The Basic Item Every NYC and French Girl Already Bought for Summer

When it comes to mastering effortless style, NYC and French girls know what's up. While both groups have distinctive signature silhouettes (edgy for New Yorkers and pared-down for Parisians), they often stand behind similar trends to master their cool vibes. The spring and summer piece they can't get enough of? Well, it just so happens to be an unexpected basic: the cardigan. 

Once defined as outdated and stuffy, the buttoned-up knit has infiltrated throughout the style universe over the last few months as a fresh and modern staple. Sure, oversized grandpa cardigans are a thing, but it's actually the shrunken, thin, fitted finds that are the style du jour among fashion people at present. In fact, the lightweight basic is ramping up to be the cool alternative to a standard blouse for the season.

With that, keep scrolling for a bit of visual inspiration on how NYC and French girls are styling cardigans right now, and shop a few inspired silhouettes for a variety of temps as well.

NYC Girls

It's time to squash the notion that beige is "boring." Go for the hue in a head-to-toe monochromatic look for an incredibly forward vibe.

A cropped or tucked-in cardigan is particularly cool paired with wide-legged trousers.

The beauty of a lightweight cardigan is that it can quite literally be paired with any type of pant—khakis included.

Team your favorite pair of jeans with a blue knit to complete your off-duty game.

A bit chillier outside? Don't underestimate the power of a slightly thicker textured cardi to finish off your look.

French Girls

French girls are especially feeling cropped cardigans right now (so appropriate for summer).

Dress up a tan sweater for work or an event with high-waisted pants and sleek accessories.

Remember that whole short-sleeve comment above? Right, wasn't lying here. 

You'll earn instant compliments by choosing a vibrant cardigan in an unexpected hue.

While you could layer a cardi like this one over a T-shirt, wearing solo is fresh for the season.

Up next, 13 summer trends Latin American women are fixated on.