I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Jeans Outfits French Women Wear Every Winter
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 January temperatures get lower, 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 woman's jean". Like Jane Birkin's rattan basket, embroidered blouses and wrap dresses, it's become part of the framework of what constitutes French style. Whilst denim is unassuming and fits into the casual category, there are many ways to dress up the humble jeans.
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 deep-hued denim, or washed black, 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 for winter 2025, and beyond.
5 French Girl Winter Jeans Outfits To Try This Season:
1. White Jeans + White Shirt + A Pop of Red
Style Notes: We'd be mistaken for thinking that light denim is meant for summer. Instead, French women embrace bright tones in the winter. Pair it with a white shirt for a monochromatic look, with the addition of a leather jacket, or a thick knit.
Shop the Look:
2. Slouchy Cardigan + Vintage Wash Jeans + Slip-on Mules
Style Notes: Khaite breathed life into the cardigan and now it's one of the most fashion-forward items for winter. My favourite way to wear cardigans is minus layers underneath. Add lengthened jeans and heeled mules and there you'll have an easy-to-wear evening look that's both chic and cosy.
Shop the look:
3. Trench Coat + Bootcut Jeans + Ankle Boots
Style Notes: I firmly believe trench coats can be worn all year round with smart layering, so dip into all seasons by juxtaposing light outerwear with hardened boots and eyewear for a complete transitional ensemble.
Shop the Look:
4. Wide Leg Jeans + Blue Polo Shirt
Style Notes: I adore what Anne-Victoire's deemed her "back-to-school look". It boasts monochromatic elements but with a pop of colour due to the contrasting accessories. Tie the look together with a bohemian-inspired choker. The fun-time heart on a chain has been trending but I like the mature element of the tiger eye stone and its beautiful properties.
Shop the Look:
5. Blue Flared Jeans + Leopard Print Coat
Style Notes: Outerwear is always front of mind in the winter. If there's one style French women revert to each year it's leopard print. Make like Lena and team a loud print with a pared-back look.
Shop the Look:
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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.
-
5 Street Style Trends from Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This Fall
The go-to It items.
-
This Is Not a Drill: COS Is Having a Sitewide Sale—These Are the Elevated Basics We're Buying
For 25% off.
-
I Just Spotted the Easiest Way to Dress Up Casual Jeans For Fall on a Celeb in Milan
This three-piece outfit is as elegant as it is cool.
-
This Is the NYC Way to Wear the Anti-Trend Jeans Color French Women Are Obsessed With
As seen on NYC It girl Irina Shayk.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved Combo
Very '90s.
-
I Spent Over an Hour BrowsingReplica Store's New Arrivals—34 Standout Fall Finds I Can't Stop Thinking About
You'll want to see these.
-
11 On-SaleReplica Store Sneakers Fashion People Are Wearing With Jeans This Fall
Adidas, Hoka, Converse, New Balance, and more.
-
This Dated Denim Pairing Is Suddenly the Chicest Way to Wear Jeans for Fall 2025
Easy and stylish.