I'll admit, I'm a dress girl. To let you in on a secret, I'm the owner of a mere two pairs of jeans: my beloved raw hem vintage Levi 501s and an old ecru pair I'm yet to wear out of the house (shocking, I know). But, since living in Paris, I've developed an appreciation for denim and feel inspired to expand my repertoire of denim outfits.

As January temperatures get lower, light voiles are turned in for their denim counterparts and if there's one place you're guaranteed to find inspiration on how to wear jeans this winter, it's the wardrobes of French women. Jeans have long been a staple of the Gallic wardrobe, so much so that the Levis 501 have been termed the "French woman's jean". Like Jane Birkin's rattan basket, embroidered blouses and wrap dresses, it's become part of the framework of what constitutes French style. Whilst denim is unassuming and fits into the casual category, there are many ways to dress up the humble jeans.

Typically, French women wear vintage wash styles and off-white iterations but now and again they dabble in washed denim and black. They do, however, celebrate the many styles that are available now, some of which are current trends. Take deep-hued denim, or washed black, for example. You're likely to see them sported by your favourite French sartorialists. French style is nuanced, classic and daring and I've noticed that French women dip in and out of trends more than you'd expect, whilst continuing to wear vintage-inspired styles.

Among the wardrobes of French women, you'll find '70s style double pocketed designs, kick flares, straight leg and cropped jeans. Whether you're looking for some inspired looks for reference or a new pair of jeans, keep on reading for five chic jeans ensembles to have in your back pocket for winter 2025, and beyond.

5 French Girl Winter Jeans Outfits To Try This Season:

1. White Jeans + White Shirt + A Pop of Red

Style Notes: We'd be mistaken for thinking that light denim is meant for summer. Instead, French women embrace bright tones in the winter. Pair it with a white shirt for a monochromatic look, with the addition of a leather jacket, or a thick knit.

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2. Slouchy Cardigan + Vintage Wash Jeans + Slip-on Mules

Style Notes: Khaite breathed life into the cardigan and now it's one of the most fashion-forward items for winter. My favourite way to wear cardigans is minus layers underneath. Add lengthened jeans and heeled mules and there you'll have an easy-to-wear evening look that's both chic and cosy.

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3. Trench Coat + Bootcut Jeans + Ankle Boots

Style Notes: I firmly believe trench coats can be worn all year round with smart layering, so dip into all seasons by juxtaposing light outerwear with hardened boots and eyewear for a complete transitional ensemble.

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4. Wide Leg Jeans + Blue Polo Shirt 

Style Notes: I adore what Anne-Victoire's deemed her "back-to-school look". It boasts monochromatic elements but with a pop of colour due to the contrasting accessories. Tie the look together with a bohemian-inspired choker. The fun-time heart on a chain has been trending but I like the mature element of the tiger eye stone and its beautiful properties.

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5. Blue Flared Jeans + Leopard Print Coat 

Style Notes: Outerwear is always front of mind in the winter. If there's one style French women revert to each year it's leopard print. Make like Lena and team a loud print with a pared-back look.

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

September always inspires a new-year feeling that I owe to the school term—when the fantasy of summer starts to dwindle and a new phase commences. But if we’re really lucky, we’re dealt a few balmy days before landing feet first on crisp leaves, Halloween paraphernalia and pumpkin-spiced lattes. Given the weather this summer, we’re already in autumn mode, so there’s been an early shift in fashion offerings of late, and things are noticeably more autumn-forward than usual at this time of year. I’m a summer girl, so I'm still embracing being on the periphery of no-tights weather, even if I have to don my trench coat earlier than usual.

Having said that, I am looking forward to leaning into my autumnal colour palette of ochre, olive green and brown tones, all of which are making their way onto shop floors prematurely. Between greens, brown tones and scarf details in excess, autumn offerings are showcasing the timeless trends of last season, albeit with a little flare. These are the pieces that have caught my attention lately.

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I may be an honorary Parisian but my love of French style extends to holiday dressing and the infamous je ne sais quoi French women exude in the countryside and beyond. The distinguishable French chicness transcends to holiday wear, too, and just like with their city looks, French women evoke a certain nonchalance when dressing for hot weather holidays. The wardrobe components and simplicity remain, but there are a few tweaks in accordance with the forecast and some skin-bearing styles woven in amongst practical basics.

I’ve perused a fair few feeds of my favourite fashion people and noticed that come summer, many French women retire to the Côte d'Azur and neighbouring destinations to lean into a slower pace of life and soak up the sun. The aforementioned holidays consist of windswept hair, picnics and restful beach days, reflected in casual and pared-back ensembles. French women have favoured basket bags, two-piece sets and crochet maxi dresses for decades. They’re also accustomed to outfits that appear effortless, although very much in an intentional way, like a scarf worn as a bandeau or a swimsuit in place of a tank top with shorts thrown over the top.

Although French women have a strong sense of individuality in their style, there are universal themes many women adhere to whilst holidaying. Crisp shirts are swapped for linen and this practical style of dressing is extended to the beach. Typically, daytime outfits are casual and activity-friendly. Come evening, all the stops are pulled out and accessories are piled high after a day spent in the sun. I’ve studied many outfit recipes throughout the years and deduced the formula for pared-back outfits you’re likely to see French women wearing on holiday.

Keep scrolling for six timeless outfits loved by French women if you’re looking for inspiration for what to wear this summer.

