By now we now the drill, if you’re looking for elegant, understated and easy-to-wear outfit inspiration, French style is hard to beat. Somehow the average Parisian manages to take the items we’ve long had in our wardrobes (the Breton top, the straight-legged jean and the blazer for example), and make it feel entirely new by adding a little je ne sais quoi.
Knitwear is no exception, and while it isn’t quite cold enough for a chunky turtleneck, one item we’re wearing on repeat is the cardigan. Thanks to the likes of Katie Holmes and Zoë Kravitz, the cardigan is cool again, and French women are ahead of the curve when it comes to making wool knits feel couture, so where better to start looking for autumn outfit inspiration than the French.
In celebration of the official arrival of sweater weather, I’ve analysed the street style of Paris’ most stylish to find the best, and most fashionable ways to wear this seasons hero knit, the cardigan, and I was not disappointed. Expect to see everything from classic to cropped cardigans paired with jeans, skirts and tailoring, and of course the best accessories to finish your look. So, keep scrolling for 5 ways to wear a cardigan, courtesy of France’s most stylish.
Style Notes: Of course we could count on Paris to give us a look reminiscent of Chanel’s affinity for monochrome. Not only does this cardigan feel dressed up, but it manages to be casual-cool too, with the simple addition of a white tee and loafers.
New from Maje, a cardigan-meets-jacket that looks just as expensive with denim as it does with dresses.
A quality white t-shirt is a wardrobe staple, and Arket is my go-to for good, cotton basics,
All of the comfort of leggings, with the flattering silhouette of tailored trousers.
There’s something about that crystal embellishment that makes these loafers feel extra special.
Style Notes: The Nineties and Noughties gave us some questionable trends, but the cropped cardigan isn’t one of them. The recent Y2K revival has brought the tight, mini cardi back to the runway (especially that risqué Jacquemus number), and as it turns out, its the perfect piece to wear with ultra-high waisted jeans.
The ideal length to wear tucked in, or with a couple of buttons open.
Ultra high-rise, straight leg jeans that echo the shape and fit of every 90s It-girl’s denim of choice.
Swap summer’s raffia bags for an equally stylish (and weatherproof) woven bag in leather.
The sock boot is high on our list of A/W boot trends, and for good reason. Expect to see these comfy boots everywhere over the next couple of months.
Style Notes: Aside from the knitted vest, there’s no better piece of knitwear that lends itself better to preppy layering. To avoid the outfit from looking too much like a school uniform, swap checks for pinstripes and loafers for knee-high boots.
A soft and slouchy knit that comes in no less than 5 colourways.
We might have worn this Frankie Shop shirt all summer with shorts and sandals, but now it comes into its own layered under knits and tucked into skirts and trousers.
How to wear a mini skirt, the “grown up” way.
I think I just found the seasons coolest boot. Knee-high length? Check. Wearable heel? Check. Rich, glossy colour? Check.
Style Notes: Any combination of fluffy knit and fitted trousers will always look good, but head-to-tonal dressing is especially effective. Just add a statement shoe and an embellished bag and you’ve got an outfit for the weekend, for dinner plans, for shopping, for exploring the city…
Race you to the checkout, I have a feeling this cool cardigan won’t stick around for long.
You can always count of Uniqlo for the kind of timeless tailoring that makes their pieces wardrobe staples.
I saw Alexa Chung in velvet flats, now I want velvet flats
Remove the strap from this daytime shoulder bag, and hey presto, you’ve got an evening clutch.
Style Notes: That’s right, the Parisian’s favourite accessory to a mini skirt is a bare leg. Perhaps a little optimistic for a British autumn, but until the temperatures drop into the minuses, make the most of the mild weather by pairing a printed cardigan with a mini and pumps. (Just, a grab a coat just in case).
There isn’t an autumnal outfit that a trench coat like this can’t significantly improve.
Goodbye ugly Christmas jumper, hello chic new alternative.
I see your denim mini, and raise you one elevated leather skirt.
One shoe style that the French always champion is the wearable flat, but especially an elegant ballet pump. You’ll find me in these for the foreseeable.
