The casual chic style is that fashion goal every woman pursues: the perfect balance between everyday comfort and the elegance of a thoughtfully put-together outfit. At the heart of this equation are two must-haves for mid-season and winter: the sweater and the cardigan.
Too often seen as purely functional pieces to keep out the cold, cardigans and sweaters are actually the true pillars of your style. When chosen well, they shape your silhouette and add a touch of sophistication to every outfit—effortlessly.
Here’s how to make the right choice from our women’s casual chic sweaters and cardigans.
1. The casual chic sweater: it’s all in the details
To take a sweater from “loungewear” to “casual chic,” it all comes down to the cut and the finishing touches.
Yes, but how do you find your style?
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The updated sailor sweater: This is the icon of effortless French style. With its gold or silver buttons on the shoulder, it instantly adds structure. Pair it with raw denim and ankle boots for a flawless city look.
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The high or turtleneck: Nothing is more elegant than a fitted turtleneck sweater slipped under a blazer. It elongates the neckline and gives a minimalist, couture-inspired look.
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Textured knits: For a more textured look, go for Irish knits or delicate cables. The casual chic tip? Mix the rustic feel of a chunky knit with the elegance of a satin skirt or fluid tailored pants.
2. How to stay comfortable and chic without looking older?
Long overlooked, the vest (or cardigan) is making a strong comeback in women’s fashion. No longer just the “proper” companion of our grandmothers, it’s now a major style asset for all your outfits.
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The short, buttoned cardigan: Worn directly on the skin with the top buttons undone, it becomes ultra-feminine. Choose one with statement buttons (jewel, mother-of-pearl, or horn) to turn a simple cardigan into a standout piece.
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The oversized (or chunky) vest: This is the ultimate cozy piece. To stay on trend, belt it at the waist to redefine your silhouette and wear it over a flowy maxi dress.
- The sleeveless vest: A true chameleon! Depending on how you accessorize, the sleeveless vest can look sophisticated (over a silk or chiffon blouse) or rustic (over a plaid shirt or a fine turtleneck).
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The long, fluid cardigan: A perfect mid-season alternative to a coat. Its vertical line elongates your silhouette and brings effortless elegance—ideal with slim pants and loafers.
3. Fabrics: the luxury of eco-responsibility
Casual chic never compromises on quality. Knitwear that pills or shines because of acrylic instantly breaks the look’s elegance.
This same quest for quality guides the design of our men’s cardigans and sweaters. Have you explored our men’s collections yet?
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Cashmere and Silk: For absolute softness and a subtle glow. These are long-lasting materials that bring unmatched finesse under a blazer.
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Merino Wool: Fine, temperature-regulating, and wrinkle-free—this is the ultimate material for office sweaters.
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Organic Cotton and Linen: Perfect for summer or mid-season sweaters, they offer impeccable structure and a beautifully authentic, natural look.
The T-shirt: The invisible (or almost) essential
Under an open cardigan or a V-neck sweater, your tee should never be an afterthought. It’s the foundation of your look.
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The perfect white tee: The Swiss army knife of fashion. All year round, it brightens up a chunky grey or navy cardigan. Opt for a quality cotton (thick/heavyweight) so it doesn’t look like underwear.
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The fine-ribbed tank top: Very on-trend under an open cardigan, it adds texture and an effortless (yet elegant) touch.
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The neckline: A crew neck tee brings a modern, relaxed vibe, while a deep V-neck under a cardigan feels more feminine.
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The fabric: Choose organic cotton, linen, or a cotton-modal blend. These materials drape elegantly and won’t crease awkwardly under your knits.
4. How to accessorize your knitwear for a chic look?
Accessories are the spark that transforms your sweater into something truly chic.
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Jewelry stacking: A basic V-neck sweater instantly looks sophisticated when you layer several delicate gold necklaces.
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The visible shirt: Let the collar and cuffs of a crisp white shirt peek out from under your sweater. It’s the foundation of preppy style.
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The belt: It can’t be said enough—belting your cardigan or long sweater makes all the difference. It defines your silhouette and instantly adds a fashion-forward finish.
Conclusion: Find your balance
Casual chic isn’t an exact science—it’s all about contrasts. An oversized sweater works best with a fitted bottom; a fine cardigan loves bold accessories. The key is to invest in beautiful fabrics that not only keep you warm, but also reflect your commitment to style.
Remember: the best sweater is the one that lets you move freely, while giving you the confidence to go from a workday to a night out without changing your outfit.
Jeans are the other essential half of the equation. While a sweater brings softness and elegance, jeans add character and modernity. But be careful: to keep the look on point, skip the old gardening jeans or overly worn-out styles.
Here’s how to choose and style your denim to elevate your knitwear.
Denim: The foundation of your look
The secret to a great pair of jeans is, above all, its structure and color. In 2026, the trend is for authentic denim—more structured and more eco-friendly.
1. The cuts that define your shape
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Straight Leg: The timeless classic. It suits every body shape and offers a clean, streamlined look. Worn with a tucked-in turtleneck sweater, it creates a long, sophisticated silhouette.
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Wide Leg: Very on-trend, it brings a couture touch. For a successful casual chic look, go for a high waist and pair it with a short, buttoned cardigan to highlight your waist.
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Slim or Flare: The slim fit is always a safe bet under a long cardigan, while the flare (wider at the bottom) is perfect for elongating the legs—especially when it hides a pair of heeled boots.
2. Washes to choose
Casual chic is all about understated style. To get it right:
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The Dark Wash: This is the most elegant option. Its deep midnight blue pairs beautifully with beige, grey, or cream cashmere sweaters. Think of it as the denim version of tailored trousers.
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Mid-Blue: Ideal for daytime looks, it brings a bright touch without being too casual.
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Charcoal Grey or Black: Perfect for a more urban, “rock-chic” style, especially with a chunky cream sweater.
3. The “Green” Detail: Eco-Responsible Denim
Today, a chic pair of jeans has to be clean. We’re turning to styles made from organic or recycled cotton, and especially to eco-friendly washes (ozone or laser) that don’t use harmful chemicals. A beautiful, durable denim won’t stretch out after two hours and keeps its deep color wash after wash—an essential for an elegant look.
4. Style Tip: Balancing Proportions
The sweater-and-jeans combo is all about one simple rule: balance.
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If your sweater is oversized or your cardigan is chunky knit, choose a fitted jean (Straight or Slim).
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If your sweater is fine and fitted, you can go for a wider cut (Wide Leg or Flare) for a balanced, ultra-modern look.
The little extra: For a flawless finish, don’t hesitate to roll up your jeans slightly to show off your ankles or a pretty pair of sparkly socks in your loafers.
Shoes: The Height of Elegance
It’s often your shoes that set the level of elegance for your outfit. They set the tone and complete your silhouette.
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Loafers and Moccasins: The ultimate casual-chic shoes. Worn with straight jeans and a Breton sweater, they add an intellectual and elegant touch. Choose them in soft leather or suede.
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City Sneakers (Minimalist Trainers): For a harmonious look, avoid overly technical running shoes. Opt for white leather or neutral tones, with a slim sole or a moderate platform. They break up the seriousness of a turtleneck sweater.
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Heeled Ankle Boots: Whether you go for “sock” boots or Chelsea boots, a small heel (4 to 6 cm) is all you need to elongate your legs—especially if you’re wearing flare or wide-leg trousers.
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Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats: They’re making a strong comeback. Ultra-feminine, they’re perfect with a little buttoned cardigan and cropped 7/8 jeans that show off your ankle.
Here’s a paragraph dedicated to the color theory of casual chic style, a crucial element for creating that sense of understated luxury and a perfectly curated look.
The color palette: The secret to understated luxury
In this world that’s both comfortable and glamorous, color is a language in its own right. To avoid a look that’s too “sporty,” opt for a palette that evokes softness and sophistication.
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Radiant Neutrals: This is the foundation of the style. Sand beige, ivory, heather grey, and camel are timeless choices. A cream sweater paired with raw denim instantly creates a noble, luminous contrast that flatters every skin tone.
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Navy and Anthracite: These “almost blacks” are often more elegant than pure black. A navy cardigan is a key piece that adds depth to your outfit without hardening your features.
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Seasonal Accents: To energize your look without losing elegance, introduce muted or earthy colors. Forest green, deep burgundy, or rich terracotta work beautifully in knitwear. The trick is to keep just one colorful piece and let the rest of your outfit stay in neutral tones.
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Monochrome: For an ultra-fashionable look and a lengthened silhouette, dare to go for a head-to-toe style. A pearl grey cardigan over a matching sweater, paired with charcoal grey jeans, creates a sophisticated gradient that sculpts your figure.
The "Old Money" Tip: Choose colors found in nature. The more organic the shade (think raw wool, linen, earth tones), the more high-end and timeless your look will feel.
Conclusion: Everyday Harmony
The casual style built around sweaters and cardigans is an invitation to softness, without sacrificing your look. By playing with contrasts — the rawness of denim, the softness of merino wool, the polish of a loafer, and the simplicity of a white tee — you create a versatile, timeless wardrobe.
Investing in these quality essentials, even while staying mindful of prices and your budget, is about giving yourself the freedom to never have to choose between comfort and elegance again. It’s about following a trend that adapts to your life, not the other way around.
