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:
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing
UK and Stylist.
-
Fashionphile's Done the Research: These Are the It Bags of 2025
The 2025 Resale Report is here.
-
I Know Parisians Would Love These 29 StylishReplica Store Fall Sale Items (FYI, They're Going to Sell Out)
Elevated staples to shop on sale before Black Friday.
-
No, Really—This Denim Color Is Easier to Style Than Blue *and* Black Jeans
And everyone with taste is wearing it with loafers for fall.
-
Meghan Markle Just Wore the Only Designer Bag That Could Dethrone The Row's Margaux
Shop it here.
-
From Sweden to London: The Surprising Jeans Color European Fashion People Are Reaching for This Fall
Here's how to pull it off.
-
I Was a VIPReplica Store Stylist, and I Just Got Back From France—I Wore These 7 Items to Look Chic in Paris
Parisian-inspired looks.
-
Looking Parisian in Paris Is Only Doable If You Own These 12 Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Buy them; look French. It's as simple as that.
-
If I Wanted Zoë Kravitz's The Row Wardrobe on a Budget, I'd Shop These 27 COS Finds
Understated, iconic, and so Kravitz coded.