5 Ways to Wear a Cardigan Like a French Woman

In today's installment of "how do French women look so chic?" we're talking about cardigans. The humble cardigan, under the expert styling of the women across the Channel, is always transformed from being a potentially dowdy item of clothing to something pretty sassy. They have their ways, of course. There's no denying that it's not just a simple case of chucking it on and hoping for the best. The way French women wear cardigans is a matter to be studied and carefully dissected so we can emulate the same level of sophistication.

You'll be pleased to know that I trawled through the Instagram accounts of the coolest French influencers to look at how they style their cardis, and I discovered there are five key looks that give off that je ne sais quoi. There's the classic tucked-into-a-pair-of-high-waisted-jeans look, the off-the-shoulder cardigan with a slip dress and also one that is a little more risqué than usual, but all five looks are guaranteed to make you feel a little more Français. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

1. TUCKED IN

Style Notes: This, in my mind, is the ultimate way French women wear cardigans. I've spotted it on countless influencers, including Rouje founder Jeanne Damas, who knows a great cardigan when she sees it. The 2021 take on the trend is to wear your high-waisted jeans with loafers.

Style Notes: If you love your ankle boots, however, and need some height, then you can't go wrong with mid-heel boots. Slightly cropped kick-flare jeans are perfect with this look. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

2. WITH LEATHER

Style Notes: If you're going to wear something as out there as leather, then you need to team it with something simple and chic. Take a white tee and a tweed cardi and you've got yourself a great French look. 

Style Notes: Alternatively, opt for a black cardigan tucked into your leather trousers. Keep the buttons undone just the right amount and pair with loafers. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

3. CO-ORDINATED

Style Notes: Thanks to Khaite's top and matching cardigan going wild among the fashion crowd (thanks, Katie Holmes), even French women are getting in on the act. Opt for muted tones to keep it as cool as possible. 

Style Notes: You could even consider pairing your top-and-cardi set with matching trousers. 

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4. CROPPED

Style Notes: The most controversial way French women wear cardigans is cropped. But the moment you keep it monochrome and add some Chanel, you ensure you still look very chic. 

Style Notes: Not a fan of minimalist looks? Head to Jacquemus for the brand's take on the cropped cardi that has been all over Instagram this season. Wear it with jeans, trousers or even a bright skirt. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

5. OFF THE SHOULDER

Style Notes: The easiest way to wear a cardigan like a French woman is to nonchalantly shrug it off one shoulder. That's all your have to do.

Style Notes: For an undeniably French take on the cardigan, wear a sassy slip dress underneath an oversized cardi. Make sure you drop it off one shoulder. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Next up, these are the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.