1. Crochet Maxi Dress + Black Sandals

Style Notes: French women were fans of crochet knits long before their resurgence in 2022. Granted, it's a flirty style, but it's also weather-wicking. Crochet dresses can be styled in many ways, from a beach cover-up to an evening dress worn with a slip underneath. For the day, simply add a basket bag and flat sandals.

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2. Slouched Overshirt + Basket Bag + Chunky Sandals

Style Notes: Celebrate natural fabrics and tease proportions with this classic look. The organic textures and fuss-free footwear loan this an easy-wear appeal. Wear the shirt buttoned, with a bikini underneath for days by the beach or belt it at the waist for eveningwear.

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3. Black Maxi Dress + White Sandals

Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of a basic —you can wear them in so many ways. A figure-skimming LBD can be worn with thong sandals to the beach and it doubles as an evening dress too!

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4. Shorts Co-Ord + Swimsuit

Style Notes: The shorts-and-swimsuit pairing is a combination I frequently see on the feeds of French women. I adore the ingenuity of using a swimsuit as a style element and building an outfit to encompass it. Adding a raffia hat can further elevate this look.

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5. White Sundress + Brown Sandals

Style Notes: You can't dispute the elegance of a classic white sundress, and for summer 2024 shirred sundresses are back in the spotlight. This silhouette speaks volumes. Pair it with everything from flats to heeled sandals.

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6. Capri Pants + Tank Top + Mules

Style Notes: Alongside the Jort, capri pants have become a European style staple this summer and a way to refresh a summer wardrobe. It offers a shrunken length with more coverage than a typical mini dress. With the addition of the rope chain, you may just start to feel sentimental. This is a '90s revival that I can get behind.

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Paris has a special place in my heart, and wherever my heart goes, my wardrobe follows. When it comes to fashion, most would agree that French style is the cream of the crop. I’ve studied the essence of French dressing with a fine-tooth comb, reading fashion literature and eyeing the wardrobes of French editors and modern-day fashion muses to pinpoint the quintessence of French style.

I’m fortunate enough to have visited Paris a handful of times, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt through people watching, it’s the power of understated garments. In recent years, we’ve been graced with a slew of indie fashion brands, from Rouje to The Frankie Shop (a brand gaining considerable traction this year).

Among the classics—berets, trench coats and ballet flats—lie the subtleties of French dressing that bring the je ne sais quoi, so to speak. Ankle-skimming jeans, pointelle vests and slingback flats are some of the modest heroes that make up the foundations. Although French style lends itself to monochromatic dressing, a French wardrobe is incomplete without an injection of colour, whether that’s via accents on a floral slip dress, a rouge lip or a parakeet-toned dress, like the ones shown below.

Wrap dresses, short-sleeve blouses, cropped knits and embroidered stitching are among designs you may associate with French chic. When it comes to accessories, the same aesthetic applies—bags are small but statement. The French aren’t opposed to embossed monikers or monogram prints. France is the home of Chanel and Jacquemus, after all.

If you’re as passionate about the fashion capital as I am and the people in it, here are eight looks I think will get the stamp of approval from the French style setters we so fervently admire.

1. Fine-Knit Cardigan and Jeans

Style Notes: French women wear light knitted cardigans and jeans throughout the year. Paired with slingbacks and a basket bag, your outfit is complete. PS: Knits make adequate tops when there’s an unpredictable forecast.

2. Vibrant Tea Dress and Flats

Style Notes: A button-down dress always looks great come rain or shine. With the Pujka dress, leave a couple of hemline buttons undone for extra movement in the skirt.

3. Minidress and Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Leg-baring styles are synonymous with French dressing. Luckily, there’s not much to do here, as a monogrammed bag is all the accessorising you need.

4. Embroidered Blouse and Denim Mini

Style Notes: I love the juxtaposition of rigid denim and voile. This outfit pairs perfectly with espadrilles and an oversized basket bag for market days.

5. Printed Skirt and Fitted T-Shirt

Style Notes: Tuck the fitted T-shirt into the skirt, or tie it in a loop at the waist with a hairband.

6. Button-Down Dress and Slingbacks

Style Notes: You can always rely on a shirt dress. With slingbacks and a ’90s-style bag, you’re set for the day.

7. Embroidered Dress and Ankle-Tie Sandals

Style Notes: An embroidered cotton dress is perhaps the most summery option. It’s also effortless whilst looking considered. For the sandals, you can tie the ankle strap high or low.

8. Floral Dress With Slip-Ons

Style Notes: Floral dresses are the epitome of French dressing. They can be worn with many styles of footwear, but take advantage of summer days and wear them with sandals.

Next up: 4 Dress Trends We Always See on Instagram's Most Stylish French Women

For her new spring Rouje collection, Jeanne Damas has once again created her dream wardrobe. True to her design style, every piece is inspired by something she'd like to wear this season, from new colours to her spring go-tos—so obviously we want everything.

Inspired by the colours and retro tones of Pedro Almodovar films, like lilac and anise, the latest drop is true to her signature Parisian ease but with enough Spanish style influences to make the range feel fresh and updated. Featuring light thrifted-style cardigans, silky tops, wrap dresses, and many perfect pairs of jeans, this collection has Jeanne's summer wardrobe written all over it. Keep scrolling to shop the 15 pieces we want to buy now before they sell out. 

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Up Next: My Not-So-Capsule Capsule Spring Wardrobe Looks Like This