrakech #LesCouleursBohemes

The Seychelles may look like a classic tropical escape, but there is considerably more variety between the islands than the photographs of white beaches suggest.

Mahé is the largest island and the main arrival point, combining beaches with mountainous interiors, local markets and the small capital of Victoria. Praslin has a quieter character and is home to the Vallée de Mai, where the distinctive coco de mer palm grows naturally.

La Digue changes the pace again. Bicycles are a common way to get around and huge granite formations create some of the Seychelles' most recognisable coastal scenery.

The surrounding Indian Ocean is just as important. Snorkelling and boat trips reveal coral, tropical fish and sea turtles, while conservation projects across the archipelago protect habitats both on land and in the water.

With more than one island worth exploring, choosing the right location for your stay can make a significant difference to the trip.

→ Planning a stay in the Seychelles?
Find stays in the Seychelles with Les Couleurs du Monde Travel.

#Seychelles #IndianOcean #IslandTravel #Mahe #Praslin #LaDigue #TravelAndEscapes #TravelWithLesCouleursDuMonde

The most interesting detail of this maxi dress is the contrast between length and exposed skin. The long, fluid skirt creates coverage, while the cut-outs around the body make the silhouette feel lighter and more suited to warm Mediterranean dressing.

The Sandswept Spine Dress uses this contrast particularly well. From the front, the long skirt and halter-style neckline create an elongated silhouette. At the sides and back, open sections break up the fabric and give the dress a much lighter appearance.

This also changes how a neutral colour works. Beige, sand and stone can sometimes appear quite understated when used across an entire long dress. Showing sections of skin introduces contrast without adding another colour or print.

For Mediterranean destinations, this type of construction is particularly useful. The dress can work around a hotel or pool during the day, then move into lunch or an informal evening with a change of accessories. Flat sandals and minimal jewellery keep it casual, while metallic sandals or stronger earrings give it a more dressed-up direction.

It is a good example of how the shape of a garment can create interest when the colour palette remains simple.

Shop the Collection

→ Sandswept Spine Dress

Continue to the Turkish Mediterranean Coast

The same approach to warm-weather dressing fits naturally along Turkey's Mediterranean coast, where beaches, coastal towns and waterside stays make lightweight clothing part of the destination.

→ Discover the Turkish Mediterranean Coast in our fourth edition

#AuralesBohemian #MediterraneanStyle #MaxiDress #TravelStyle #TurkishRiviera

Artists can turn an ordinary place into an interesting subject simply by changing the way it is observed and represented. A window, an empty room, a street corner or a familiar landscape can become the starting point for painting, photography or illustration.

Composition plays an important role in this process. Framing a view through a doorway or window can isolate part of a landscape and direct attention towards details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Light, colour and the position of a person or object within the scene can further change how the place is perceived.

This is one reason artists do not necessarily need remarkable surroundings to create interesting work. Everyday environments provide subjects, textures and compositions that can be interpreted in many different ways. The creative element lies in deciding what to show and how to show it.

Inspired to look at places from a different perspective?
Discover Travel Photography →

#ArtAndPlace #CreativePhotography #VisualArt #Composition #ArtAndCulture

Gold does not have to be reserved for jewellery. Used as part of the clothing itself, it can function almost like a neutral and bring warmth to prints, natural fabrics and stronger colours.

A gold skirt or pair of trousers may look like a statement piece on its own, but the way it is combined determines how prominent it becomes. With a printed top in purple, blue or rust, gold becomes part of a richer palette rather than the only focus of the outfit.

This works particularly well with prints containing several colours. Instead of trying to match one shade exactly, gold can sit alongside the entire pattern. It gives geometric, floral and decorative prints a common base and makes unexpected colour combinations easier to wear.

Texture matters too. Matte or softly reflective gold has a very different effect from sequins or high-shine metallic fabric. In linen, silk, woven fabrics or softly structured materials, the colour can work surprisingly well during the day.

Accessories can continue the idea without needing to match perfectly. Brass jewellery, an aged gold cuff or a belt with a metal buckle can repeat the warmth of the clothing while still allowing different finishes to sit together.

Gold can also replace some of the more predictable neutrals in a travel wardrobe. A gold skirt worn with a printed halter top creates one look, while the same piece with a white shirt, black top or simple knit becomes considerably more understated.

