Cannes. The very name evokes a sense of glamour—sun-soaked beaches, chic cafés, designer boutiques, and of course, the glitz of the iconic film festival. Whether you’re headed there for the cinematic buzz, a relaxing holiday on the French Riviera, or a bit of both, packing smart is essential to make the most of your trip.
When I planned my last journey to Cannes, I knew I had to be strategic—not just about what I packed, but how I sourced it. That’s where Whatnot came in, and honestly, it changed everything. From finding limited-edition travel accessories to scoring pre-loved fashion gems that made my suitcase lighter and more stylish, Whatnot became my unexpected travel companion before I even stepped foot on the plane.
Let’s walk through exactly what to pack for Cannes and how I used Whatnot to curate a travel wardrobe that was effortless, functional, and incredibly chic.
1. Light Layers That Travel Well
Cannes has that perfect Mediterranean climate—warm days, cooler nights, and just the occasional breeze from the sea. Light layers are your best friend. Think linen shirts, breathable maxi dresses, tailored shorts, and a classic blazer or denim jacket for evenings out.
I found a gorgeous vintage linen set on Whatnot during a livestream sale—it looked like something straight out of a resort collection. What I love about buying on Whatnot is the personality behind each piece. Sellers often share stories or styling ideas during their streams, which helps you imagine how the item will work on your trip. Plus, I scored it for less than half the retail price.
2. Effortless Evening Wear
Cannes is the kind of place where you might casually stroll into a Michelin-starred restaurant or sip rosé at a rooftop bar overlooking the marina. You’ll want at least one or two elevated evening outfits.
Instead of running to fast fashion stores, I turned to Whatnot’s curated luxury resale channel. I picked up a silk slip dress by a French designer I adore, and it came with the original tags! The seller even threw in a style tip: pair it with gold-toned sandals and a straw clutch—both of which I also found on Whatnot the same evening.
There’s something satisfying about building a vacation outfit from one community-based platform. It felt like shopping with friends who had great taste and real-time advice.
3. Beachwear With Personality
Cannes beaches are a whole aesthetic—striped umbrellas, yacht-side lounging, and impromptu beach clubs. You’ll want swimwear that’s both flattering and photo-ready. I brought two bikinis and one statement one-piece, all of which I found on Whatnot’s summer drop livestream.
Whatnot hosts tons of beachwear pop-ups, and many sellers curate capsule collections specifically for coastal getaways. I even grabbed a limited-edition pareo made from upcycled silk scarves—a conversation starter every time I wore it.
4. Comfy But Cute Footwear
You’ll be walking—a lot. Along the Croisette, through charming old town streets, and maybe even up into the hills for sunset views. Footwear needs to balance style and practicality.
Before I traveled, I joined a “Travel Essentials” stream on Whatnot and found a pair of Italian leather sandals that molded to my feet like they were made for them. The seller was a seasoned traveler herself and explained exactly why they’re perfect for cobblestones and beach days alike.
I also picked up a pair of low-heeled espadrilles—another Whatnot find—that were ideal for dinners without sacrificing comfort.
5. Beauty & Skincare Must-Haves
Between the sun, salty air, and late-night festivities, your skin will thank you for some TLC. I always bring a hydrating face mist, SPF 50, and a solid multi-purpose balm.
This time, I decided to try out some niche French skincare brands I discovered through a beauty influencer I follow on Whatnot. She was doing a “Summer Skin Routine” livestream and recommended a few TSA-friendly products that she actually uses during her Riviera trips.
I loved how interactive it was—I asked questions, got honest answers, and checked out right within the app. No need to scroll endless product pages; it was all real-time, real recommendations.
6. Accessories That Elevate Every Look
Cannes fashion is understated luxury. A straw hat, oversized sunglasses, a silk scarf, and minimalist jewelry can instantly elevate a simple outfit.
I browsed several Whatnot seller showcases to collect my accessory kit. A vintage Hermès scarf, a wide-brimmed raffia hat handmade by an artisan in Spain, and a pair of bold 70s-era sunglasses made my outfits pop—without ever stepping into a boutique.
One of my favorite parts of shopping on Whatnot is the community aspect. Many sellers specialize in sourcing unique, ethical accessories from small creators around Europe. It’s conscious travel fashion, and it supports artists you might never find on big platforms.
7. The Perfect Travel Bag
Let’s talk luggage. For Cannes, you don’t need to lug around a giant suitcase—just a smart carry-on and a functional tote for daily use.
I found a vintage hard-shell carry-on on Whatnot, refurbished and styled up with playful travel stickers by the seller. It was both practical and Instagrammable, and the wheels glided like a dream across the Nice airport.
For my tote, I picked up a water-resistant canvas bag during a “Pack Like a Local” stream on Whatnot, where a seller walked through every item she brings on trips to the Côte d’Azur. That tote carried my books, sunhat, camera, and beach towel all week.
8. Unexpected Finds That Made the Trip
One of the joys of using Whatnot is discovering things you didn’t even know you needed. For instance, I joined a last-minute “Travel Gadgets & Accessories” stream and found a compact travel fan (life-saving during long outdoor lunches), a universal power adapter with USB-C, and a foldable wine picnic table.
All of them ended up becoming daily essentials during my Cannes trip. The foldable wine table especially—paired with a bottle of Provence rosé and some fresh market cheese—turned a casual evening at the beach into something magical.
9. Why Whatnot Changed the Way I Pack
I’ll admit, I used to overpack. But using Whatnot helped me become more intentional. It’s not just about buying things—it’s about connecting with passionate curators, getting genuine advice, and seeing how each item fits into your lifestyle and trip goals.
Many Whatnot sellers travel themselves, so they know what works. You’re not getting mass-produced, generic suggestions; you’re getting field-tested picks with heart.
I also loved how much more sustainable the process was. Many of my travel pieces were vintage, second-hand, or artisan-made—helping reduce my travel footprint while supporting independent creators.
10. Tips for Using Whatnot to Prep for Your Trip
Here’s how to get the most out of Whatnot when prepping for Cannes—or any trip:
- Search for travel-themed streams: Sellers often tag their streams with travel or summer keywords. Tune in live so you can ask questions and see items in action.
- Follow creators who travel: These sellers often drop curated “vacation kits,” which make packing stress-free.
- Look out for flash drops: Some of my best finds (like my resort dress and that foldable wine table) came from spontaneous flash sales.
- Use the chat: Don’t be shy. Ask how the fabric breathes, if a sandal runs narrow, or whether that sun hat folds easily into luggage. The more you engage, the more you get.
Cannes is a destination that invites elegance, ease, and spontaneity—and the way you pack should reflect that. By using Whatnot, I didn’t just shop; I connected. I discovered pieces with stories, tips from people who’d actually worn those shoes on cobblestones, and travel accessories designed for real use, not just aesthetics.
If you’re heading to Cannes soon, take the time to pack thoughtfully. You don’t need a huge suitcase or a brand-new wardrobe. You need a few versatile pieces, a touch of glam, and a little inspiration—and with Whatnot, all of that is at your fingertips.
