How to Dress Like a French Woman in Jeans

Insist on a Perfect Fit

Aside from knowing how to put their wardrobe separates together, another key to French women’s enviable style is their obsession with a perfect fit. Regardless of trends, French women typically only purchase clothing that perfectly flatters their shape. When shopping for jeans, always follow this example.

Know what can be changed about a pair of jeans — sometimes the attention of a good tailor is all that is required to make an almost-perfect pair work for you.

Simplicity is Chic (But Always Add a Special Detail)

French women have an uncanny ability to look sexy for work, rest, and play. Rather than always exposing their skin, chic Parisians will sometimes create a magical effect by tweaking a classic or basic outfit, such as the white button-down shirt and fitted jeans shown here.

You can draw attention to your unique personal style and add a sexy surprise by adding one special accessory to a simple ensemble. Here, banana yellow pumps do the trick, but any beloved accessory that draws attention, such as a colorful statement bag, fashionable sunglasses, or a metallic cuff bracelet, will do.

A Black Leather Jacket is a Must

Want an easy top layer that not only keeps you warm when the temperature drops but also adds a fashionable edge to all your jeans outfits? Nothing says “cooler” — or “easier” — than a biker-style (or “moto”) leather jacket over dark wash skinny jeans and flats. Wearing this outfit, you could fool people into thinking you were born in Paris or New York City.

Look More Elegant in Jeans With These Fashion Tricks

A popular self-help book claims that French women do not gain weight. They also don’t dress in baggy jeans. When you think of Parisian fashion, you probably envision slim silhouettes, perfectly paired separates, and effortlessly chic ensembles. If you want the comfort of denim but want to look slim and sophisticated in your outfits, we’ve got your go-to fashion guide to how to wear jeans like an elegant French woman, inspired by real Parisian women and their street style.

Wear Basic Jeans With (Real or Faux) Fur

Fashionable French women are experts at combining thrift store finds and bargain basics with high-end fashion pieces to create an alluringly thrown-together look. Layer a luxurious and attention-grabbing top layer, such as an oversized (real or faux) fur jacket, over a simple outfit of relaxed jeans (those pictured here are by Levi’s) and sneakers.

Fashion Girl Uniform – Jeans and a Blazer

For good reason, French women and fashion editors, as well as stylish homegrown celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, have made jeans and a blazer their uniform of choice. This is a simple fashion combination that will make you look put-together whether you’re going to work or out with friends. A well-fitted, tailored blazer gives structure to your shape in jeans, instantly making you look more dressed up.

Wear jeans and a blazer to work with high-quality accessories like a quilted bag and leather or suede high-heeled pumps. You can also wear this outfit to parent-teacher conferences or shopping with friends if you pair it with a crisp button-down, chambray shirt, or pretty printed blouse, as shown.
Wear a structured blazer layered over your favorite graphic t-shirt and jeans for a chic, edgy look on weekends and casual days.

Wear a Striped Top With Straight Leg Jeans

What’s the key to looking effortlessly chic on weekends? It all comes down to knowing how to put together a few well-chosen separates. In a purposefully unpolished ensemble of a must-have striped cotton t-shirt and well-fitting, cropped straight-leg jeans, you’ll look like an everyday Parisian.

For running errands or taking the kids to the park, pair this easy outfit with classic ballet flats or trendy loafer slides like the ones shown here. For a brunch with girlfriends, dress it up with high heels, a dark fitted blazer, and an updo hairstyle.