If there’s one item that feels intrinsically French, it’s the cardigan. Worn with cigarette jeans, layered neatly over a white shirt and finished with ballet flats, it has long been shorthand for effortless Parisian style—and, unsurprisingly, it’s the piece many of us instinctively return to once spring arrives. When it comes to finding that perfectly elevated version, I always look to three brands that consistently get it right: Mango, Reformation and, of course, Sézane.

A truly great French cardigan is never just a basic knit. It’s the thoughtful details that make the difference; a row of polished gold buttons, a softly cinched waist, delicate piping or a subtle frill that adds just enough interest. These small design choices are what transform a simple layer into something that feels refined, intentional and quietly expensive-looking, an area where Mango, Reformation and Sézane consistently excel.

From Reformation’s perennially bestselling Clara cardigan to Sézane’s cult-favourite Gaspard, alongside Mango’s endlessly chic fine-knit styles, each brand has mastered the art of the cardigan that feels timeless yet modern, the kind you could easily imagine worn on the streets of Paris.