Paddock style expert Carlotta Constant shares how to dress stylishly – and authentically – for this weekend’s Formula 1 race.
Each year, the Monaco Grand Prix brings a heightened sense of anticipation to the principality, not least because of its challenging street circuit and unforgiving barriers. Alongside the racing, celebrities, athletes, and luxury brands descend on Monte Carlo, appearing trackside, portside, and at exclusive after-parties, making the weekend one of the most glamorous on the sporting calendar.
Style during the Monaco Grand Prix has never been more prominent. The fashion stakes trackside continue to rise, accelerated by the growing A-list presence of Formula 1’s WAGs and the increasing number of drivers establishing themselves as style icons. Mercedes-AMG Petronas even made headlines last year by appointing an in-house stylist, and Gucci recently announced it will become the title sponsor of Alpine F1 Team from 2027 onwards.
Few people are better placed to decode Monaco style than Carlotta Constant. The London-based fashion stylist and creative consultant has worked with some of sport’s biggest names, including Lewis Hamilton, David Beckham, and Anthony Joshua.
See more: The Best Hotels in Monaco
More recently, she has become closely associated with Monegasque Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his wife Alexandra Leclerc, working on their looks for race weekends, commercial campaigns, red-carpet appearances – most recently at the Cannes Film Festival – and their wedding in Monaco.
“There’s an unspoken understanding that Monaco is one of the most glamorous weekends on the calendar, and people most definitely rise to the occasion,” says Constant. “Monaco is Formula 1’s fashion capital, and people embrace that.”
The stylist has noticed Monaco’s fashion scene becoming increasingly individual, reflecting Formula 1’s growing relationship with style. “People are expressing themselves much more now than they did a few years ago. There’s a greater willingness to experiment and use fashion as part of the spectacle of the weekend,” she adds.
“That’s something we’ve seen across Formula 1 more broadly, and I think a lot of that can be attributed to drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who have helped push fashion further into the spotlight within the sport.”
When it comes to paddock style, Constant advises against chasing seasonal trends. Monaco, she says, remains rooted in a more timeless approach to dressing. “Think crisp tailoring, beautiful fabrics, timeless pieces.”
Unlike many sporting events, race weekend in Monaco rarely involves a single destination. Guests might begin the day in the paddock, spend the afternoon on a yacht, and end the evening at a restaurant, hotel terrace, or private party. As a result, Constant believes versatility should be the foundation of any outfit. “You need an outfit that works everywhere and can transition effortlessly throughout the day,” she says.
Footwear, she adds, is one of the most overlooked aspects of race-weekend dressing. “Comfort has to be part of the conversation and if you’re boarding yachts, you’ll also need footwear that’s easy to remove. Elegant flats, chic sandals, or comfortable block heels are more practical than sky-high stilettos.”
Practicality, however, should never come at the expense of personal style. “I always think the biggest styling mistake is wearing something because it looks good on someone else, rather than because it feels authentic to you,” she says. “The most stylish people at Monaco are usually the ones who look completely comfortable in what they’re wearing.”
Constant argues Monaco style is about looking considered, without appearing as if you’ve tried too hard. For women, she recommends leaning into the pared-back Riviera aesthetic: “A beautiful midi skirt paired with a chic top always works.” For men, the formula is equally simple. “A relaxed polo shirt, a beautifully tailored trouser, and a great loafer are hard to beat.”
A trust pair of sunglasses also makes a difference. “They’re one of the few accessories you’ll genuinely wear all day, and they can completely elevate a look.”
Asked who best captures Monaco’s aesthetic, Constant points to Charles and Alexandra Leclerc: “They embody what Monaco style should be: effortless, elegant, and never overdone.
“Perhaps I’m slightly biased because I get the opportunity to work alongside them, but they represent the essence of modern Monaco dressing. Neither looks like they’re chasing trends. They simply understand the balance between sophistication and ease, which is exactly what the Riviera style is all about.”
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