The interesting part is treating gold as a colour to combine, rather than something that automatically makes an outfit formal.

Discover Sri Lanka

The combination of saturated colour, decorative pattern, warm metallic tones and natural materials also makes an interesting introduction to Sri Lanka, where the fourth edition explores the island from its landscapes and wildlife to its beaches and cultural sites.

→ Discover Sri Lanka in the fifth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde.

#GoldFashion #ColourInFashion #PrintedFashion #StatementStyle #LesCouleursSauvages

The Algarve is usually associated with its coastline, but travelling inland quickly changes the experience. Away from the beaches, roads and tracks lead through rolling hills, woodland and small villages where tourism is considerably less visible.

A 4x4 is particularly suited to exploring these rural areas. Instead of moving between the Algarve's familiar coastal stops, a day can be spent following quieter routes through the interior, stopping at viewpoints and discovering landscapes that are easily missed when travelling mainly along the coast.

This also makes an interesting starting point for a longer journey through southern Portugal. Continue north and the landscape gradually opens into the Alentejo, known for vineyards, cork oak forests, historic towns and a much lower population density.

One of the region's essential stops is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city and European Capital of Culture 2027. Its Roman temple, historic centre and surrounding wine country make it a natural contrast to the Algarve and an interesting next chapter of the same Portuguese journey.

→ Continue the journey in Évora and discover more of the Alentejo in the second edition of Les Couleurs du Monde Magazine.

#Algarve #Portugal #Alentejo #Évora #RoadTripPortugal #TravelAndEscapes #TravelWithLesCouleursDuMonde

Black can be useful in a summer wardrobe when the fabric is light enough to let the pieces underneath remain visible. Instead of treating it as a solid block of colour, an open or semi-sheer layer introduces contrast while retaining the relaxed character of beach dressing.

The Bohemian Allure Nights is a good example. Its open construction and fringed edges allow it to be worn over swimwear without covering the complete outfit. Against pale sand, stone and white, the darker colour becomes the strongest element of the look.

That contrast can also be used away from swimwear. Combined with the Medina Dreams Trousers, black creates a sharper alternative to the usual all-neutral coastal palette. The same layer can later be worn over a simple dress, shorts or a fitted top.

Jewellery changes the direction again. The CocoCharm Beach Necklace and Sandstone Boho Necklace introduce natural tones and texture, making black easier to combine with the browns, creams and woven materials already common in a travel wardrobe.

The Dreamcatcher Flowy Escape provides another way to work with the same idea. Instead of adding more colour, details such as fringe, open fabric and an unusual silhouette create the interest.

The result shows that summer contrast does not have to come from bright colour. Black, cream and natural textures can provide enough variation on their own.

Shop the Collection

→ Bohemian Allure Nights
→ Medina Dreams Trousers
→ CocoCharm Beach Necklace
→ Sandstone Boho Necklace
→ Dreamcatcher Flowy Escape

Discover Sumba

For a different take on island dressing, Sumba combines remote beaches, natural landscapes and a distinctly relaxed setting away from Indonesia's busier destinations.

→ Discover Sumba in our fifth edition

#AuralesBohemian #SummerStyle #BlackBeachwear #TravelWardrobe #BohemianStyle

Packing fewer pieces becomes easier when the tops and trousers are chosen to work across several combinations. Cream, sand and soft neutral shades provide a useful base because the pieces can be exchanged without having to rethink the entire outfit.

For men, the Boho Sleeveless Summer Shirt introduces a more relaxed alternative to the classic summer shirt. Combined with the Medina Dreams Trousers, the sleeveless shape balances the volume of the trousers and keeps the outfit suitable for warmer days.

The same principle works differently for women. The Earthy Elegance Top can be combined with the Sandy Shore Drift Pants for a simple tonal look. Here, proportion becomes more important than colour: a shorter or more fitted top gives relaxed trousers more structure.

The advantage of these combinations becomes clearer when packing. The trousers do not need to remain part of one predetermined outfit. Neutral bottoms can work with white shirts, swimwear, crochet tops or lightweight layers already in the suitcase.

Accessories can then determine the direction. Leather sandals and a woven bag make the combination more casual, while jewellery, a structured bag or different footwear can make the same neutral pieces suitable for lunch or an evening out.

Building a travel wardrobe this way means thinking in separates first and complete outfits second, which can create more combinations from fewer pieces.

