[French actress Brigitte Bardot was one of the best-known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s. PHOTO: Michel Bernanau (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons.]

Sotogrande (Cádiz) is widely known as the capital of European polo. It features top-tier facilities like the Santa María Polo Club and private luxury estates like Polo Valley, drawing international elites, royals, and high-goal tournaments every August.  If this is not your style, try the still chic but slightly shabby by comparison, the Deauville Polo Club in Normandy, France.   In fairness, this historic seaside club hosts the famous Barrière Deauville Polo Cup and the prestigious Gold Cup (Coupe d’Or) every August, which draws everyone from the same crowds to play, spectate, or just be part of the lifestyle.   Anyway, we were recently in Deauxville and couldn’t help but think that Brigitte Bardot might have frequented the polo grounds there in her chic style, which if you look back on the photos of her, are all styles that have aged remarkably well and have spanned over 60 years.

While she was not a polo player herself, Bardot was an avid equestrian and frequently mixed with high society during her peak fame in the 1960s and 1970s. She spent significant time in global jet-set hubs like Saint-Tropez and St. Moritz, both of which are deeply associated with elite polo culture.  For instance, she attended high-profile social galas tied to the sport, such as a Polo Gala Dinner at Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz.  Additionally, the Polo Club Saint-Tropez regularly hosts major summer tournaments and parades in the very coastal town she famously transformed into a celebrity hotspot.  Brigitte Bardot’s deep, lifelong passion for horses evolved from a high-society equestrian hobby during her youth into a fierce, central mission of her animal rights activism. During her peak fame in the 1960s, she was a skilled and avid rider who frequently took to the beaches of Saint-Tropez or the snowy winter trails of St. Moritz, occasionally showcasing her equestrian talents in films and high-fashion photo shoots. However, after walking away from cinema in 1973, her relationship with horses shifted toward intense protection and she then fully went off the deep end on a lot of animal issues.

Yet Bardot’s style defines effortless French Riviera chic, blending bombshell allure with a relaxed, bohemian attitude through staples like off-the-shoulder tops, high-waisted capris, gingham prints, and ballet flats. Her iconic look is completed by a signature beauty aesthetic featuring heavy cat-eye liner, teased hair with curtain bangs, and a frequently barefoot, sun-kissed aesthetic popularized on the beaches of Saint-Tropez. It’s as perfect of a look today, as it was then.  While she famously preferred the French Riviera of Saint-Tropez, she did spend brief periods in the Normandy resort town of Deauville. She visited Deauville with her then-husband, Gunter Sachs, who frequently moved in high-society “playboy” circles that revolved around the Deauville polo grounds. During this trip, she was photographed relaxing at the nearby Barrière Deauville golf course and walking the boardwalks.

Men’s French adventure style blends rugged outdoor utility with effortless Parisian tailoring, focusing on breathable fabrics, neutral earth tones, and functional layering. For men, dressing for adventure in the South of France means striking a balance between comfort and sophistication. Lightweight button-up shirts in breathable fabrics like linen or Giza cotton offer a polished yet practical choice, ideal for layering over a basic tee. Pair these with tailored shorts or relaxed chinos in neutral tones for versatility and ease of movement.
When venturing into the countryside or along coastal paths, a utility-inspired jacket or vest adds a functional yet stylish layer. Choose pieces with ample pockets for carrying essentials like sunglasses or a map. Sturdy yet refined footwear, such as leather sneakers or walking shoes, ensures you’re prepared for uneven terrain without compromising on style.The core of this wardrobe relies on the Saharienne, which is a belted, multi-pocket canvas or cotton safari jacket offering a rugged yet refined heritage look. Crisp linen shirts or fine cotton tees worn under lightweight utility vests create excellent breathable layers. For bottoms, choose relaxed slim chinos or tailored shorts in camel, olive, or navy. Finish the look with refined footwear like minimalist leather sneakers or durable leather walking shoes.  To maintain the correct aesthetic, keep silhouettes relaxed yet structured while sticking to a neutral, earthy color palette. Prioritize functional pockets and durable hardware, seamlessly mixing outdoor utility with smart-casual basics.
For women, an adventurous spirit in the South of France is best captured through the effortless, sun-drenched style of Brigitte Bardot. Channeling her iconic St. Tropez look requires a blend of playful femininity and casual ease, perfect for transition from coastal paths to open-air cafes. Think off-the-shoulder Bardot tops paired with high-waisted cropped trousers, or gingham print sundresses that offer effortless movement. For active exploration, light cotton shorts or structural midi skirts coordinate beautifully with simple striped Breton tops or sleeveless button-downs tied at the waist. Footwear remains practical yet chic with classic canvas espadrilles or woven leather sandals, accessorized with oversized sunglasses and a structured straw tote bag.