What to Wear in Monaco in Spring
EST. READING TIME: 7 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Formula 1 Inspired Attire
Monochrome Matching
Leather Racing Jackets
Pleated Trouser Sets
Simple Silk Silhouettes
Pops of Red
Monaco, a small but dazzling sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is known for its opulence, cosmopolitan glamor, and world-class events. From the historic streets of Monaco-Ville to the luxurious casinos and iconic Monaco Grand Prix, this prestigious destination is about as glitzy as it gets! If you're packing for a trip to Monaco, it's ideal to marry the elevated tastes of high-class pursuits with the daring aesthetics of Formula 1’s most famous street circuit in your curated collection. This style guide aims to help you build a wardrobe that strikes a balance between risk and refinement, boldness and beauty so you can feel your best while enjoying all that Monaco has to offer!
Monaco's cultural tapestry is rich and nouveau, and its fashion scene is no exception. Whether you're dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, exploring the golden Prince's Palace, or attending a glamorous red carpet event, your attire will make a significant statement about your personal taste. The principality's fashion ethos revolves around elegance, sophistication, and a dash of extravagance–therefore, understanding what to wear in Monaco is essential to make the most of your visit.
While planning your wardrobe, consider the events and activities you may be participating in. The Monaco Grand Prix held in May is one of the most famous and fashionable events in the world, drawing celebrities and high society trendsetters from across the globe. This event, among others, sets the tone for what is expected in terms of dressing for success in this wealthy sanctuary.
Spring Climate in Monaco
April is an ideal time to visit Monaco, with its pleasant spring weather making the month perfect for sightseeing and attending events. The average temperature in Monaco during April ranges from a mild 52°F (11°C) at night to a comfortable 61°F (16°C) during the day. These cooler temperatures can cause a bit of a chill when the sun hides behind the clouds, making it essential to pack layers that can easily be added or removed from your outfit as needed. In general, however, the coastal Mediterranean climate ensures the days are sunny the majority of the time, with around eight hours of sunshine expected per day.
Rain is relatively rare in April, with the city-state experiencing an average of six rainy days throughout the month. Historical climate information notes that when it does rain, it usually involves light showers rather than heavy downpours–however my single day visit to Monaco just happened to coincide with one of these outlier torrents. Without an umbrella I was literally soaked from head to toe, so be sure to check the forecast and if the sky starts to darken, you might as well buy an umbrella from a souvenir shop, since it’s better to be safe than sorry. While I may not have been pleased with these conditions in the moment, this combination of sunshine and occasional rain showers is necessary to bring forth the lush greenery that Monaco is known for during its warm months.
Monaco's coastal location means that it can get breezy, especially in the evenings or when it rains. Therefore, packing a light leather jacket or a shawl is a prudent idea to ensure you stay warm when the temperatures dip–especially if you’re only visiting for the day from Nice and don’t have the luxury of easily returning to your lodging. The sea temperature in April is around 57°F (14°C)–so I wouldn’t recommend jumping in the water anytime soon!–but you still can still use this travel opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal views.
The principality's microclimate also plays a role in its weather patterns. Due to its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, Monaco benefits from a unique blend of maritime and mountainous influences. The result of this geographic influence is a generally mild and pleasant climate, with less temperature variation compared to other parts of Europe.
What to Wear in Monaco?
Formula 1 Inspired Attire
Monaco is synonymous with the Monaco Grand Prix, an event epitomizing speed, luxury, and high fashion. To fully embrace the spirit of the race, consider incorporating Formula 1 inspired attire into your wardrobe. This can include official Formula 1 merchandise such as hats, tees, and jackets emblazoned with the logos of your favorite team. Wearing these items not only showcases your enthusiasm for the sport, but also connects you with fellow fans. In addition to official merchandise, you can draw inspiration from iconic racing uniforms. Incorporate motifs like checkered patterns, racing stripes, and team colors into your outfits. For a more subtle approach, opt for pieces that reflect the sleek and dynamic aesthetic of Formula 1. Think of streamlined silhouettes, bold color schemes, and high-performance fabrics. Leather jackets with racing stripes, fitted trousers, and sporty sneakers can create a chic yet casual look perfect for race day.
Monochrome Matching
Monte Carlo exudes an air of old money glam, and nothing captures this essence better than monochrome matching! Black and white ensembles are timeless and sophisticated, making them perfect for any occasion in Monaco. To achieve this look, focus on mixing and matching chic pieces in black and white, as the contrast between these opposing colors creates a striking yet elegant look that is sure to turn heads. When selecting pieces for a monochrome outfit, pay attention to the details; choose items with interesting textures and patterns to add depth to your look. This approach allows you to play with different shades and textures within the same palette, adding visual interest without deviating from the overall monochrome theme.
