Stylish Women in Marseille and Cadaqués Swap Out Their Cashmere Sweaters for This Breezier Alt Every Summer

Every summer for the last five or six years, I've traveled somewhere in Europe to wave goodbye to the slower months and prepare for New York City's less enjoyable time of year: winter. (Fall barely exists in the city—it lasts a few weeks at best.) Marseille, Cadaqués, and Camogli are a few of the seaside towns I've escaped to, and while the food, beaches, and overall relaxed energy are my main criteria, I also seek out destinations where I can people-watch or, rather, outfit-watch.

The best, most laid-back styling comes out of the vacation destinations that Europeans frequent on summer weekends and during their long August holidays. Think linen pants, big straw bags and hats, breezy dresses, and leather sandals as well as cotton sweaters, a garment I consistently spot on my end-of-summer travels. All fall, winter, and spring, chic European women style their Prada and Saint Laurent skirts with cashmere knits, from turtlenecks to sleeveless pullovers. In the warmer months, they swap them out for their lightweight cotton alternatives, which feature a looser weave that lets in the salty seaside air.

To kick off cotton-sweater season, I highly suggest you shop the knits chic European women ditch their cashmere for every summer. The best versions? Find them all below.

Get the look: oversize cotton sweater + capri pants + heeled clogs

The best part about this trend is how easy it is. Throw on a cotton sweater with your favorite capri pants and some sandals and be on your way. No effort necessary.

ANOTHER TOMORROW

Organic Cotton Sweater

Massimo Dutti

Cotton Blend V-Neck Sweater

Get the look: cream cotton sweater + cream silk skirt + ballet flats

This was one of my favorite looks from the spring/summer 2025 season. It just looks so effortless and elegant, proving that sophistication doesn't require a lot of energy or accessorizing.

Kallmeyer

Riona Rollneck in Slub Cotton

j.crew

Heritage Cotton Rollneck Sweater

Get the look: cream cotton sweater + classic bikini + straw bag

Next time you're heading to the beach in a small seaside down, just toss a cotton sweater on top of your bikini as a cover-up and grab your biggest straw bag.

Nordstrom

Chunky Cotton Blend Sweater

Vince

Open Knit Boat Neck Sweater

Get the look: navy cotton sweater + short shorts + leather bag + flat sandals

At Ralph Lauren's show in the Hamptons last September, models gave off a look of laid-back luxury in cotton knits, long and flowy dresses, and sporty jackets.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Flag Crewneck Sweater

Tuckernuck

Navy Cotton Americana Sweater

Get the look: cotton sweater + maxi silk slip dress

The simplest way to dress down a maxi silk slip dress is to toss a sweater on top, and since cashmere is far too warm in the summer, cotton is your best bet!

La Ligne

Solid Marina Sweater

Get the look: black cotton sweater + crochet skirt + sheer tights + strappy sandals

For a darker, more formal ensemble, pick a black cotton sweater and pair it with a matching crochet midi skirt. Black sheer tights and heeled strappy sandals will further push this gothic-chic agenda.

j.crew

Heritage Cotton Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

La Ligne

Mock Neck Solid Marina Sweater

Get the look: bell-sleeve cotton sweater + matching flared pants + shoulder bag

The only thing better than a cotton sweater is a cotton sweater with matching pants. No outfit has ever come together easier—period.

HIGH SPORT

Jordan Cotton Sweater

Shop more cotton sweaters:

Massimo Dutti

Cotton Blend Knit Sweater

Madewell

Boatneck Pullover Sweater

Nordstrom

Cotton V-Neck Sweater

MANGO

Boat Neck Cotton Blend Sweater

GUEST IN RESIDENCE

Island Cotton-Blend Sweater

j.crew

Ribbed Funnelneck Sweater in Linen-Cotton Blend

CO

Handknit Crew Sweater in Cotton

Paneros Clothing

Sloane Cotton Crewneck Sweater

THE ROW

Kathy Cotton-Bouclé Sweater

Barbour

Marine Relaxed Fit Cotton Sweater

Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo Bear Embroidered Linen & Cotton Crewneck Sweater