Women in Paris Will Wear These Basics With Skirts and Jeans in 2024

Every time I travel to Paris, I find myself enthralled by the way that French women can make simple wardrobe basics feel so pulled-together. Over the summer, I sat at a café in the Marais, watching women take their lunch break dressed in jeans, sneakers, and cute miniskirts, and I began to mentally tuck away ideas that I could bring home and make use of myself. Luckily, I realized that I could easily re-create them using items I already own. It would just take some new styling to pull it all together. 

What I was particularly struck by is my French counterparts' ability to use simple pieces like a button-down or a blazer to give a sweatshirt or sneakers a dressier feel. It's an easy trick, but it has a big impact. Looking ahead to 2024, I'm already putting aside a fresh crop of ideas centered around the two pieces I find myself always going between: jeans and a simple skirt, like a suede mini or a silky black slip skirt. On Instagram, I've found some French outfits I can't wait to re-create in New York, bringing a little bit of Parisian flair over the pond. All of these outfits manage to take simple wardrobe basics and, through thoughtful styling, make them feel more elegant than they might otherwise. Here's my breakdown of the best basics to mix and match to re-create that Parisian sensibility.

Give denim on denim a fresh twist by treating it like a formal suit. Layer a button-down (and perhaps a tie!) underneath a jean jacket and style with flared jeans and chunky boots.

Don't be afraid to mix and match textures. A suede skirt and knit sweater balance out a sleek pair of patent-leather shoes.

Monochromatic black and white is a classic combination that manages to always look good together. Mix a simple, sleek black skirt with a light button-down. If you want to add a little bit of a surprise detail, throw in a silver accessory like flats or a bag.

When it comes to casual dressing, give sneakers and a sweatshirt the French twist. A blazer helps to add polish to a casual look, and if you're feeling particularly Parisian, tuck a baguette into your tote for later.

Layering is an easy way to make the hero pieces of your wardrobe feel fresh again. A vest, belted and worn over a stiff button-down, creates a fresh look to wear with your favorite black maxi skirt.