26 Knits To Fall In Love With This Summer

Thanks to French-girl cool brand, Rouje, summer knitwear is having a moment. This is as far from your grandma's wardrobe as you can get; think lightweight cardigans, Breton-striped jumpers, cropped vests and even sexy, plunging knit tops (yes, you read that right, sexy knitwear).

Talking to Refinery29 about her love for knitwear, Rouje's Creative Director (and our ultimate French girl crush) Jeanne Damas describes the inspiration behind the brand's newest collection: "I feel very inspired by the style of Pedro Almodovar's heroines, so colourful and feminine. In the South, women wear wrap or shirt dresses with joyful prints like dots, flowers, fruits, which we tried to depict in our own collection. They can wear them with braided sandals or wedged sandals, a basket bag and a knotted cardigan, which is much cosier and softer than a jacket, especially when the nights get chilly in summer. Knitwear also balances their outfits: they could wear all of their jewellery, [and] their silhouette would still remain authentic and charming."

Owing to the Great British weather and its wonderful unpredictability, lightweight knits are ideal for summer. Button up a cardigan (such as Rouje's Lino knit) and wear with straight-leg jeans for French nonchalance, then unbutton for a flirty date night look. Or throw an oversized knit over your favourite floral maxi dress when the sun goes down at summer festivals and on trips to the beach.

Fellow French brand Musier has plenty of pretty knitwear on offer, including the Carlotta cardigan with its delicate pearlised buttons. Another Gallic favourite is Sézane, which now has an appartement in Notting Hill – its Isaac jumper is an Instagram favourite. On the high street, head to Jigsaw, & Other Stories and Warehouse for the best quality pieces.

If you fancy adding some easy chic to your wardrobe, take a look through some of our top knits this season.