Shop the Collection

→ Boho Sleeveless Summer Shirt
→ Medina Dreams Trousers
→ Sandy Shore Drift Pants
→ Earthy Elegance Top

Discover Malta

A wardrobe built around interchangeable separates works particularly well in Malta, where a day can combine historic streets, coastal stops and time by the water.

→ Discover Malta in our fourth edition

#AuralesBohemian #TravelWardrobe #NeutralStyle #MensStyle #WomensStyle #TravelFashion

Texture can do the work that print usually does in a summer outfit. When a shirt and shorts are made in the same warm brown shade, the open weave becomes the element that prevents the combination from looking flat.

The Dusk Mahogany Shirt uses texture across a familiar short-sleeved shape. Combined with the matching Dusk Mahogany Short, it creates a coordinated look without relying on patterns, logos or contrasting colours.

Wearing the two pieces together also changes how the set is perceived. Rather than looking like separate basics, the repeated fabric creates a complete silhouette. Leaving the shirt open or partly unbuttoned makes the styling more relaxed, while wearing it closed gives the set a cleaner appearance.

The individual pieces can then work separately. The shirt can be paired with cream or white trousers, while the shorts work with a simple white or sand-coloured shirt. This gives a coordinated set more possibilities when travelling.

Accessories do not need to compete with the fabric. Leather sandals, sunglasses and a simple necklace or bracelet are enough. The warm mahogany shade also works easily with natural materials such as raffia, canvas and leather.

It is a useful example of how fabric choice can replace pattern in warm-weather menswear and make a monochrome outfit more interesting without making it more complicated.

Shop the Collection

→ Dusk Mahogany Shirt
→ Dusk Mahogany Short

Discover Susafa in Sicily

The natural palette also works particularly well in a rural Mediterranean setting. Susafa, surrounded by the wheat fields and olive groves of central Sicily, takes the story from summer dressing to a stay shaped by the surrounding landscape.

→ Discover Susafa in Sicily in our fifth edition

#AuralesBohemian #MensStyle #SummerMenswear #Texture #MonochromeStyle #TravelWardrobe

When clothing is built around a small palette, accessories become more noticeable. This is particularly true with beachwear, where an outfit may consist of only swimwear and one lightweight layer.

The combination of olive swimwear and the camel Camel Coastline Kaftan already brings together two natural shades. Adding accessories in wood, rope or woven materials introduces a different texture rather than another colour.

A belt is particularly useful because it can change the shape of loose clothing. Worn around a kaftan, oversized shirt or lightweight dress, it creates more definition at the waist. Removed again, the same piece returns to a relaxed beach silhouette. This makes belts an interesting addition when packing pieces that need to work in several ways.

Scale also matters. A wide wooden buckle or substantial woven belt has more visual impact against simple fabrics than several small accessories worn together. When one accessory provides the main detail, jewellery and bags can remain understated.

The Desert Serenity Bralette and Desert Serenity Under show how muted green can work as an alternative to traditional black, white or brightly coloured swimwear. Combined with camel and natural accessories, the colour remains distinctive without becoming difficult to coordinate.

This approach makes a neutral beach wardrobe less dependent on having many different clothes. Changing the belt, bag or jewellery can give the same swimwear and cover-up a different direction.

Shop the Collection

→ Camel Coastline Kaftan
→ Desert Serenity Under
→ Desert Serenity Bralette
→ Explore Belts & Accents

Discover Pula

Take the neutral beach wardrobe to Croatia, where Pula combines Adriatic beaches, swimming and coastal stays with a historic city setting.

→ Discover Pula in our fourth edition

#AuralesBohemian #BeachStyle #BeachAccessories #NeutralStyle #Swimwear #BohemianFashion

A limited colour palette can make a travel wardrobe much easier to combine, but it does not have to mean wearing one colour from head to toe. Olive, cream, sand and white work particularly well together because each shade can be used independently while still fitting into the same wardrobe.

The contrast is important. An olive cropped blouse immediately gives light trousers more definition, while cream or sand softens the darker green. Reversing the combination works just as well: an off-white shirt with olive trousers creates a different outfit using essentially the same palette.

This is particularly useful when packing. Instead of planning complete outfits, choose separates that can be exchanged. The Wild Willow Ivy Blouse can be worn with the Sandstorm Dreamer Pants, while the Whispering Breeze Shirt works with the Dune Trail Pants. The trousers can then be combined with other white, beige or green tops already in the suitcase.

