In Paris, Every Elegant Dresser's 2026 Wardrobe Includes One of These Chic Cardigan Trends
From elegant waisted silhouettes to effortlessly cool polka-dot iterations, here are the seven chic cardigan trends French women are wearing in 2026.
As a born and raised Londoner, I’m not ashamed to admit that I turn to the French fashion girls for style advice more than anyone else. I mean, let’s be real, they have a way of making even the plainest of basics look chic. And as we enter spring, and I start to swap out my heavy cashmere jumpers for lighter cardigans, I’ll be looking to the Gallic girls for inspiration on the cardigan trends I should invest in for 2026.
Don’t get me wrong, as a minimalist, I love my plain black cardigan. However, I must admit that it runs the risk of looking frumpy at the best of times. I’m therefore on the hunt for those slightly trendier cardigan styles to wear with my classic jeans, skirts and dresses this spring. And if you’re more of a pared-back dresser like myself, rest assured that, in true French girl fashion, the cardigan trends set to dominate 2026 perfectly strike the balance between looking fresh and trending and feeling wearable and easy to style.
So if you, too, are looking for some ways to freshen up your knitwear selection, below, I’ve rounded up the cardigan trends that the Parisiennes are backing this year. From elegant cinched-in silhouettes to cool-girl polka-dot styles, keep scrolling to discover seven French girl-approved cardigan trends to copy in 2026.
7 Chic Cardigan Trends French Girls Are Wearing in 2026:
1. Waisted Cardigans
Style Notes: If a bold print or pattern feels out of your comfort zone, take a cue from the Gallic girls and focus on the silhouette of your cardigan to give it a fresh twist. You’ve probably already seen the hype around waisted clothing, from blazers to button-down shirts, and cardigans in this shape look just as elegant. A waisted cardigan instantly adds polish to even the most casual of jeans, making it a fail-proof way to dress up an outfit in 2026.
Shop the Trend:
No one will guess this is from the high street.
Khaite's waisted cardigan comes editor-approved.
I've wanted Aligne's Daphne knit ever since I spotted it on my fellow editor, Marina.
COS never disappoints me.
2. Collared Cardigans
Style Notes: I’ve been spotting collared cardigans on my commute to and from the office for a while, but it now officially has the Parisian stamp of approval. It looks put-together, has ways to layer, and most importantly, won’t ever date in your wardrobes. I already own a long-sleeved version, so for spring 2026, I’m on the hunt for a shirt-sleeved iteration that I can wear over my tank tops.
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A refined take on the classic knit.
An investment that you'll keep in your wardrobe for many years to come.
This is sure dress up your jeans on casual days.
An easy way to inject some colour into your outfit.
3. Short-Sleeved Cardigans
Style Notes: As we (finally!) move into the warmer months, I’ll be shedding my long sleeves for shorter styles. And this extends to my knitwear as well. The French girls have been backing short-sleeve cardigans for a while now, as a comfortable, practical, and, might I add, effortlessly chic alternative to the longer styles they wear when it’s chillier outside.
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This will go with everything.
Such an elegant silhouette.
The lace trim is so pretty!
I'll be recreating this outfit for spring office days.
4. Polka-Dot Cardigans
Style Notes: The French girls have spoken: the polka dot hype that dominated last year is back for 2026. And although this vintage-inspired print evokes an elegant feel when in the form of skirts, dresses and blouses, there’s just something about polka-dot knitwear that feels slightly less frilly and a lot cooler. Especially when it's in non-monochrome colours like the yellow pictured above.
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This went straight into my basket.
No notes, Miu Miu,
This cool navy and butter yellow iteration is reversible.
A slightly more pared-back take for the minimalists.
5. Cable-Knit Cardigans
Style Notes: If you think cable knitwear is dated, think again, because the Gallic girls are backing cardigans in this vintage style for 2026. An easy way to add texture to your outfit, cable knit cardigans manage to perfectly balance feeling both effortless and intentional at the same time.
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You'll reach for this in every season.
The navy hues makes a nice point of difference from black.
Perfect for the upcoming spring season.
How pretty is this sky blue hue?
6. Breton Cardigans
Style Notes: The French girls and Breton stripes go hand in hand, so it should come as no surprise that they’re championing cardigans in this nautically inspired print for 2026. It’s easy to dress up or down, timeless and the neutral hues will lend themselves to pairing well with both muted and bold colours alike.
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French-girl approved.
Zara's knitwear selection is so good right now.
Tick off two trends in one with this collared iteration.
Wear with jeans, skirts or Bermuda shorts.
7. Cropped Cardigans
Style Notes: If you love high-waisted jeans as much as I do, you’ve probably struggled to style cardigans with them without bulky waistlines peeking through. Luckily for us, the French fashion set has us covered, as cropped cardigans are on the rise for 2026. These pair well with skirts, dresses, and jeans that have a higher waistline, making the style feel more like a chic jacket than a frumpy knit. Personally, I’ll be layering mine over high-waisted stovepipe jeans and a tank top.
Shop the Trend:
This hue is surprisingly versatile.
Lace tris are having a moment, and I'm here for it.
The very definition of a versatile wardrobe basic.
This also comes in a wearable beige hue.
