The Summer Trend Both French and American Girls Are Wearing

It's not every day that you'll find French and American girls wearing the same items. The two styles are pretty distinct—as we all know, French-girl style is synonymous with effortless, flirty staples, while American style is often more driven by seasons and trends. More often than not, we American girls are the ones taking style inspiration from our European counterparts. Here at Who What Wear, we're definitely not immune to fashion's French-girl obsession: We've written on how to get a French girl's summer wardrobe, which lingerie brands they shop, and everything in between. So we were pleasantly surprised to discover that there's one summer trend that's an international favorite: crop sweaters.

We know, sweaters in the summer? It sounds pretty counterintuitive, but hear us out. Thinly knit sweaters happen to be the perfect item to throw over denim shorts or summer dresses on cooler nights, and this trend's closely cropped hem makes it the ideal piece to wear with high-waisted jeans or midi skirts. But even though the style is traversing the Atlantic, each country is styling their crop sweaters with a distinctly local spin. You'll spot French girls pairing their knits with pretty printed and satin skirts, while Americans are making a case for the crop sweater–and–high-waisted jeans combo.

Just below, see the outfits from each country and shop our favorite cropped sweaters and cardigans for the season ahead.

How French girls are styling the piece

Jeanne transformed her cardigan outfit in a genius new way that you can bet we'll be trying at the next chance we get.

I mean, how good does the piece look with a satin slip skirt?

Try yours in a color that pops like baby pink.

Though she's actually Swedish, this stylist gets a shout-out for wearing her crop sweater as a cool swimsuit cover-up.

How American girls are styling it

High-waisted jeans make for a combo that's easily re-creatable.

Shop for a style in fun, punchy colors for a nostalgic vibe.

White pumps and high-waisted jeans prove to be the combo American girls are relying on this summer.

Try out a tonal look that plays with varying shades of the same color.

Accessorize with a chain belt.

Next up, see the trend that's poised to take athleisure's place.