Different proportions also prevent a small colour palette from becoming repetitive. A cropped top with wide trousers creates a very different silhouette from a longer loose shirt with tapered trousers.

Accessories can introduce a third element without changing the palette. Brown leather, woven materials, gold jewellery and natural canvas all work easily with olive and neutral shades.

The result is a travel wardrobe built around interchangeable pieces rather than fixed outfits, which gives four simple separates considerably more possibilities.

Shop the Collection

→ Wild Willow Ivy Blouse
→ Sandstorm Dreamer Pants
→ Whispering Breeze Shirt
→ Dune Trail Pants

Discover Southwest Wales

The olive and natural palette also works particularly well for countryside and coastal travel, where practical separates can be layered and combined throughout the day.

→ Discover Southwest Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast in our fourth edition

#AuralesBohemian #TravelWardrobe #OliveGreen #NeutralStyle #BohemianFashion

Early autumn is one of the easiest times of year to continue spending long stretches of the day outside. The intense heat of summer has started to ease, but lunches, coffee in the garden and afternoons outdoors can still remain part of everyday life.

Breakfast is an easy place to start. On mild mornings, taking coffee and something simple outside can extend the use of a terrace or garden well beyond summer. A cardigan or blanket nearby is usually enough when the morning air feels cooler.

Lunch can still be served outdoors too. Instead of changing the entire setting for autumn, small seasonal details can make the table feel appropriate for the time of year. Mustard, rust, brown and deeper greens work naturally alongside wooden furniture, ceramics and simple glassware.

Comfort becomes more important as temperatures change. Blankets on chairs and cushions on benches allow people to stay outside longer without needing to move indoors as soon as the temperature drops.

The garden itself is changing at this point in the year. Leaves begin to turn, late flowers remain in bloom and autumn produce starts appearing in markets and gardens. These seasonal changes can become part of the outdoor setting without adding much decoration.

Later in the day, a warmer layer and a few outdoor lights can extend an afternoon into the evening. If the weather remains dry, there is little reason for outdoor tables and seating areas to be packed away as soon as summer ends.

Autumn outdoor living can be very simple: breakfast in the morning sun, lunch beneath a tree or an extra hour outside with a book and a blanket.

Looking for a place where outdoor living is part of everyday life?
Discover Provence and the Luberon in our fourth edition →

#AutumnOutdoors #OutdoorLiving #AutumnGarden #GardenLiving #StepOutside

The Var is one of those destinations where a summer holiday does not have to revolve around a single resort or beach. The coastline stretches between busy seaside towns, smaller coves, long beaches, islands and villages that sit only a short drive inland.

That variety makes it particularly suited to exploring. A day can begin at the coast before continuing to a local market, a vineyard or one of the Provençal villages behind the Mediterranean. On another day, a boat can take you towards the islands or a different part of the coastline.

The atmosphere also changes considerably as you travel through the region. Hyères and its surroundings provide access to beaches, islands and watersports, while further east the Golfe de Saint-Tropez combines coastal life with villages, restaurants and countryside.

Food is naturally part of the journey. Markets, small restaurants, beach lunches and local wines make it easy to discover the Var through individual stops rather than following a fixed itinerary.

For a longer stay, that is perhaps the greatest advantage of the region. You can choose a different direction each day while remaining within the same part of southern France.

Discover More in the Magazine

Where should you swim, stay, explore and spend a day along the coast?

Our Summer in the Var feature brings together beaches, islands, coastal experiences, local places and ideas for exploring the region.

→ Read Summer in the Var in the fifth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde Magazine

Plan Your Stay

Planning a summer stay in the Var? Find hotels and stays across the region with Les Couleurs du Monde Travel.

→ Find stays with Les Couleurs du Monde Travel

#LesCouleursDuMonde #TheVar #CotedAzur #FrenchRiviera #SouthOfFrance #Mediterranean

A long white dress does not need to be reserved for evenings or special occasions. With a relaxed fit and lightweight fabric, it can become a practical option for daytime dressing in warmer destinations.

The Wild Heart Boho Bliss combines a long skirt with an open neckline, defined waist and overlapping front. These details prevent the volume of the dress from feeling too heavy and make walking more comfortable.

