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5 Simple Yet Sophisticated Ways People in Paris Are Styling Knitwear Right Now

By Kevin Harson

5 Simple Yet Sophisticated Ways People in Paris Are Styling Knitwear Right Now

It’s no secret that French women embody classic, timeless style. Elegance seems practically ingrained in their DNA, and so it probably comes as no surprise to you that they’re the fashion reference I, along with plenty of other women, return to again and again. Their wardrobes revolve around core capsule pieces, yet they always manage to make the most classic staples feel fresh and modern, and that's something I'm trying to emulate in the way I dress, too.

In winter, it’s easy to fall into a style rut, reaching for the same outfits out of convenience and warmth. But staying cosy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. This season, I’m taking a leaf out of a Parisian's book and am focusing on making the most of what I already own. With a generous collection of knitwear in different colours and silhouettes, experimenting with new outfit combinations feels like a more sustainable—and inspiring—approach.

Below, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite French-girl knitwear outfits I’ll be recreating this winter—looks that are fresh, sophisticated, warm and comfortable, from cosy cable-knit scarf jumpers to a simple cardigan styled with tailored trousers. Scroll on to see the looks I'm recreating this winter and beyond.

5 French-Girl Knitwear Outfits to Copy This Winter:

1. Roll-Neck Knit + Mini Skirt + Knee High Boots

French girl knitwear outfits

Style Notes: A mini-skirt doesn’t have to be reserved for summer. It can be an interseasonal item that can be styled with a chunky roll-neck jumper and knee-high boots to see you through the colder months.

Shop the Look:

Cropped Turtleneck Jumper

& Other Stories

Cropped Turtleneck Jumper

Sportmax, Poggio Virgin Wool Miniskirt

Sportmax

Poggio Virgin Wool Miniskirt

This will see you through the seasons.

Black Ulla Zip Shoulder Bag

Whistles

Black Ulla Zip Shoulder Bag

An every day go-to style.

Aeyde, Rhea leather knee boots

Aeyde

Rhea Leather Knee Boots

Aeyde is one of my favourite shoe brands for classic, timeless styles.

2. Fluffy Cardigan + Satin Trousers + Ballet Flats

French girl knitwear outfits

Style Notes: One thing I love most about a winter wardrobe is texture. From leather, feathers or faux fur, Felicia’s fluffy cardigan is a great way to add interest to an otherwise more simple outfit. Paired with satin trousers and ballet flats, it’s such a versatile outfit that can easily be worn to an array of events.

Shop the Look:

Mylene Mohair-Blend Cardigan

ISABEL MARANT

Mylene Mohair-Blend Cardigan

This was seen on Isabel Marant's autumn/winter 2025 collection runway.

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Reformation

Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Satin trousers instantly elevate any outfit.

Noelle Suede Ballet Flats

LOEFFLER RANDALL

Noelle Suede Ballet Flats

Medium Ingrid Bag in Leather

The Row

Medium Ingrid Bag in Leather

The Row get it right every time when it comes to handbags.

3. V-Neck Jumper + Shirt + Barrel-Leg Jeans

French girl knitwear outfits

Style Notes: Layering is key in a winter wardrobe and can easily transform any outfit. Pairing a neutral v-neck jumper with a coloured striped shirt combines colour and texture in one look, and opting for a barrel-leg jean evens out the proportions of the overall finish.

Shop the Look:

Striped Flowing Shirt Zw Collection

ZARA

Striped Flowing Shirt Zw Collection

90% of my shirts are from Zara.

Balla Wool Sweater

&DAUGHTER

Balla Wool Sweater

This is made from 100% wool.

Mid Rise Rigid Barrel Jeans

ALIGNE

Mid Rise Rigid Barrel Jeans

A barrel-leg jean is my current favourite shape.

Leather Pointed Ankle Boots - Women | Mango United Kingdom

MANGO

Leather Pointed Ankle Boots

A rich chocolate brown gives a softer finish than black.

4. Basic Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers

French girl knitwear outfits

Style Notes: A basic cardigan is far from boring – it’s one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe and can easily see you through the seasons. Pairing it with tailored trousers makes it feel more elevated, yet trainers give it more of a casual finish overall to make it feel more wearable.

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5 Simple Yet Sophisticated Ways People in Paris Are Styling Knitwear Right Now - GQ British Lifestyle