I Moved to Paris and Now I Exclusively Wear These 4 Classic Items With Jeans

Londoner turned Parisienne Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier brings you her pearls of Parisian fashion wisdom and style tips straight from the French capital. A photographer, writer and influencer, we turn to the oh-so-chic Marissa on a regular basis for a truly unique take on her adopted country’s signature style. Whether we’re looking to her décor decisions, handbag purchases or chic hotel choices, we can all agree that being un petit peu plus Français could never be a bad thing…

As 2024 will continue to be all about long-lasting pieces for our wardrobes, it makes sense to turn to the most timeless and quintessentially Parisian outfit that can be worn year-round: jeans.

These trousers are one of a Parisian’s wardrobe essentials and the item I’ve invested in most since I moved to Paris. The French don’t really do "dressing up,” and Parisians are always ones to choose comfort and practicality (sexy practicality, that is) over restricting or gaudy going-out outfits that are neither sexy nor effortless. This means they opt for jeans more often than not, and style them in very particular ways. It’s the key look for most French women I know, so here’s my roundup of a few of my favourite denim formulas I’ve come to rely upon since moving to Paris from London…

Shop Classic French Jean Outfits:

1. Jeans + "Fashion" Top

Style Notes: The "fashion” top will take your denim to new heights and can be worn day or night. I’m particularly into big billowy sleeves (they’re particularly on-trend right now), and I’m thinking Orseund Iris, Rixo, Self-Portrait and Cecilie Bahnsen as ideal contenders for this look. Dress with chunky jewellery and a pair of flats or low-heeled mules à la ByFar.

On Marissa: Staud top; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Timeless Pearly earrings

Shop Marissa's "Fashion" Top Picks:

2. Jeans + Classic White Shirt

On Marissa: Zara shirt; Mango jeans; Jimmy Fairly sunglasses

Style Notes: The white shirt–plus-denim getup is a classic Parisian combo (and one that doesn’t date). Everyone from Jane Birkin and Vogue Editor in Chief Emmanuelle Alt to Clémence Poésy and Jeanne Damas have at some point sported this timeless ensemble. If you want to do as the French do, this is the simplest and chicest outfit to replicate. And if you want to switch it up a bit, wear a style from Jacquemus, as he always adds a twist to a staple.

On Marissa: Rouje top; Citizens of Humanity jeans; ATP Atelier sandals; Loewe bag

Shop Marissa's White Shirt Picks:

3. Jeans + Blazer

On Marissa: Arket blazer; Zara top; Goldsign jeans; Miista shoes; Simon Miller bag; Mulberry sunglasses

Style Notes: This is probably my favourite pairing, as it’s the easiest way to elevate your denim for, say, a meeting, event or evening out (when we can do them again, of course). I like to opt for beige in spring/summer and black in autumn/winter, although black will, of course, look great at any time of year. To mirror Parisian elegance, team with a white or black tee, layered necklaces and a slick of red lipstick.

On Marissa: Arket blazer; Goldsign jeans; Simon Miller bag; Miista shoes

Shop Marissa's Blazer Picks:

4. Jeans + Going-Out Top

Style Notes: The going-out top instantly transforms a pair of jeans into eveningwear, and therefore is nothing to be sniffed at. I, for one, have always been a fan. It’s the easiest way to pep up denim, and nobody does this look better than Parisians. Team with straight-cut jeans that boost your behind, and barely-there sandals or block heels (depending on how much toe cleavage you’d like to show). Either way, wear a pair you can dance the night away in. True you might not be making use of them right now, when the time comes you'll be well prepared.

On Marissa: Ingie Paris top; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Stuart Weitzman heels

Shop Marissa's Going-out Picks:

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.