For daytime, the styling can remain straightforward. Flat leather sandals, a woven bag and simple jewellery are enough. A hat can be added when spending more time outside, while a lightweight shirt provides an extra layer if needed.

White also makes the dress easy to combine with different accessories. Tan and brown keep the palette neutral, while turquoise, green or metallic jewellery can introduce colour without changing the complete outfit.

A dress like this is particularly useful on days that include several activities. It can work for breakfast at a hotel, exploring a village, visiting a vineyard or stopping for lunch without requiring a different outfit for each setting.

That makes it a practical choice for Mediterranean travel, where dressing for the day is often more useful than planning separate looks for every stop.

Shop the Collection

→ Wild Heart Boho Bliss

Discover

Discover Omodos, a village in Cyprus's Troodos Mountains known for its stone houses, local wine traditions and surrounding vineyards.

→ Explore Omodos in the fourth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde

#AuralesBohemian #WhiteDress #SummerDress #MediterraneanStyle #Omodos #Cyprus

Rust and terracotta sit between brown, orange and red, which makes them surprisingly easy colours to use in accessories. They introduce more colour than a traditional neutral while still combining well with many natural shades.

Jewellery is an easy way to use these tones. Wood, stone, resin and beads can all carry variations of rust and terracotta, with differences in surface and finish creating depth even when several pieces are worn together.

A wide bracelet can work as the main accessory with a simple dress or sleeveless top. Smaller bracelets can be stacked, while earrings or necklaces in similar tones can repeat the colour elsewhere without requiring an exact match.

These shades combine particularly well with cream, sand, olive, denim and chocolate brown. In summer they work with linen and lightweight cotton, while during the cooler months the same jewellery can be worn with knitwear, suede and leather.

This makes rust and terracotta useful beyond a single season, particularly for a wardrobe built around natural colours and materials.

Discover jewellery in natural materials, warm colours and decorative finishes in the Les Couleurs du Monde shop.

→ Explore Jewellery

#Terracotta #RustAccessories #Jewellery #NaturalJewellery #BohemianAccessories #LesCouleursBohemes

The coast around Saint-Tropez is worth experiencing after dark as well as during the day. Away from the busiest terraces, the waterfront becomes quieter and the open Gulf provides a wide view of the night sky.

The experience changes considerably with the lunar cycle. A bright moon can illuminate the Mediterranean and create a visible reflection across the water, while nights with less moonlight make stars easier to see.

You do not need a particular viewpoint. A beach, harbour wall or waterfront promenade with an unobstructed view across the Gulf can be enough. On clear evenings, staying beside the water for a little longer after dinner is an easy way to see another side of the coast.

Stay Nearby

Planning a night or weekend around the Golfe de Saint-Tropez? Find a stay close to the coast and continue exploring after sunset.

→ Find a stay near Saint-Tropez

#SaintTropez #GolfedeSaintTropez #CotedAzur #FrenchRiviera #MediterraneanNights

Straps can become part of the construction of a dress rather than simply holding it in place. The Desert Dawn Dress uses multiple lines around the neckline, shoulders and back to introduce detail into an otherwise uncomplicated long silhouette.

From the front, the straps frame the upper body and contrast with the loose fabric below. The effect becomes more pronounced from the back, where the open construction exposes more skin and turns the straps into the main design feature.

This balance is particularly useful in a maxi dress. A large amount of fabric through the body can easily dominate the silhouette, but an open upper section makes the overall shape feel lighter.

It also means that little additional styling is required. Large necklaces or complicated layers around the neckline would compete with the construction. Simple earrings, bracelets, flat sandals and a small bag allow the straps to remain visible.

For warm coastal destinations, this type of dress can move between the beach, lunch and an evening near the water without relying on conventional beachwear.

Shop the Collection

→ Desert Dawn Dress

Discover

Discover summer in the Var, from Mediterranean beaches and coastal villages to the landscapes of the South of France.

→ Explore Summer in the Var in the fifth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde

#AuralesBohemian #SummerDress #MaxiDress #TheVar #SouthOfFrance #TravelStyle

Western references do not depend on the traditional palette of tan leather, denim and earthy colours. In black and white, familiar elements such as a wide-brim hat, metal studs, lace-up details and structured shirts become much more graphic.

Removing colour also makes individual details easier to notice. The outline of a hat becomes stronger, metal hardware stands out against dark fabric and the construction of a shirt or jacket becomes more visible.

