7 Items French Women Wear With Jeans to Make Them Look Elegant

If there’s one style I wish I could truly master, it’s that of the Parisian. A Francophile at heart, I’ve spent years studying the quiet nuances of French fashion and, in doing so, I know that jeans are at the heart of the French capsule wardrobe.

I don’t like making generalisations, but my observations have generally confirmed the fact that, typically speaking, the French don’t really do dressing up. With a more relaxed approach than some of their European counterparts, Parisians tend to favour things that are comfortable and unstuffy over restrictive or overly glam going-out outfits. This means outfits featuring jeans are often their go-to, even for after-dark pursuits.

And it’s not just the jeans—it’s how they style them that really sets Parisian denim looks apart. Selecting just the right pieces to give their outfits that elusive je ne sais quoi I’m always trying to re-create, they always seem to make their jeans look more elegant thanks to a handful of key, very timeless buys.

To prove my point, I’ve done the digging and have rounded up a few of my favourite French jeans outfits, outlining the classic pieces that make them truly special. Scroll to on to see them.

7 Classic French Jeans Outfits and the Key Pieces to Wear With Them

1. Fitted Leather Jacket

Style Notes: Anything can fall victim to the viciousness of the trend cycle, but leather jackets are a classic that reigns supreme. Of course, they’re also beloved by the French. Still, certain silhouettes have risen to prominence more than others—think the cropped, puffy iterations from Acne Studios’ autumn/winter 2020 show, or the cinched-waist leathers immortalised in Phoebe Philo’s final Celine collection.

From what I’ve noticed, most of the French jean outfits on my feed gravitate towards sleek, structured leather jackets (like the one Camille Charrière wears) for a look that’s polished, yet carries that signature air of classicism they’re known for.

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2. Blazer

Style Notes: A timeless staple, a blazer is the perfect way to approach tailoring without investing in a whole suit. Beloved by the French for its crisp structure, the blazer’s ability to toughen up pretty blouses and basic tees makes it the ideal piece for transitioning your summer jean outfits into autumn.

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3. Camisole

Style Notes: Are you truly a fan of Parisian style if you don’t own at least one silk camisole? Whether styled peeking out from under a blazer or worn on its own, there’s nothing more elegant than this chic, lingerie-inspired top. This season, fashion people have been championing lace-trimmed versions but the French tend to keep things simpler. Take Sylvie Mus's cream top, for example.

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4. Suede Bag

Style Notes: Each time French girls step out, my attention is instantly drawn to their handbags. Part of their daily uniform, their accessories are always a smash hit, especially when crafted in expensive-looking suede. We already know fashion people love The Row’s Margaux, a style that sells out instantly, and designers such as Khaite and Saint Laurent followed suit, creating bags with the undeniably polished feel of suede. Naturally, Zoë Foster’s suede bag and denim combination instantly caught my attention for the fact that it makes her jeans look extra glossy.

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5. Waistcoat

Style Notes: I forgive you for experiencing Noughties flashbacks at the sight of a waistcoat but this isn’t Sienna Miller and Kate Moss’s bohemian festivalwear. A sleek addition to jeans, I see this combination all the time in Paris. Pair with red accessories and patterned ballet flats while the weather is warm, just like Lena Farl, then layer up with boots and trench once the sun dips.

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6. Loafers

Style Notes: I’m a sucker for a leather loafer. A sure-fire way to put an expensive-looking spin on any outfit, and as someone who wears a lot of jeans, they’re often my footwear of choice. Although we’ve seen chunky iterations flood the market since Prada’s “ugly shoe” clomped back onto the scene with its re-release in 2019, the French have been known to favour a flat-soled, soft leather vibe. It seems we’re all feeling the French influence, with Miu Miu’s suede loafers landing in fourth place on the Lyst index Q2 hottest products report.

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7. Button-Down Shirt

Style Notes: We regularly use the terms "French" and "capsule wardrobe" here at Who What Wear UK, but I’d argue that nothing fits the bill quite like a button-down shirt. From striped styles and classic cotton block colourways (think white, blue and black), the French wear them day in, day out, almost always with jeans. The appeal lies in its simple design and its innate ability to work with almost every jeans style option on the market.

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