This Just In: French Women Are Swapping Their Red Cardigans for This Fresh Knit

We don't want to brag, but when it comes to decoding French style, Who What Wear UK has it down. Years of obsessive street-style scrolling, Paris Fashion Week people-watching, and a borderline unhealthy fixation on how French women make the basics look intentional, have trained our eyes well. We know the formulas they rely on, we know their version of effortlessness is anything but accidental, and we definitely know their cardigan habits. For a long time, that meant the red cardigan. Worn buttoned-up with jeans, slung over shoulders, or layered under a coat like it had always been there. But lately, our feeds have been nudging us in a new direction. The familiar pop of red has quietly stepped aside, making room for something a little more low-key.

Over the past few months, I've noticed Parisian women leaning into a softer, quieter knit instead—grey. In different shades, different textures, worn in that unmistakably unfussy way. It's not that colour has disappeared altogether, but there's a clear shift towards pieces that feel easier to live in day after day. Grey just happens to tick every box. It works with denim, tailoring and trainers without changing the mood of an outfit, and it never feels like the point of the look. If anything, it's the piece that lets everything else shine, which is probably why it's suddenly everywhere.

It's also worth noting that there's no single grey cardigan style dominating right now. I'm seeing oversized knits worn like outerwear, neat buttoned-up styles styled as tops, cropped versions with high-waisted jeans, and classic V-necks layered under coats. Below are the 13 grey cardigans I've already saved, screenshotted, or sent to the group chat—the ones that feel especially right if you're channelling that French approach to getting dressed.

Shop Grey Cardigans:

JENNI KAYNE

Cooper Round-Neck Wool and Cashmere Cardigan

Beautiful quality and designed to last. This is the kind of knit you buy once and wear for years, especially if you like a full buttoned loook.

Sezane

Gaspard Cardigan - Mottled Grey - Super Kid Mohair

This one needs very little introduction. I've seen versions of this all over Paris, usually buttoned up with vintage jeans. The wool-mohair blend gives it that soft, slightly fuzzy finish that looks better the more you wear it.

KHAITE

Everheart Cashmere Cardigan

Khaite knows a thing or two about getting a cardigan just right. The fit on this one is refined without feeling precious, and the buttons elevate even the simplest outfit. I love this with straight-leg jeans and flats.

COS

Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan

The fabric feels substantial, and COS sizing is reliably generous without being overwhelming.

Uniqlo

100% Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan

I will never stop talking about Unilqo cashmere.

Toteme

Raglan-Sleeve Cashmere Cardigan Grey Melange

This is the kind of cardigan that instantly makes an outfit feel grown-up. The cut is clean, the colour is spot on, and the added collar just finishes it off perfectly.

Reformation

Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

Soft without being delicate, and designed to be worn as a top. The slightly cropped length works well with higher-waisted jeans.

M&S

Air-Yarn Crew Neck Short Cardigan

A reminder that good basics don't need to be complicated.

& Other Stories

Merino Wool Wrap Cardigan

This wrap one feels very French in its simplicity.

MANGO

Knitted Button Cardigan - Women

The matching grey buttons is what sold it for me.

ZARA

Knit Cardigan With Ruffle Trims

Perfect if you're after something a little more fancy.

Dark grey may just be my favourite out of the bunch.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Tabitha Ribbed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Cardigan

The short sleeves means this will work well into Spring too.