We talk a lot here at Who What Wear about the classic aesthetic of French women, which is undoubtedly part of what makes their style so appealing to people around the world. This penchant for timeless style also applies to their denim choices. That said, while they wear the classics, they also make room for more trend-forward styles. And as you've probably noticed, French women love wearing jeans both day and night year-round, so there's plenty of room for denim diversity.
I've been a Who What Wear editor for 10 years, which translates to a lot of time spent looking at French outfits on Instagram. Because of this, I'm pretty confident in saying that I've pinpointed the exact denim styles French women own—many of which they've been wearing for years. Scroll on to see examples of the jeans and shop versions of the styles for your own denim collection.
Polished Dark Denim
It's not surprising that French women are all about these tailored jeans. They make any outfit they're paired with look smart, and they even look appropriate for the office or evening activities.
Shop the style:
Wide-Leg
Wide-leg jeans are a go-to for the French when they want something a bit more casual and comfortable—but still chic.
Shop the style:
Classic Straight-Leg
This one needs no explanation, but if I had to name one denim style that literally everyone in Paris owns, it would be classic straight-leg jeans. They go with everything, and that matters.
Shop the style:
100% Cotton Flare
Flared jeans—especially of 100% cotton construction—lend a vintage quality to outfits that French women love.
Shop the style:
Washed Black
Black jeans are a key element in a denim wardrobe, and the specific type that the French seem to favor is of the washed black variety.
Shop the style:
Dark-Wash Skinny
Say what you want about skinny jeans, but they're classic and nothing looks better with knee boots. You're likely to still find a pair or two in every French woman's closet—especially in dark denim.
Shop the style:
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
All of the Coolest People I Follow Just Bought Into This New Fall Denim ShapeNo, it's not barrel, wide leg, or bootcut.
-
Everything Who What Wear Editors Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFWLet's dive in, shall we?
-
Paris Hilton's World: Her Pink Motorola Razr, Favorite Y2K Looks, and What 11:11 Media Means to HerA glimpse into the life of this savvy entrepreneur.
-
This Just In: The Denim Wash That's About to Dominate Every Cool Outfit This FallWill you love it or hate it?
-
This Classic Shoe Is Every Parisian's Secret to Making Jeans Look Elevated in FallAnd you probably already own it.
-
Summer or Fall, This Is the Casual But Elegant Flat-Shoe Trend That Always Looks Good With JeansAs seen on Jennifer Aniston.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the PartEffortless and elevated is the goal.
