If They're Not Wearing Jeans, Fashion People in Paris Wear These 5 Items
There are a few wardrobe staples that every Paris-based fashion person I follow seems to wear on repeat. And yes, jeans are undoubtedly one of those essentials. It makes sense given that the perfect pair of blues adds a certain effortlessness to a look—very je ne sais quoi, if you will. But when Parisians aren't wearing jeans, it appears there are a few key items they opt for instead.
The items in question all have the same ease and chicness as jeans but could be worthy options if you want to switch it up from your tried-and-true denim from time to time. Keep scrolling for visual inspiration from fashion people in Paris. There are loads of shopping recommendations coming your way as well.
1. Denim Skirts
The denim skirt reigns supreme among this set as an easy-to-stye option. While the maxi silhouettes are a favorite, shorter styles are also front-runners.
2. Relaxed Trousers
The perfect pair of loose trousers can be just as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans. Plus, they look effortlessly chic when paired with forward basics.
3. Tailored Shorts
In the summer months, tailored shorts are a go-to for fashion people in Paris, especially when teamed with tanks and tees.
4. Miniskirts
The fashion crowd has been gravitating toward miniskirts throughout the season as a cool and chic option.
5. Denim Shorts
Okay, this might be obvious, but a trusty pair of denim shorts is another go-to instead of jeans for summer.
Next, check out more outfit ideas from French women.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
The Fashion-Person Guide to Aspen: The Coolest Places to Be and Be SeenFrom luxury shopping to beloved celebrity hot spots, discover every buzzy spot to know.
-
I Got My Love for Cozy Sweaters From My 63-Year-Old Mom—Here Are 24 We're Both Eyeing RNSpecifically from J.Crew, Reformation, and Banana Republic.
-
Is Being French Still a Style?A reflection on myth, inheritance, and what remains of it in 2025.
-
6 Clothing Styles I've Never Understood and 6 I Would Reach for InsteadNo pants, rain ponchos, sheer tights: a semi-ironic wardrobe autopsy.
-
7 Affordable Winter Pieces to Build a French Look in a Few ClicksHow to dress à la Française.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Nordstrom Black Friday Sale, These Are the 37 Items She'd Immediately Add to Her CartEffortlessly chic.
-
I Showed My Closet to a Therapist—Spoiler: She Wanted to Talk About the Leopard-Print CoatMy wardrobe, analyzed.
-
Sorry, Crewneck Tees—in 2026, Everyone With Taste Will Be Layering Sweaters Like ThisThe recipe for a perfect winter outfit.
-
This Chic Outfit Is Perfect for Paris, But I'm Going to Wear It in the Midwest and NYCThis simple outfit will make you look stylish anywhere.
-
The Ashley Olsen Way to Make Simple Black Coats Look Chic, Not BoringIt's so easy, yet so impactful.