This Is the One Pair of Jeans French Women Always Wear

What is it about French women and jeans? They always get it right. I have my own theory about why they manage to nail it constantly when it comes to denim: They don't invest in fads or passing trends and only pick the styles that will have longevity in their wardrobes. And if it ticks a current trend off too? C'est fantastique. While I've lived in the country, I, sadly, don't possess the style know-how of the French woman. To understand just how they get it right when choosing jeans, I turned to Morgane Sézalory, founder of label Sézane, on which style Parisians are after right now. 

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Ellie wears a pair of black straight-leg jeans with a blazer and tie-detail top. 

According to Sézalory, the biggest denim trend for French women is actually no trend at all. As I mentioned above, my theory is that the trick to finding jeans like the French do is to not look at trends, and she confirms this: "I'd say instead of falling for the latest fashion trend, French women prefer their collection of trustworthy essentials. A good pair of jeans is one of them. I can't speak for all women, but I think this year, French women will be reaching for timeless styles that outlive trends."

However, I wanted to know if French women wanted to get on the skinny-jean bandwagon, as we've seen them come back around again. "The perfect straight-leg jean is a wardrobe essential that flatters most body types," says Sézalory. "And French women really love an effortless style! The style tends to have a perfectly balanced stretch and soft material, which acts as a second skin." So that's good news, then, if you're a skinny-jean fan. 

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(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Julie wears a pair of blue straight-leg jeans with an oversize shirt and loafers.

Finally, if in doubt, opt for darker denim, as Sézalory says this will go with everything and "fits every season." Got all that? Keep scrolling for our pick of the jeans we know French women will invest in this season and way beyond. 

SHOP FRENCH WOMEN–APPROVED JEANS

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

Next up: Mystery Boxes, Surreal Shoes and Ultra-Classics: What Luxury Looks Like in 2023. 

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.