I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Jeans Outfits French Women Wear Every Winter

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 we're well and truly in autumn, 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 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 2024, and beyond.

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 autumn and 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 autumn. 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 + Straight-leg 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 Kick-Flare Jeans + Leopard Print Coat 

Style Notes: As winter rolls around it's time to start thinking about outerwear. 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.