I’ve just returned from a weekend in Paris, and while I could happily wax lyrical about the croissants and madeleines that changed my life, I came home with as much style inspiration as I did pastry-induced joy—that’s to say, a lot.
Each time I visit, I’m reminded of the French talent for easy elegance. Seemingly flowing through the wardrobes of every Parisian, they have that enviable knack for looking refined in an unfussy kind of way. Filling me to the brim with styling ideas, I couldn’t help but notice one particular outfit formula everywhere I went—a three-piece look that I can't stop thinking about.
From the Le Marais to Montmartre, Parisian women were styling cropped jackets with jeans and flats. It seems the city’s most stylish have set aside their faithful blazers in favour of the cropped jacket. Sharp and structured, the silhouette feels modern and impeccably neat, a relaxed, elegant, but easy.
And then, of course, the shoes. Not yet ready for boots, nor are they entertaining heels; every chic dresser I spotted had opted for flats instead. Think refined black ballet flats, preppy Mary Janes, or classic leather loafers—the common thread was clear: comfortable sophistication with zero fuss.
Moving on from the blazers, white tees, and cropped trousers that we've long associated with the French-girl's uniform, this fresh iteration feels primed for the new season. To keep it in your rotation and feeling fresh, simply swap cropped tweed for a short suede jacket, trade your wide-leg jeans for straighter cuts, and rotate between loafers and ballet flats. The formula remains elegant every time.
Ever inspired by the French and their inimitable style, I’ve pulled together my edit of the best cropped jackets, jeans, and flats to recreate the look. Read on to discover my edit below.
Shop Cropped Jackets
The leopard print trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Before long coat season begins, a cropped trench is the perfect way to ease you way in.
Like clockwork, I gravitate towards houndstooth prints once autumn rolls around.
While I love this in the light cream, it also comes in grey and black.
Shop Jeans
Be quick! I can't see these staying in stock for long.
While I love these in the classic blue, they also come in three other shades.
These come in UK sizes 4—26.
These dark wash jeans are so easy to slot into a winter capsule wardrobe.
Shop Flats:
Style these with tall white socks to give your look a preppy feel.
These rich burgundy loafers are an easy way to weave some colour into your winter rotation.
My black leather ballet flats are without a doubt my most-worn shoes.
The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
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