Monte Carlo Outfits: What to Wear in Monaco During Spring

LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 10, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 6 MIN

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IN THIS GUIDE ✺

• Spring Climate in Monaco

• What to Wear in Monaco?

  • Formula 1 Inspired Attire

  • Monochrome Matching

  • Leather Racing Jackets

  • Pleated Trouser Sets

  • Simple Silk Silhouettes

  • Pops of Red

• How I Styled Monaco Street Fashion

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Monaco, a small but dazzling sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is known for its opulence, cosmopolitan glamor, and world-class events.

If you're packing for a trip to Monte Carlo and wondering what do people wear in Monaco, it's ideal to marry the elevated tastes of high-class pursuits with the daring aesthetics of Formula 1’s 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 rich cultural tapestry is nouveau— and its fashion scene is no exception. Whether you're dining at a Michelin-star restaurant or attending a glamorous red carpet event, your Monaco street style 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 clothing in Monaco, consider the events and activities you’ll participate in. The May Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous and fashionable events in the world, drawing a global swath of celebrities and high society trendsetters. This event, among others, sets the tone for how to dress in Monaco for success. 

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Spring Climate in Monaco

April is an ideal time to visit Monaco, with pleasant spring weather making this month perfect for sightseeing and attending events. The average temperature ranges from a mild 52°F (11°C) at night to a comfortable 61°F (16°C) during the day.

These cooler temperatures create 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 when planning what to wear in Monte Carlo. In general, however, the coastal Mediterranean climate ensures the days are sunny the majority of the time, with 8 hours of sunshine expected per day.

Rain is relatively rare in April, with an average of 6 drizzling days throughout the month. When it does rain, it usually lightly showers rather than heavily downpours—unluckily for me, my day trip to Monaco happened to coincide with one of these outlier torrents. Without an umbrella I was soaked from head to toe, so check the forecast and if the sky darkens you might as well buy an umbrella from a souvenir shop since it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

While I wasn’t 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 warmer months.

Monaco's coastal location makes it breezy, especially in the evening or when it rains. Packing a light leather jacket or 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 opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal views.

The principality's microclimate plays a role in its weather patterns. Sat between the Mediterranean Sea and Western Alps, Monaco benefits from a unique blend of maritime and mountainous influences. The result is a generally mild and pleasant climate, with less temperature variation compared to other parts of Europe.

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What to Wear in Monaco in April?

Formula 1 Attire

Fashion in Monaco is synonymous with the Monaco Grand Prix, an event epitomizing speed, luxury, and high fashion. To embrace the spirit of the race, incorporate F1-inspired attire into your wardrobe including official merchandise such as hats, tees, and jackets emblazoned with team logos. Wearing these items showcases your enthusiasm for the sport while connecting you with fellow fans.

Draw inspiration from iconic uniforms, incorporating motifs like checkered patterns, racing stripes, and team colors. For a more subtle approach, embody the sleek aesthetic of F1. Think streamlined silhouettes, bold color schemes, and high-performance fabrics.

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, mix and match chic pieces in black and white, as the contrast between these opposing colors creates a striking yet elegant look.

When selecting pieces for a monochrome outfit, pay attention to the details; choose interesting textures and patterns to add depth to your look. 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 layer of Monaco outfits, especially during cooler evenings. These edgy jackets often feature 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 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. Look a snug but not too tight fit, ensuring you can move comfortably without overheating.

Pleated Trouser Sets

Pleated sets, consisting of trousers paired with a matching vest or collared top, easily create a cohesive, sophisticated look. The pleats add a touch of refinement, while the matching top ensures a polished, put-together appearance. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal for the warmer weather during spring in Monaco.

Trousers should fit well around your waist and hips, with pleats creating a flattering, streamlined leg shape. The top can be a simple blouse, fitted shirt, or even matching jacket depending on the occasion. The beauty lies in their simple poise; timeless sets are perfect for Monaco's glamorous aesthetic.

Simple Silk Silhouettes

Less is more in the name of quiet luxury, and simple silk silhouettes embody this philosophy perfectly. A luxurious fabric which drapes effortlessly with a natural sheen to create soft, demure silhouettes—smooth silk inspires elegant old money looks.

Focus on clean lines and minimalist designs to achieve a look of stealth wealth. A simple slip dress in a neutral color 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 with Monaco style in mind! Delicate silk requires gentle handling, so avoid using harsh detergents or high heat when cleaning.

Pops of Red

Red is a powerful color which adds a statement to any outfit. Incorporating pops of red into your Monaco outfits helps you stand out with passionate personal style.

The simplest approach is to incorporate red accents through accessories or makeup. A red handbag, scarf, or lipstick elevates a simple outfit with a sense of vibrancy, making your ensemble eye-catching without overwhelming the look. If you’re feeling daring, incorporate larger pieces. A red dress, jacket, or skirt creates a striking look perfect for Monaco's dynamic fashion scene. Either way, keep the rest of your outfit understated to let this bold color shine.

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How I Styled Monaco Outfits

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During my day trip to Monaco after coming following 2 days in Nice in April 2024, I had planned to stand out with a bold cheetah button down acquired from Le Colette the day before. The weather had other ideas 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 just fine considering I had my leather racing jacket on hand!

My overall Formula 1-inspired Monaco outfit 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, fell in love, and looked everywhere for this jacket—and I mean everywhere. Even Google reverse image search 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, so you’ll need to go on your own jacket wild goose chase, but Ten Shoppe was where my dreams came true! For a cropped dupe, you can find a similar jacket here ($39.99, paid link).

• 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. These sporty sneakers mimic trendy Adidas Sambas but are distinct enough that they’ll outlast the current fad—meaning I can carry them from one season to the next without looking outdated! They also 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. This bag 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!

✺ ABOUT ME ✺

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!

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