If there's one item that feels essential to the Parisian woman's capsule wardrobe, it has to be jeans. It's the backbone to their everyday looks, and there's something about the way chic French women style their jeans that feels both timeless yet current, simple yet never boring, and never overthought or too trendy. Their jeans lean toward '90s silhouettes—whether it's the perfect straight-leg pair or the coolest vintage wash. In short, no one wears jeans like chic Parisians do, and I always look to the French fashion set when styling my own. Since my jeans are getting a lot more airtime now that autumn is upon us, I've pulled together some of the most effortlessly chic jeans outfit ideas that I'm unashamedly copying from the French fashion set this season. Keep scrolling to inspire your own denim outfits this season.
Shop 7 Chic French-Inspired Autumn Outfits:
1. V-Neck Sweater + Dark-Wash Straight-Leg Jeans + Kitten-Heel Sandals
Style Notes: This is quite possibly the perfect summer-to-autumn outfit. Style a pair of straight-leg jeans in this season's trend-forward dark wash with a simple and effortless grey V-neck sweater. Finish the look with black kitten-heel sandals—so chic and easy to emulate.
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So cosy.
This looks so expensive.
A true denim staple.
Hello, you.
2. Striped Polo + Wide-Leg Jeans + Pointed-Toe Pumps
Style Notes: French women love a wearable wide-leg silhouette. Style a pair with a striped polo to keep the look fresh and fashion-forward.
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Rugby shirts are so in right now,
Look to French brands to emulate the style.
Well done H&M.
3. Fancy Jacket + Relaxed Jeans + Sleek Flats
Style Notes: Dress up a pair of relaxed, light-wash jeans by styling them with a fancy jacket (think elevated details and a rich fabric), polished flats, and luxe accessories. This look is ideal for an evening out.
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The perfect cut.
Dune is always a reliable footwear choice.
4. White Tee + Dark-Wash Straight-Leg Jeans + Thong Sandals + Trench
Style Notes: The French know the power of great classic pieces. There's nothing more timeless than a fitted white tee, straight-leg jeans, and a trench. Lean into the minimalist vibe with thong sandals and a simple shoulder bag in a very French burgundy.
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An editor fave.
Yes please.
Toteme always gets my vote.
So French.
This went straight onto my autumn moodboard.
5. White Jeans + White Shirt + Mary Janes + Sweater
Style Notes: White jeans are a year-round staple in Paris. Just be sure to pair them with plenty of cool layers and textures. Opt for a tonal look this autumn and style them with a white button-down and beige sweater. Mary Janes will finish the effortlessly cool look.
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So clean and fresh.
Quick before this sells out.
White always makes an outfit look more luxurious.
So many of my fellow editors have these.
6. Brown Blazer + Wide-Leg Jeans + Brown Pumps
Style Notes: The French absolutely love brown suede in autumn. Style a rich chocolate-brown suede blazer with wide-leg jeans in a medium wash, and complete the look with luxe-looking brown pumps and a suede tote.
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Stunning.
& Other Stories is always my go-to for French-looking jeans.
A true Mary Poppins-esq bag.
7. Boatneck Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Vintage-inspired Levi's 501s are a Parisian favourite. While the temps are still warm, style a pair with a brown boatneck top and flip-flops. It doesn't get easier or cooler.
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Go off Reformation.
My favourite pair.
Everyone needs a pair.
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I'm Building a French-Inspired Autumn Wardrobe—21 Arket, COS and Zara Buys on My Wish ListEffortless style.
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It’s More Than a Coincidence—Margot Robbie Wears This Specific Jacket, Jeans and Shoe Formula Every Time She's In New YorkChic every time.
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Two Shopping Editors Agree—These High-Street Jeans Are 100% Worth ItThe next best-selling style.
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Instagram Has Spoken: 8 Ways to Wear Autumn's Most Expensive-Looking Colour TrendI can't decide which look I want to re-create first.
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Not Loafers, Not Ballet Flats—The "Dated" Flat-Shoe Trend French Women Actually Wear All the TimeI can really see these taking off.
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Sienna Miller and I Agree—This Often Overlooked Jeans Colour Is Actually the ChicestPress pause on blue.
