While much of the spring 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 sundresses of the season. When I think about April fashion, my mind immediately goes to a cute little cardigan or a sundress—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 30 cardigans and dresses you're going to want to wear together.
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.
I'm always looking for an excuse to add a pop of red.
You just can't go wrong with florals.
A classic.
A very good print to know.
Librariancore.
South of France energy.
This one is so flattering at the bust.
J.Crew dresses like this sell out so fast.
Stripes could make a solid dress fun.
Give this dress a glow-up with a good cardigan.
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.
Okay, but this silhouette.
I feel like Reformation is in the lead when it comes to dress-and-cardigan offerings.
Oversize is the way to go.
A vibrant colorway like this is a must-see.
Just imagine this with a little yellow dress.
Absolutely classic.
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.
I live for a little tie.
Big Carrie Bradshaw energy.
Pointelle details always get me.
Now, I'm really excited about summer.
Cable-knits for days.
Every time I see a dress like this, I stop scrolling.
This with a fitted dress would be ideal.
A mini you would want to know about.
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."
A short-sleeve cardigan is such a vibe.
Princess behavior.
The sleeves caught my eye.
Everything about Farm Rio gets a yes from me.
Exactly what I think of when I'm envisioning a French woman in a cardigan.
This would go with every cardigan in my closet.
