Paris is all about chic knitwear. Although the city has produced a ton of style staples, knitwear is one that they practically live by. They wear it no matter the season, no matter the occasion, and of course, no matter the style. Some might even say that Parisians treat knitwear like a pair of denim jeans—it's practically their second skin. But the real question here is which knitwear pieces does one wear? Especially for autumn? What's the best type of knitwear to sport this cool and breezy season? Well, here are a few good ideas.
A Breton shirt is a French must-have. In fact, it's become the country's unofficial uniform even to a stereotypical degree. When others think of what the French wear, especially those in Paris, they automatically envision someone wearing a Breton shirt, a red scarf, and a beret. Rather cartoonish, sure, but there's no denying how effortlessly chic the
style staple is. And during autumn and winter, Breton sweaters are the way to go. Made out of luscious wool or cashmere, it adds a cozy touch to the stereotypical Parisian look.
Tight Turtleneck
'
Tell me you're sexy without telling me you're sexy.' Parisians have always conveyed a lot with their clothes and knitwear is no different. For them, sexiness doesn't have to mean showing a lot of skin. In fact, more often than not, their definition of sex appeal means more and more layers. It's all about how the clothes embrace and flatter the body and none are as sexy as a tight turtleneck. A skintight sweater that goes all the way up to one's chin covers the entire torso but highlights every curve of the body. How's that for signature French sensual style?
Smooth Sabrina Neckline
Thanks to a certain style icon named
Audrey Hepburn, the '
Sabrina' neckline became a go-to style for many Parisians. It got its name from the actress's 1954 romantic-comedy where she first wore the clothes of her eventual lifelong collaborator, Hubert de Givenchy. Beyond her haute couture dresses and suits, Hepburn sported a new neckline that emphasized her swan-like neck which became a style staple in Paris and beyond. Now, the 'Sabrina' neckline by way of a smoothly-knit sweater is an effortless way to evoke elegance and comfort at the same time. It's become the very essence of simplicity chic.
Braided Jumpers
Leave it to the French to want some dimension to their clothes. A well-knit smooth sweater is all well and good but there's no denying that it can get boring at times. However, if you go for a braided sweater, you can evoke a cozy and warm appeal all within just one later of clothing. Pair it in jeans you got from a
vintage store and you've achieved that signature Parisian effortless look that keeps on giving. It's no wonder that, despite how casual it is, braided sweaters have become a staple that even
designer brands offer these days!
Chunky Cover-Up
Be it a button-down cardigan or a thick coat that'll look chic with a belt, a chunky cover-up is a Parisian must-have. Firstly, there's the fact that it will warm you up. Remember that Paris can get so cold that you'd see snowfalls before you know it. Albeit seldomly, it's common to see snow in the city during winter. A chunky cover-up is a great way to stay cozy and cuddly, even when you're already sitting by the fire. Moreover, it's easy to style too. As already mentioned, a knitted coat will only need a belt to look sleek and svelte. As for a cardigan? Leather gloves will add a sexy touch for sure!
Plaid Scarf
Be it in red, yellow, blue, or green, a knitted plaid scarf adds some much-needed pop of color for an autumn or winter look. Parisians often go for neutrals when it comes to their knitwear staples. Breton sweaters are already black and white. For turtlenecks, they go for black. For cardigans and braided sweaters, they go for white or cream. And for chunky cardigans, they often go for beige or off-white. At least, with a brightly-hued plaid scarf, you can add a splash of red, yellow, blue, green, and more to your look without losing that signature French appeal.
From this point on, Paris is only about to get colder and chillier. Fortunately, one of the city's main wardrobe staples, knitwear, comes in many different yet similarly fashionable and flattering styles. Choose any of them to keep warm, cozy, and chic this season!
Wearing as many knitwear pieces as you want means you ought to get a
luxury home with a closet big enough to store them all.
