The Basic Item Every NYC and French Girl Already Bought for Summer
When it comes to mastering effortless style, NYC and French girls know what's up. While both groups have distinctive signature silhouettes (edgy for New Yorkers and pared-down for Parisians), they often stand behind similar trends to master their cool vibes. The spring and summer piece they can't get enough of? Well, it just so happens to be an unexpected basic: the cardigan.
Once defined as outdated and stuffy, the buttoned-up knit has infiltrated throughout the style universe over the last few months as a fresh and modern staple. Sure, oversized grandpa cardigans are a thing, but it's actually the shrunken, thin, fitted finds that are the style du jour among fashion people at present. In fact, the lightweight basic is ramping up to be the cool alternative to a standard blouse for the season.
With that, keep scrolling for a bit of visual inspiration on how NYC and French girls are styling cardigans right now, and shop a few inspired silhouettes for a variety of temps as well.
NYC Girls
It's time to squash the notion that beige is "boring." Go for the hue in a head-to-toe monochromatic look for an incredibly forward vibe.
A cropped or tucked-in cardigan is particularly cool paired with wide-legged trousers.
The beauty of a lightweight cardigan is that it can quite literally be paired with any type of pant—khakis included.
Team your favorite pair of jeans with a blue knit to complete your off-duty game.
A bit chillier outside? Don't underestimate the power of a slightly thicker textured cardi to finish off your look.
French Girls
French girls are especially feeling cropped cardigans right now (so appropriate for summer).
Dress up a tan sweater for work or an event with high-waisted pants and sleek accessories.
Remember that whole short-sleeve comment above? Right, wasn't lying here.
You'll earn instant compliments by choosing a vibrant cardigan in an unexpected hue.
While you could layer a cardi like this one over a T-shirt, wearing solo is fresh for the season.
Up next, 13 summer trends Latin American women are fixated on.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This Spring
Chic as always.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Beloved British Brand Just Arrived in NYC—12 Items I Tried On and Loved
It's even Kate Middleton–approved.
By Eliza Huber
-
From Bella Hadid to Vogue Staffers—These Are the 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYC
No gatekeeping here.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
19 Things a French Girl Would Buy From & Other Stories' Sitewide 25% Off Sale
Say oui.
By Allyson Payer
-
French and Italian Women Always Wear This Pretty Top With Jeans in the Spring
Easy outfits ahead.
By Ana Escalante
-
New Season, New French Girl–Inspired Looks: Here's What Our Editors Are Wearing
Sponsor Content Created With Longchamp
By Michaela Bushkin
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right Now
Take note.
By Courtney Falsey
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit Formula
Easy as un, deux, trois.
By Drew Elovitz