I'm a Brit Living In Paris—This Is the Denim Trend French Women Always Wear in Spring
Sabina shows how you can transform white jeans into a chic and classic look with the addition of a few wardrobe staples.
I have my eyes and ears on the ground in Paris and I’m pleased to report that the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’ve taken to people-watching as an Olympic sport and I’m still constantly enamoured by the effortless style of French women of all ages, and how they move through the city in effortlessly chic, yet easy-to-wear ensembles. As we’ve deduced over the years, many of the style elements remain constant and are interchangeable and indeed transitional.
It’s hard to reference Parisian style without paying homage to denim. Come rain or shine, there’s one fashion staple French women revert to – straight-leg jeans. In particular, they’ve inherited mid-wash vintage Levi 501s (a highly sought-after style that can be found in almost every thrift store in town) with a frayed hem in the aforementioned tones. Second to that is an unexpected (but equally suave offering) —ecru and chalky jeans. Along with tea dresses and pelmet skirts, light denim is worn far and white across the capital. White jeans have fronted denim trends this season, and although French Sartorialists do consider trend reports, light-wash denim has become synonymous with the French-inspired capsule wardrobe for an age.
Slightly slackened white jeans are indicative of their pared-back style that still manages to exude intentionality. I defy you to not look chic in slightly boyish-fit white jeans. As a self-confessed ‘overdresser’, what I most admire is how French women celebrate the art of dressing daily. They aren’t afraid to commit to light washes that are more prone to spillages, even when travelling by Metro or with children. Their clothes are worn to live in — from day to night.
Pair off-white jeans with a contemporary shirt and matching accessories. If your jeans are a sweeping length, just add heels.
As we start considering the spring/summer forecast, it’s worth noting that although hues typically become deeper, white denim is worn throughout the year — with toe-bearing footwear in the summer and later swapped for ankle-skimming boots, come autumn. For top-half pairings to emulate French style there is no rulebook. Pair bright denim just as you would its deeper counterpart — with anything from relaxed pieces — a blue poplin shirt, Breton jumper or embroidered blouse. Or a barely-there top for an elevated evening look. It also compliments monochromatic looks, a white shirt, for example, and least forgetting navy knitwear which loans a nautical feel.
If you’re inspired to adopt this colour wheel as part of your repertoire, I fully endorse it! Keep scrolling for some inspired denim looks and 18 denim jeans that I’m sure will have the French women's stamp of approval.
French women continue to wear light-wash jeans in autumn. Just add a woollen blazer and boots.
As we approach chillier seasons, pair lightly-hued denim with a monochrome top half pairing. Franny shows how to make white denim work for the transitional seasons.
Adenorah wears loose-fitting jeans, a plisse 'going out' top and sleek '90s style bag.
Shop White Jeans:
The straight-leg fit lends itself to eveningwear. Pair this with a light knit and mules during the transitional months.
These jeans are crafted from organic cotton and Tencel (which lends a soft touch).
A low-slung denim with a wide leg has a fluidity. It fits like tailored trousers.
Granted, this pair by Dala is a tad more directional than you'd perhaps associate with French style but French women do lean into these styles (especially the trend-conscious). Dala pieces are available in sizes 24-44.
If you tend to find jeans rigid, adopt supple and fuss-free styles like this.
I'm a dress girl but these jeans are high on my wish list.
Agolde will never steer you wrong if you're looking to invest in your denim capsule. '90s style denim is the epitome of relaxed but intentional.
Weekday's 'Rowe' is an editor favourite for good reason. It's a foray into investment denim.
The top stitching detail adds a fresh dimension to typical white jeans.
Barrel-leg jeans are the modern equivalent of a straight-fit cut. It lends the slack silhouette of a combat style without oversized pockets.
I've paid attention and this buttery ecru is worn across Paris.
ASOS always has a great selection of denim in every fit and style.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.
She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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