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:
I always recommend COS' white shirts.
Opt for loose-fitting styles this winter.
This cherry red also looks stunning with Breton stripes.
Slingback flats are so chic.
Cat eye sunglasses loan a vintage look to any outfit.
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:
I started invested in cashmere a few years ago and I haven't looked back.
Toteme excel when it comes to denim.
Slip on and wear with ease.
This is bound to be an heirloom.
The curvature and sheen are a thing of magic.
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:
I've been recommending this trench coat to everyone. The shaping is reminiscent of the vintage Burberry which is hard to source.
A firm favourite of many editors.
The likeness to vintage jeans is uncanny, even up-close.
French women adore footwear in this exact burgundy hue.
You'll want to check out Métier's latest collection!
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:
Crew neck jumpers are often worn the winter for a slight touch of sports luxe.
A unique piece that features Malachite, known as the transformation stone.
Slouched jeans are incredibly easy-wearing.
The ultimate dancing shoe!
The gold and leafy tones work in unison, to create this striking design.
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:
Such a bold print.
Familiarise yourself with layers. It's that time, after all!
This exact hue is adored by many French women.
A slick shoulder bag in a suede fabrication.
The ultimate winter hue.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
If Your Summer 2025 Goal Is to Look "More French," Buy These 8 Items ImmediatelyA great goal to have.
-
You Don't Have to Fly to the French Riviera to Look Like a Regular at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc—Just Wear ThisSofia Richie Grainge coded.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
I Can't Visit the South of France This Summer, But I Can Still Dress Like It—30 Items That'll Do the TrickI'm bringing European style stateside.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
Put Down the Skinny Jeans—*This* Is the Denim Trend Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing With SandalsThey're not straight-leg jeans either.
-
Hold the Sneakers—These Are the Elegant Shoes Parisians Are Wearing With the Jeans of SummerElevated and chic. Period.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
