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

Sabina shows how you can transform white jeans into a chic and classic look with the addition of a few wardrobe staples.

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.

Pair off-white jeans with a contemporary shirt and matching accessories. If your jeans are a sweeping length, just add heels.

As we start considering the summer 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 autumn. 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 19 denim jeans that I’m sure will have a French woman's stamp of approval.

French women continue to wear light-wash jeans in autumn. Just add a woollen blazer and boots.

As we approach chillier seasons, pair lightly-hued denim with a monochrome top half pairing. Franny shows how to make white denim work for the transitional seasons.

Adenorah wears loose-fitting jeans, a plisse 'going out' top and sleek '90s style bag.

Shop White Jeans: