French Girls Can’t Stop Wearing This Sweater. Here’s How to Get the Look
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From parenting 101 to home décor and beauty must-haves, we find ourselves taking style notes from Parisian women more often than not. We’ve spent a week in a French-girl capsule collection and adhered by a French Girl Fall last season in search of that je ne sais quoi our sophisticated amies are born with. Next on the docket? The one sweater French girls can’t stop wearing: the Jane mohair sweater ($220; $175) from eco-friendly brand Surprise Paris. (But more on that in a second.) According to PureWow’s fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz, “It’s the sweater you’re constantly shopping for but can never find…until now.” TikTok user @ambre.lpp’s outfit compilation—which garnered over 20,900 views on the platform—featured looks styled around the knit that French women all seem to own.
So, what makes this particular piece so covetable? The sweater embodies a certain coziness we look for in chunkier crewnecks come winter, with a near-perfect plush fit and various colorways. And the wide ribbed cuffs at the hem, neck and arms help to tame the bodice’s volume, seemingly on par with the casual tailoring craze people are embracing this winter. To simply state, it’s the type of sweater that pairs beautifully with everything from your favorite jeans to midi slip skits.
It's also worth noting that the sweater is from an eco-responsible brand that launches each collection and drop through pre-orders to avoid an overture of stock and wasted material. The Jane sweater is ethically made in Italy with Japanese knitting machines (you can see clips of their production process in the video here). It is then assembled by hand in a family-run workshop established in 1968 near Florence. Only RMS and Mulesing free certified Italian yarns are used. Its popularity is evidence that French fashionistas (like the ones you'll see below), are embracing slow fashion brands and finding value in investing in long-lasting, well-made clothes that can be traced back to their origins.
Take French creator Alice Pilate, who wore the fluffy jumper to the Musée de l'Orangerie, showcasing how its plush brushed fabric naturally compliments the ethereal brush strokes in Claude Monet’s The Water Lilies. Camille Yolaine, model and founder of French beauty brand Yolaine, is a fan of the knit, too. American expat and founder of The French, Victoria Petersen, is often seen wearing a similar style that follows the same monochromatic fashion.
Fluffy, lightweight, comfy and impeccably fitted, there’s certainly a sense of spaciousness in the bodice followed by a tailored nip at the waist, making it the ideal knit to wear on its own or layered under a coat. And best of all, there are tons of similar styles from beloved brands like Reformation, J.Crew, Sèzane and more if you want to copy the look. That's why we curated a list of 14 similarly très chic sweaters, from budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy pieces, that are au courant.
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1. State Cashmere Pullover Sweater
This cashmere pullover sweater from State Cashmere is a classic take on the French knitwear trend, similar to the style Petersen wears. Made from 100 percent inner Mongolian cashmere, this knit will feel unbelievably soft and warm. According to the brand, it may run small, so if you prefer a looser fit, we suggest opting for one or two sizes up. Readers should note that it’s dry clean only, though this chic staple likely has plenty of wears up its sleeve before it needs a wash.
2. Oak & Fort Chunky Sweater
Oversize and chunky, but not bulky or heavy, this dreamy number adds a fresh pop of color to our French-inspired wardrobes. Buyers rave about its fit and feel, saying that it’s not itchy, despite the wool blend, and it doesn’t pill. We especially love how it features dropped shoulders like the Surprise Paris style, and while we’re thrilled the sweater comes in neutrals like black and oatmeal, we’re even more excited to see it in a light and bright lavender.
3. Mango Fur-Effect Sweater
Is it just us, or does this Mango sweater look uncannily like the knit stylish French gals are embracing? We’ll chalk it up the fur-effect design, which couldn’t be more plush. Basically, if you’re the type of person that doesn’t like to part ways with your fuzzy blanket, then you’ll go crazy for this thick pullover.
4. Free People Flurry Sweater
Speaking of fuzzy, Free People’s Flurry sweater does not skimp on cozy. It also boasts voluminous bell sleeves for a touch of drama and a whole lot of style. Shoppers who gravitate toward cropped, boxy silhouettes will find this to be a great addition to their sweater collection. Not only are there a ton of ways you can style it (with jeans, over a button-down blouse, etc.), there are six gorgeous colors to choose from.
5. COS Pure Cashmere Sweater
ICYDK, Meghan Markle is a huge fan of COS sweaters, so naturally we are, too. Although the blue beauty she was seen sporting sold out in a flash, the same Pure cashmere style from the brand comes in a moody charcoal gray. The craftsmanship and timelessness on this machine-washable cashmere knit is next to none, making it an easy purchase for those looking to invest in long-lasting, quality pieces for winter. Even better? Per the brand, the fabric is fully traceable, thanks to its adherence with the Good Cashmere Standard.
6. Lilysilk Brushed Cashmere Pullover Sweater
This may be pricey, but that’s because it’s crafted from the finest grade A Mongolian cashmere that undergoes a treatment to get that lush effect. The brand notes, “Each strand of cashmere is brushed using the most advanced Japanese brushing technique for longevity and baby softness.” Meraz is sold, raving, “As of late, I practically live in my cashmere Lilysilk sweater, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. When I put it on, it’s like an instant dose of calm.”
7. Reformation Mer Wool Sweater
Are you searching for a chic, everyday sweater that’s ultra-flattering? Enter this Reformation knit that can be dressed up with a silky mini skirt, tights and knee-high boots, or dressed down with your favorite pair of jeans. It’s sustainably made using recycled cashmere, regeneratively grown cotton and traceable wool, so you’re essentially waving goodbye to fast fashion when you add to cart. And it seamlessly blends some classic foundations we look for in a cold-weather piece—from the pullover style to the ribbed details—with modern elements, such as a slightly cropped hem.
8. Banana Republic Mona Sweater
If you’re looking for an elegant sweater to toss on when you’re too busy to style an outfit, allow us to introduce you to this beauty. It’s classic, chic and oh-so easy to wear, since it boasts an oversize crewneck fit that, instead of clinging to your body, will feel roomy and cozy. In terms of longevity, this Banana Republic knit won’t get lumpy over time because it’s made with a luxe wool and organic cotton blend that wearers say feels expensive and doesn’t pill.
9. Topshop Cable Knit Sweater
Lightweight and soft, we’ll bet you’ll want to wear this wool-blend sweater during winter, spring and next fall, too. The charming Topshop cable knit is currently on sale for less than $35, so we’d be silly not to hop on this deal while it lasts. We like that it offers plenty of room in the body and arms for layering, so whether we want to toss it over an oversize button-up blouse or slip it over a turtleneck bodysuit, it won’t look lumpy or stretched out. One thing to note: It has a spacious bodice and is meant to sit just past the hips, so if you prefer a fitted silhouette, we suggest sizing down.
10. J.Crew Chunky Crewneck Sweater
The chunkiness and length on this J.Crew number is strikingly similar to the Surprise Paris style, but it has an exaggerated neckline that makes it entirely its own. It’s comfortable, stretchy and has a relaxed fit that’ll look classy when paired with skinny(er) jeans and a statement belt or a sharp trouser and stiletto boot ‘fit that’ll impress your boss at the next board meeting.
11. Sézane Youri Jumper
Beloved by both Americans and Parisians, Sézane is an iconic French brand that helps us stay au courant, and its sweaters are the pièces de resistance of the entire collection. The Youri jumper blends a soft alpaca with a warm and breathable wool, and the openwork knit coupled with the bell sleeves makes for a delicate and charming design that’ll look effortlessly sexy for a winter date night. Rachel Bowie, senior director of special projects and royals, swears by Sézane knits, which she says are feminine, romantic, effortless, cozy and luxe (however, she does warn that the French sizing tends to run smaller than sizes in the U.S.).
12. Anrabess Crewneck Fuzzy Knit Sweater
With over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, this fuzzy knit is a fan favorite. “It’s super soft and SO warm” raves one buyer, who praises its warmth and flattering length. Other customers highlight its great quality and comfortable thickness that doesn’t make it look or feel bulky. And is it just us, or does the wide range of colors make it nearly impossible to choose just one? We’ll take blue, army green and red, please and thank you.
13. Quince Wool Crewneck Sweater
If you’re not familiar with Quince, it’s a direct-to-consumer brand that focuses heavily on transparency with customers and sustainable practices. It’s also a fabulous spot to shop for sweaters, as one PureWow editor discovered after putting a style from the brand to the test against Jenni Kayne. This oversize crewneck, which is made from a superfine merino wool, is finished with a soft boucle texture, making it an ideal balance of style and comfort.
14. &Daughter Glenn Geélong Sweater
Looking for a relaxed-yet-tailored sweater that you don’t have to constantly tuck in? Made in Scotland from a super soft Geelong lambswool, this luxe, hand-linked jumper offers an incomparable quality and feel. We appreciate that it’s pre-shrunk so we can avoid any unfortunate mishaps in the wash, and it’s meant to feel luxuriously weighty, warm and wear beautifully over time. Psst…all three colors are on sale right now for $160 off.
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