I'm a Brit Living In Paris—This Is the Denim Trend French Women Always Wear

I have my eyes and ears on the ground in Paris and I’m pleased to report that the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’ve taken to people-watching as an Olympic sport and I’m still constantly enamoured by the effortless style of French women of all ages, and how they move through the city in effortlessly chic, yet easy-to-wear ensembles. As we’ve deduced over the years, many of the style elements remain constant and are interchangeable and indeed transitional.

It’s hard to reference Parisian style without paying homage to denim. Come rain or shine, there’s one fashion staple French women revert to – straight-leg jeans. In particular, they’ve inherited mid-wash vintage Levi 501s (a highly sought-after style that can be found in almost every thrift store in town) with a frayed hem in the aforementioned tones. Second to that is an unexpected (but equally suave offering) —ecru and chalky jeans. Along with tea dresses and pelmet skirts, light denim is worn far and white across the capital. White jeans have fronted denim trends this season, and although French Sartorialists do consider trend reports, light-wash denim has become synonymous with the French-inspired capsule wardrobe for an age.

Slightly slackened white jeans are indicative of their pared-back style that still manages to exude intentionality. I defy you to not look chic in slightly boyish-fit white jeans. As a self-confessed ‘overdresser’, what I most admire is how French women celebrate the art of dressing daily. They aren’t afraid to commit to light washes that are more prone to spillages, even when travelling by Metro or with children. Their clothes are worn to live in — from day to night.

As we start considering the autumnal forecast, it’s worth noting that although hues typically become deeper, white denim is worn throughout the year —  with toe-bearing footwear in the summer and later swapped for ankle-skimming boots, come fall. For top-half pairings to emulate French style there is no rulebook. Pair bright denim just as you would its deeper counterpart — with anything from relaxed pieces — a blue poplin shirt, Breton jumper or embroidered blouse. Or a barely-there top for an elevated evening look. It also compliments monochromatic looks, a white shirt, for example, and least forgetting navy knitwear which loans a nautical feel.

If you’re inspired to adopt this colour wheel as part of your repertoire, I fully endorse it! Keep scrolling for some inspired denim looks and 18 denim jeans that I’m sure will have the French women's stamp of approval.

Coming Up, 9 Anti-Trend Outfits Fashion People Are Wearing Right Now