Every summer for the last five or six years, I've traveled somewhere in Europe to wave goodbye to the slower months and prepare for New York City's less enjoyable time of year: winter. (Fall barely exists in the city—it lasts a few weeks at best.) Marseille, Cadaqués, and Camogli are a few of the seaside towns I've escaped to, and while the food, beaches, and overall relaxed energy are my main criteria, I also seek out destinations where I can people-watch or, rather, outfit-watch.
The best, most laid-back styling comes out of the vacation destinations that Europeans frequent on summer weekends and during their long August holidays. Think linen pants, big straw bags and hats, breezy dresses, and leather sandals as well as cotton sweaters, a garment I consistently spot on my end-of-summer travels. All fall, winter, and spring, chic European women style their Prada and Saint Laurent skirts with cashmere knits, from turtlenecks to sleeveless pullovers. In the warmer months, they swap them out for their lightweight cotton alternatives, which feature a looser weave that lets in the salty seaside air.
To kick off cotton-sweater season, I highly suggest you shop the knits chic European women ditch their cashmere for every summer. The best versions? Find them all below.
Get the look: oversize cotton sweater + capri pants + heeled clogs
The best part about this trend is how easy it is. Throw on a cotton sweater with your favorite capri pants and some sandals and be on your way. No effort necessary.
Kallmeyer S/S 25
Get the look: cream cotton sweater + cream silk skirt + ballet flats
This was one of my favorite looks from the spring/summer 2025 season. It just looks so effortless and elegant, proving that sophistication doesn't require a lot of energy or accessorizing.
Get the look: cream cotton sweater + classic bikini + straw bag
Next time you're heading to the beach in a small seaside down, just toss a cotton sweater on top of your bikini as a cover-up and grab your biggest straw bag.
Ralph Lauren S/S 25
Get the look: navy cotton sweater + short shorts + leather bag + flat sandals
At Ralph Lauren's show in the Hamptons last September, models gave off a look of laid-back luxury in cotton knits, long and flowy dresses, and sporty jackets.
Get the look: cotton sweater + maxi silk slip dress
The simplest way to dress down a maxi silk slip dress is to toss a sweater on top, and since cashmere is far too warm in the summer, cotton is your best bet!
Khaite S/S 25
Get the look: black cotton sweater + crochet skirt + sheer tights + strappy sandals
For a darker, more formal ensemble, pick a black cotton sweater and pair it with a matching crochet midi skirt. Black sheer tights and heeled strappy sandals will further push this gothic-chic agenda.
Get the look: bell-sleeve cotton sweater + matching flared pants + shoulder bag
The only thing better than a cotton sweater is a cotton sweater with matching pants. No outfit has ever come together easier—period.
Shop more cotton sweaters:
-
Low-Rise, Lacy, and a Little Bit Delulu: Welcome to the Gen Z Pop Girlie SummerPut your headphones (and miniskirts) on.
-
The Summer 2025 It-Girl Wardrobe: 7 Highly Specific Items They're All WearingAka the season's most wanted.
-
I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked BackThey are too good.
-
Spotted at Wimbledon: The Anti-Summer Shoe Trend You Don't Usually See in the StandsNever too hot for these.
-
Every Fashion Item I'm Already Eyeing for Fall 2025It's never too early.
-
From Pretty Satin to Cute Crochet, These Are the Shorts to Be Seen in This SummerTrending styles for every budget.
-
I Tried On the Everlane Pieces You're About to See Everywhere This SummerElevated basics ahead.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