Leather Racing Jackets
Leather racing jackets are a staple in Monaco, especially during the cooler evenings. These edgy jackets often feature distinctive details such as racing stripes, patches, and logos, adding a sporty feel to your top layer. A black leather jacket is a classic choice that never goes out of style, but if you’re feeling adventurous don't be afraid to experiment with other colors such as red, white, or even metallic shades. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, leather racing jackets are highly functional; the durable, waterproof material provides protection against the elements, making them ideal for the unpredictable April weather in Monaco. When shopping for a racing jacket, look for one that fits snug but not too tight, ensuring you can move comfortably without overheating.
Pleated Trouser Sets
Pleated trouser sets, consisting of pleated trousers paired typically with a matching vest or collared top, are a fantastic choice to easily create a cohesive, sophisticated look. The pleats add a touch of refinement to the trousers, while the matching top ensures a polished and put-together appearance. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal for the warmer weather in Monaco. The trousers should fit well around your waist and hips, with the pleats creating a flattering, streamlined shape down your legs. The top can be a simple blouse, a fitted shirt, or even a matching jacket depending on the occasion. The beauty of pleated trouser sets lies in their simple poise; they offer a timeless look that’s perfect for Monaco's glamorous aesthetic.
Simple Silk Silhouettes
In Monaco, less is more in the name of quiet luxury, and simple silk silhouettes embody this philosophy perfectly. A luxurious fabric that drapes effortlessly with a smooth texture and natural sheen to create soft, demure silhouettes–silk inspires elegant old money looks. When selecting silk pieces, focus on clean lines and minimalist designs to achieve a look of stealth wealth. A simple slip dress in a neutral color such as black, white, or nude can easily be dressed up with heels and jewelry for an evening event, making this versatile base piece a must have item in your closet–even when you’re not dressing for Monaco! Silk is a delicate fabric that requires gentle handling, so avoid using harsh detergents or high heat when washing and drying.
Pops of Red
Red is a powerful and dynamic color which adds a bold statement to any outfit. In Monaco–where fashion is all about making an impact–incorporating pops of red into your wardrobe can help you stand out and express your passionate personal style. The simplest approach is to incorporate red accents through your accessories or makeup. A red handbag, scarf, or lipstick can instantly elevate a simple outfit with a sense of vibrancy, making your ensemble more eye-catching without overwhelming the overall look. If you’re feeling more daring, consider incorporating larger red pieces into your wardrobe. A red dress, jacket, or skirt can create a striking look perfect for Monaco's dynamic fashion scene. Regardless of your approach, keep the rest of your outfit simple and understated to let this bold color shine.
How I Styled Monaco Outfits
On my one and only day trip to Monaco after coming over by train from Nice in April 2024, I had planned to stand out with a bold cheetah button down I just acquired from Le Colette the day before. The weather had other ideas for my outfit, and I ended up wearing my outer layer completely zipped the whole day to desperately ward off the rain—to little avail—but this worked out just fine considering I had my leather racing jacket on hand! My overall Formula 1 inspired ensemble included:
You’re not going to believe me when I tell you I literally manifested the jacket I’m wearing in this photo. Prior to this trip, I saw a photo of Grace Andrews wearing this same jacket on her Mexico City trip, I fell in love, and looked everywhere for this jacket—and I mean everywhere. Even Google reverse image search results returned nothing of substance, so I gave up on my jacket dreams…until. A new boutique I walked into literally the next day had the exact jacket I was looking for, with only one $50 piece left in my size. If that’s not destiny, I don’t know what is. Naturally this boutique doesn’t have an online storefront either, so you’ll regrettably need to go on your own jacket wild goose chase, but Ten Shoppe was where my dreams came true!
For bottoms, I wore my crisp Brunie Pants White ($30) from Princess Polly. The quality of these linen-like pants is truly insane for the price, and I honestly appreciate that the material isn’t actually linen because these pants don’t wrinkle as easily. With an elastic drawstring waist and twin leg pockets, it’s safe to say these are my go-to flowy white pants.
Briefly pictured are my Free People Gola Daytona Quadrant Sneakers ($95) in the Orange Spice x Gold x Ink colorway, which mimic the style of trendy Adidas Sambas but are distinct enough that they’ll outlast the current fad–meaning I can carry them from one season into the next without worrying about looking outdated! These sporty sneakers paired nicely with the sleek stripes on my jacket, carrying the subtle racing theme through my outfit from head to toe.
I accessorized with sky blue-tinted Wavey Palms Oasis aviator sunglasses ($35) for an added cerulean dash of Mediterranean chic, although I saw significantly more rain than sun on this particular day.
My final accessory was a nude Small Woven Crossbody bag ($120) from Ligne Blanche made of a lightweight neoprene material which mimics the aesthetic of a woven straw tote while having the added benefit of a bit more versatile durability—and this was the day I found out it’s water resistant too!