This makes black and white useful for introducing Western elements without building an entire outfit around the theme. A black hat with a simple shirt, a studded belt with dark trousers or a Western-inspired jacket can provide enough reference on its own.

Texture prevents a limited palette from becoming flat. Denim, leather, sheer fabric, suede and metal each reflect light differently, even when the outfit contains almost no colour.

The result shows that Western style can be defined as much by shape, material and detail as by its familiar colour palette.

A Countryside Stay with Your Dog

For a completely different setting built around open landscapes, long walks and time outdoors, discover Beniaskie in West Masuria, Poland, a dog-friendly countryside stay surrounded by meadows, forests and lakes.

→ Discover Beniaskie in our fourth edition

#WesternStyle #BlackAndWhiteFashion #WesternDetails #BohemianFashion #CountrysideStyle #LesCouleursBohemes

The Kona Coast stretches along the western side of Hawaii's Big Island, where black lava fields meet surprisingly clear blue water. Its sunnier climate makes this one of the island's most popular areas to stay, but the landscape is very different from the classic image of a tropical island.

Days here can move between snorkelling, small beaches and drives through volcanic scenery. The coast is also closely connected to Hawaiian history and culture, something worth making part of a trip rather than focusing entirely on the resorts.

One of the area's most interesting stays takes a particularly strong approach to that connection, combining contemporary hospitality with Hawaiian traditions and a setting directly beside the Pacific.

Want to know where we stayed, what makes the Kona Coast different and why this part of the Big Island deserves more time?

→ Discover the Kona Coast and our featured stay in the fifth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde Magazine.
Read the feature in our fifth edition

Shop for the Destination

The colours of the Green Isles bikini fit naturally into a Kona Coast wardrobe, particularly for days spent around the water.

→ Shop the Green Isles Top
→ Shop the Green Isles Bottom

#KonaCoast #Hawaii #BigIsland #IslandTravel #TravelAndEscapes #TravelWithLesCouleursDuMonde

Statement jewellery can determine the direction of an outfit before the clothing does. A large necklace worn with simple white beachwear immediately becomes the focal point because there are few other colours or details competing for attention.

The Turquoise Lagoon Necklace uses multiple strands of beads combined with shell details, creating both volume and movement around the neckline. Its scale means that smaller necklaces or elaborate earrings are unnecessary.

White is particularly effective underneath turquoise. It creates a clean contrast and allows differences between the beads, shells and surrounding materials to remain visible.

Proportion matters here too. A substantial necklace works best when there is enough open space around the neckline. Halter tops, bandeau swimwear and simple dresses provide that space more effectively than clothing with complicated collars or prints.

The same principle can be used throughout a travel wardrobe. Instead of packing jewellery for every outfit, one distinctive piece can be worn with several simple combinations and change their character each time.

Shop the Collection

→ Turquoise Lagoon Necklace

Discover

Discover Panama, from its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to tropical landscapes and stays surrounded by nature.

→ Explore Panama in the fifth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde

#AuralesBohemian #StatementJewellery #TurquoiseJewellery #BeachStyle #Panama #TravelStyle

Striped shorts can provide the pattern in an outfit without requiring anything else to compete with them. This makes them particularly useful for beach dressing, where fewer pieces are usually worn and each one becomes more visible.

Fine stripes have a different effect from broad, high-contrast versions. From a distance they can almost read as a solid colour, while closer up the pattern becomes more apparent. Pale blue and white also work naturally with denim blue, navy, beige and white.

The vertical direction of the stripe adds another element. On relaxed shorts, it emphasises the length of the garment without making the pattern dominant.

For a beach day, the shorts can be worn alone with swimwear or combined with a loose white shirt when moving away from the water. Sandals, sunglasses and a hat are enough to complete the outfit.

This makes stripes particularly useful when packing for coastal destinations. They introduce pattern into a suitcase while still working with many of the same pieces as plain neutral shorts.

Shop the Collection

→ Explore Aurales Bohemian

Discover

Discover Ericeira, Portugal’s Atlantic coastal town known for surfing, cliffs and beaches, with Immerso Hotel just outside the centre.

→ Explore Coastal Ericeira in the third edition of Les Couleurs du Monde

#AuralesBohemian #MensStyle #StripedShorts #Beachwear #Ericeira #Portugal

A hat can be both a practical and distinctive part of dressing for an outdoor wedding. Wide-brimmed styles work particularly well for celebrations in the countryside, where ceremonies, drinks and dinner may all take place outside.

