My Favorite Dresses Look Brand-New When I Add This Parisian Staple

While much of the fall season in Paris is marked by heavy rain, I got lucky on my recent trip and spent a lot of my time in the city seeing bright blue skies and watching happy Parisians put on their first cold-weather dresses of the season. When I think about November fashion, my mind immediately goes to a cozy cardigan or a maxi dress—how smart the French are for pairing the two together.

My favorite thing about this outfit formula is that it has a way of making a dress that you've worn again and again feel brand-new. I'm fortunate to have an overstuffed closet filled with items that I absolutely love, so instead of continuing to find new things to buy, I've spent my time lately restyling my favorites from the past. Below, find 25 cardigans and dresses you're going to want to wear together.

Camille wears a gray cardigan with a black dress

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

If you're interested in emulating a librarian-inspired vibe, styling a cardigan with a good dress just might be the best place for you to start on your journey. Cool glasses and braids are how I'd style it.

cardigans with dresses

(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

Don't underestimate the power that an oversize slouchy cardigan and maxi dress can give you. It's the definition of effortlessly chic and, even better, feels like wearing a blanket.

cardigans with dresses

(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Any sort of unexpected styling pulls me in, and I love the clashing prints and vibrant colors in this look. This is an area of experimentation that has no limits, so combine the unexpected when you're styling your cardigan and see what happens.

cardigans with dresses

(Image credit: @melodiebanc)

If you're looking for a classic and timeless French-girl approach, this look just might be it. A pointelle cardigan and slip dress will always have people greeting you with "bonjour."

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.