How to Style Knitwear the French Way

Ladies and gentlemen, I declare sweater season officially open! It’s already mid-November, the perfect moment to gather a few beautiful knits that will keep you warm, cozy, and effortlessly chic all winter long. This piece also echoes my latest Édit Privé No. 18: How French Women Stay Chic Even When They Choose Comfort.

If you’re craving softness and comfort this season, I’ve curated, just for you, a selection of the most beautiful sweaters of the moment (some already live in my wardrobe, others I’ve just ordered!). But that’s not all: I’m also sharing a few tips on the French art of layering, l’art du mille-feuille. You’ll discover the knitwear styles French women actually wear, the seasonal colors and materials I recommend, and how to style your sweaters without adding bulk, to remain chic, and perfectly comfortable.

So without further ado, here are my tips for staying chic and warm this winter, plus, further down, my curated edit of the most beautiful sweaters of the season.

The French Philosophy of Knitwear

Knitwear forms the foundation of every French winter wardrobe. It’s never just a cosy piece, it’s part of a timeless, elegant way of dressing. The perfect knit should warm without weighing you down, envelop without hiding, and make you feel bien dans votre peau. A good sweater also invites l’art du mille-feuille, that subtle layering of textures and tones that makes winter dressing so satisfying.

When it comes to knitwear, always choose quality over quantity. Look for natural fibers (cashmere, wool, alpaca, mohair, merino) soft to the touch, made to last. Because there’s nothing worse than feeling cold in your sweater in the middle of winter :). This season, I’m drawn to gentle shades: cream, ivory, vanilla, sky blue, blush pink, light grey, and hazelnut. Soft hues that echo the texture of knitwear itself. But I also love deeper tones (bordeaux, forest green, navy) darker yet always chic. I personally avoid black, which can clash with my fair skin and feel a little severe.

The 4 Knitwear Styles French Women Actually Wear

1. The Classic Crewneck

Whether in wool or cashmere, with a straight or relaxed cut, this is the one knit every French wardrobe needs. It may seem basic, yet when chosen with care, it becomes a true statement piece that elevates even the simplest outfit.

2. The Turtleneck

A long-time essential in my own wardrobe. Choose it chunky and oversized for ultimate comfort, or fine and fitted under a blazer or wool coat. I also love ultra-thin turtlenecks layered beneath a crewneck or a crisp shirt.

3. The Fair Isle Sweater

I adore this style, it reminds me of the French Alps, where I’m from, inspired by the rustic yet chic charm of mountain chalets. In the same spirit, I love cable-knit sweaters in soft white tones that evoke snowy peaks and winter light.

4. The Polo-Style Knit

A more relaxed yet undeniably chic option. I love this shape, along with high-neck zip sweaters, worn slightly open over a fine turtleneck or a long-sleeved tee. It’s the perfect way to stay comfortable while looking polished.

The Art of Layering (L’Art du Mille-Feuille)

There’s an unmistakable French charm in the way we layer knitwear: never too much, never too little, just enough to suggest warmth, movement, and ease. Layering à la Française is about composing textures and proportions, finding that perfect balance between comfort and allure.

A few of my favorite combinations this winter:

A fine wool or cashmere turtleneck under a blazer, ultra-chic and timeless.
A satin or crisp cotton shirt, slightly unbuttoned, over a delicate fine-knit turtleneck.
A polo-style or high-neck zip sweater, worn open over an ultra-thin roll-neck for a subtle play of contrast.
A crewneck sweater slipped over a shirt, or draped over the shoulders and softly knotted.
A soft knit paired with corduroy trousers.
A wool mini skirt with opaque or sheer tights and a chunky knit.
When in doubt, pair your sweaters with denim. French women always do.
An oversized knit worn with slim trousers or leggings.
A voluminous sweater cinched with a belt to define the waistline and structure the silhouette.

Some links in this article are shared with compensation from Net-a-Porter. It’s not sponsored, all writing and choices are my own. If you choose to buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you. Merci beaucoup.