For the bride, a hat can provide an alternative to a traditional veil. White, cream and natural tones work easily with lace and lighter bridal fabrics, while a more structured hat can create contrast with a softer dress.

Guests can take the same approach. Neutral felt, straw and woven styles can complement summer dresses, tailoring and relaxed occasionwear without making the outfit feel overly formal.

The surroundings matter too. Countryside weddings, vineyard celebrations and rural estates provide a natural setting for hats, particularly when much of the day takes place outdoors.

In regions such as the Basque Country, where the coast quickly gives way to green countryside, vineyards and rural landscapes, this type of wedding style can fit naturally into the setting.

A Wedding in the Basque Country

Planning an outdoor wedding or celebration? The Basque Country combines coastal locations with green countryside, vineyards and rural stays that work particularly well for celebrations outside.

→ Discover the Basque Country in our fourth edition.

#OutdoorWedding #WeddingHats #BridalStyle #CountrysideWedding #WeddingFashion #Lalaland

Cut-outs can change the proportions of a long dress without shortening it. Instead of relying on a high slit or a shorter hemline, openings around the waist and back introduce space within the silhouette itself.

The Sunbound Grace Dress uses this contrast clearly. Its full length and flowing skirt create volume while the fitted waist and open sections define the body underneath. The result is noticeably different from a conventional loose maxi dress.

The placement of the openings is important. At the waist, they visually separate the upper and lower parts of the dress. At the back, a larger opening reduces the amount of fabric while keeping the long silhouette intact.

This type of construction is particularly suited to warm destinations. It provides more coverage than a short dress but avoids the feeling of being completely enclosed in fabric, making it useful for lunches, walks through coastal towns and evenings near the sea.

Accessories can remain restrained. Flat sandals, a small bag and simple jewellery allow the construction of the dress to remain the strongest part of the outfit.

For destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, where a day can move between the waterfront, villages and dinner, a long dress with an open construction provides an alternative to changing outfits for each setting.

Shop the Collection

→ Sunbound Grace Dress

Discover

Discover the Amalfi Coast, from Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to the villages, lemon groves and traditions that define this part of southern Italy.

→ Explore the Amalfi Coast in the fourth edition of Les Couleurs du Monde

#AuralesBohemian #MaxiDress #CutOutDress #AmalfiCoast #ItalianStyle #TravelStyle

Oversized knitwear is defined by its cut, not simply by wearing a sweater several sizes too large. Dropped shoulders, wide sleeves, longer hems and generous necklines are usually built into the design of the garment.

This affects how the knit fits with the rest of an outfit. A wider upper half can be combined with straight or loose trousers, but the proportions need some definition. Visible ankles, a shorter trouser length or a partially tucked hem can prevent several loose pieces from merging into one shape.

Fabric makes a considerable difference. Fine knitwear falls closer to the body, while heavier wool and chunky stitches create more volume. Two sweaters with almost identical measurements can therefore produce very different silhouettes.

An oversized knit also requires fewer additional layers. A high neck can replace a scarf, while wide sleeves make fitted jackets more difficult to wear over it. A coat with enough room through the shoulders and sleeves is usually the more practical combination.

For colour, rust, ochre, brown and cream work particularly well during the cooler months and combine easily with denim, leather and suede.

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Planning a city break in The Hague? Discover The ALD Boutique Hotel, a contemporary stay within a historic building.

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Removing strong colour from swimwear puts more attention on the fabric itself. In a neutral bikini, differences in texture, finish and construction become an important part of the design.

The Champagne Gleam Bralette and Champagne Gleam Under use a warm champagne shade that sits close to natural beach colours. Rather than relying on print or contrasting colour, the look gains definition from the textured fabric and gathered construction.

This also changes how neutral swimwear appears in different surroundings. Against sand, the palette becomes tonal. Near blue water, the contrast becomes stronger while warm metallic or natural accessories can extend the same colour range.

A neutral bikini is also useful when accessories are intended to stand out. Sculptural jewellery, a distinctive bag, an oversized hat or a textured cover-up can be added without competing with a strong swimwear colour.

The result shows why neutral does not have to mean plain. When colour is reduced, fabric, shape and finishing become more important.

