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 gradually transcend seasons, 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 women’s jean”. Like Birkin’s rattan basket, embroidered blouses and wrap dresses, it’s become part of the framework for what constitutes French style. Whilst denim is unassuming and fits into the casual category, there are many ways to dress up the humble jean.
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 puddle pants, or low-rise denim, 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.
