Never Mind Skinny Jeans—French Girls Will Be Wearing These Instead

last updated 15 February 2021

Skinny jeans have become a staple wardrobe item for many, especially here in America. As the style continues to circulate throughout the fashion community as an effortless go-to item, it made me wonder if women in other parts of the world thought as highly of skinny jeans as we do in our own niche U.S. communities. Since French women in particular are internationally known for their impeccable and timeless style, I couldn't help but be curious as to what they really think about the whole skinny-jean phenomenon.

So I reached out to some of the most fashionable and kind Parisian women in the industry to find out whether or not they are as obsessed with the denim style as we are. Surprisingly, they were not on board. In fact, a majority of these French women are not wearing skinny jeans anymore, because they feel like they're not as flattering as other pant styles. Here, find out what French women are wearing instead of their skinny jeans and why. Don't worry, though—we shopped out a version of each of their preferences so you can get that je ne sais quoi immediately. (And of course, if you're totally into skinnies, continue to wear them!)

Go on to find out what French women are wearing instead of skinny jeans and why.

CHRISTINA CARADONA

"I'm going for a more relaxed blue-jean fit and something that is semi high in the waist—think high waters! They allow me to show off curves in relaxed and effortlessly chic way."

Shop the style:

H&M + Straight Regular Jeans

H&M

Straight Regular Jeans

Adeline Rapon

"I guess I'm simply tired of skinny jeans and their overly 2007-inspired silhouette. I see them everywhere and don't find them flattering anymore. This is also because I currently love the '70s look, with very long, flared pants; A-line miniskirts; and huge platform shoes. They make me look very tall and funky as hell!"

Shop the style:

Courrèges + Vinyl Effect Skirt

Courrèges

Vinyl Effect Skirt

ANNE-LAURE MAIS

"I really love my high-waisted pants from Nathalie Dumeix. They have a retro style, but I feel really feminine in them, not to mention my boyfriend loves them!"

Shop the style:

Nathalie Dumeix

Pantalon Jane Sand

Shop the style:

Mango

Cotton Wool-Blend Trousers

Kenza Sadoun - el Glaoui

"Right now, I'm really into high-waisted jeans, vintage ones that you can find in secondhand clothes stores."

Shop the style:

Topshop + Moto Dark Blue Mom Jeans

Topshop

Moto Dark Blue Mom Jeans

Typhaine Augusto

"When I don't wear my skinny jeans, I love to wear gray 'work pants' (as I like to call them) and mix them with more urban pieces."

Shop the style:

Zara

Checked Trousers

LOUISE EBEL

"What I adore and have always preferred rather than skinny jeans are high-waisted flares! They are for me the most stylish and flattering choice, and they go great with pretty much everything from simple T-shirts to party favorites. Plus, it is so Jane Birkin, and thus I love it!"

Shop the style:

Frame + Le High Flare High-Rise Jeans

Frame

Le High Flare High-Rise Jeans

Tokyobanhbao

"I prefer the cropped flare jeans at the moment because they are more flattering, and it's possible to show a bit more of the shoes I am wearing!"

Shop the style:

AMO + Kick Crop Jeans

AMO

Kick Crop Jeans

What are your thoughts on skinny jeans? Do you love them or hate them? Let us know your personal opinion in the comments below!

Explore More:

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.