Shop the Collection

→ Champagne Gleam Bralette
→ Champagne Gleam Under

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Discover Hotel Moeesy, a private oasis on Hvar with gardens, pools and direct access to the Adriatic.

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Shoes can introduce colour into an outfit without changing the rest of the wardrobe.

A strong shade, unusual fabric or contrasting pattern draws attention to footwear and allows relatively simple clothing to remain the base of the look. Denim works particularly well for this because blue jeans provide a neutral background for colours such as pink, cobalt, red or green.

Material can make the colour more noticeable. Velvet absorbs light differently from leather, while satin, textile uppers and decorative trims create another surface altogether. Pattern can have the same effect, as seen with stripes or contrasting panels.

The shape of the shoe determines how dominant it becomes. A flat or low heel introduces colour more subtly, while a high heel, oversized bow or ankle detail makes the footwear a clear focal point.

This approach is useful when travelling too. Instead of packing several elaborate outfits, one distinctive pair of shoes can change familiar pieces such as jeans, a white shirt or a simple dress.

Discover Antwerp

Antwerp is a city closely associated with fashion, shopping and individual style. Find ideas for exploring the city, from its historic centre and museums to local neighbourhoods, in our magazine.

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Some accessories become more useful as autumn moves towards winter, especially when they combine practical materials with details that work across several types of outfit. Boots, leather bags, scarves and knitted accessories are good examples because they can stay in rotation for much longer than a single season.

Boots are an obvious starting point. A substantial pair works with denim and trousers in early autumn, then continues with heavier knitwear, coats and longer layers as temperatures fall. Patterned or knitted panels can also add interest without making the footwear difficult to combine.

A large leather bag has similar versatility. Brown and weathered finishes sit naturally alongside camel, cream, rust and other autumn colours, but work just as easily with a darker winter wardrobe.

Scarves and knitted accessories allow for smaller seasonal changes. Instead of replacing an entire outfit, adding a heavier scarf or warmer hat can adapt familiar coats and jackets as the weather changes.

This is also a useful time to look at what is already in the wardrobe. Pieces bought for autumn do not need to be packed away once winter begins. With heavier layers and different footwear, many can continue through the colder months.

Choosing accessories this way creates more continuity between seasons and makes it easier to build outfits around pieces that are worn repeatedly.

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→ For a different autumn escape, discover a historic stay in Lübeck in the third edition of Les Couleurs du Monde.

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Woven patterns introduce colour and detail through the construction of the textile itself.

Unlike a printed surface, a woven design is created by combining different threads as the fabric is made. Stripes, geometric shapes and repeated motifs can therefore become part of both the colour and texture of a garment or accessory.

The technique works particularly well on pieces where the textile remains clearly visible. Blankets and wraps provide enough surface for larger patterns, while shoes, bags and smaller accessories can introduce the same idea on a smaller scale.

Colour combinations can range from neutral to strong. Brown, rust, mustard, cream and black work particularly well together because several shades can be combined without the pattern becoming difficult to wear.

Woven pieces are also easy to combine with simpler materials. Denim, suede, leather and plain knitwear provide a quieter background and allow one patterned piece to become the focus of an outfit.

The result is a useful way to introduce pattern without relying on florals or conventional printed fabrics.

Stay in the Desert

The same combination of warm colours, woven textiles and natural materials can be found in desert interiors and stays.

→ Discover Desert Hideaway Alkamar Camp

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Tassels can turn a structured woven bag into a more decorative accessory without changing its practical function.

On this style, the contrast is particularly clear. The body of the bag is tightly woven in a geometric pattern, while long tassels introduce movement around the sides. Leather handles and a dark top add structure and make the bag suitable for more than beachwear.

The combination of woven fibres, leather and textile details also makes this type of bag easy to wear with simple clothing. White linen, neutral dresses, denim and earthy colours allow the pattern and tassels to remain the main detail.

Size is another advantage. A larger woven bag can work for a day out, shopping or travel, while the decorative finish means it can still become part of an outfit rather than functioning purely as a practical tote.

The mix of pattern, texture and tassels also works particularly well for destinations such as Marrakech, where woven accessories fit naturally into a wardrobe of lightweight fabrics and warm neutral colours.

Shop the Bag

→ Kasbah Sands Tassel Bag

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Explore riads, souks, architecture and everyday life in Marrakech in our fourth edition.

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