You don't have to be a math genius to figure out how French women have perfected the outfit formula. When the goal is effortlessly chic, a staple of wardrobe basics can be mixed and matched to achieve a look that's polished enough for any event, but also easy enough for every day.
Case in point? The Parisian's winning, go-to combo of Mary Janes with straight-leg jeans. Just this week we've spotted a plethora of our favourite French influencers in the shoe style, which they have effortlessly paired with simple denim and a chic yet practical top (think white shirts, classic trenches and blazers). The result? A comfy, stylish and easy Spring look that we can't wait to replicate.
Chances are you already own and love these pieces, but if these basic outfit building blocks aren't already in your wardrobe, then you're in luck: We've pulled out the two hero buys that can be combined to create the perfect jeans-and-flats outfit formula for anyone who wants to take French style for a spin—no passport to Paris necessary.
Shop Mary Janes:
Simple and chic, just like everything else The Row designs.
So fun with baggy blue jeans.
So very chic.
Oh la la!
Love the triple strap on this pair.
Le Monde Beryl is my go-to for French footwear.
A lovely, affordable pair.
I just love this chocolate brown style.
Nude Mary Janes will go with just about everything in your wardrobe.
I think this light-grey suede pair would look lovely with white jeans and a blazer.
Gold would go particularly well with dark-wash denim.
If you're after a shoe with a little heel, these are for you.
How good these look with white denim?
I'd wear these with a mini skirt.
A patent pair always looks so polished.
Reformation's Mary Janes are an investment worth making IMHO.
Shop Jeans:
This wash looks so expensive.
Jeans so good, they come in five other washes.
Levi's never fail.
I have these and can confirm the fit is perfection.
The slight crop will show off your new Mary Janes.
A fashion editor-favourite.
A pair of dark-wash jeans are foolproof.
These have a slight flare.
Indigo always looks premium.
I really rate Whistles's denim.
This story was originally published on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.