If You're Looking to Emulate French Style This Fall, Avoid These Denim Trends

If You're Looking to Emulate French Style This Fall, Avoid These Denim Trends

      When I consider what makes French style so captivating, the concept of effortlessness always comes to mind. French women have a unique way of dressing that appears both highly refined and utterly carefree. With denim—a true wardrobe staple—they remain unaffected by temporary trends, opting instead for pieces that will continue to look stylish today, tomorrow, and a decade from now. As fall approaches, it’s only natural that I seek inspiration from them for my denim closet. Living in New York, I admit to trying out every denim trend that comes my way. Cargo pants? Absolutely! Pants that drag on the gritty NYC streets due to their bagginess? I’m guilty of that too. However, French women are generally much more selective, and perhaps it’s time for me to take a cue from them. Below, I’ll outline the denim styles they’re bypassing this fall and the alternatives they’ll be choosing instead. If you aspire to mirror their timeless and polished style, keep reading.

      She avoids ultra-low-rise jeans and opts for mid-rise cigarette jeans.

      As much as it pains me to admit it, being a fan of low-rise jeans who feels off in mid-rise styles, this isn’t about my preferences as a New Yorker who prefers her jeans to sit at her hips. Instead, it’s about the French women who appear significantly more elegant thanks to their preference for mid-rise and high-rise jeans. Though I won't be wearing super-high-rise jeans anytime soon, I'm ready to embrace a mid-rise style in honor of my favorite Frenchwomen.

      AG Prima Low Rise Ankle Cigarette Jeans

      Khaite Viv Slim Cigarette Jeans

      Reformation Luca Stretch Low Rise Slim Straight Cropped Jeans

      j.crew Mid-Rise Kickout Jean

      She avoids puddle pants and chooses tailored straight-leg jeans.

      While I enjoy puddle pants, I wouldn't consider them the most practical, particularly with the number of rainstorms that have hit NYC lately, as they require frequent washing. French women, on the other hand, favor cropped and tailored jeans more than anything else, opting for tailored straight-leg silhouettes over these loose styles any day.

      FRAME The Ruler High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

      LEVI'S 501 90s Straight Jeans

      madewell The Longline Straight Jean

      aritzia Remy Hi-rise Relaxed Jean

      She avoids cargo jeans and selects indigo and black jeans.

      In recent years, adding cargo pockets to denim has provided a fun twist on classic styles, which continues to thrive in the fashion circles of NYC. However, the vibe in Paris is quite different. For a utilitarian look, a Frenchwoman might not be keen on cargo jeans but would likely choose indigo or black jeans for a stylish flair.

      MANGO Matilda Medium-Rise Straight-Fit Jeans

      Good American Good Legs Flare

      Levi's Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

      FRAME Le Sleek High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

      She avoids distressed denim and prefers frayed-hem jeans.

      Distressed denim tends to come and go within the fashion cycle, especially in New York, while this is far less common in Paris. The traditional French woman would steer clear of large holes and heavily distressed denim but would be attracted to a frayed hem.

      FRAME The Ruler Frayed High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

      AGOLDE Low Curve Frayed Jeans

      Pilcro The Adi Regenerative Cotton Mid-Rise Flare Jeans

      She avoids patchwork and vibrant colors, choosing white jeans instead.

      For a French woman, making a statement means selecting a crisp white pair of jeans amidst a sea of blue. There’s no way she’d consider bright colors or overly patched styles. Instead, she embraces the "no white after Labor Day" rule for a seamlessly sophisticated look.

      FRAME The Ruler Straight Leg Jeans

      aritzia The Farrah Hi-Rise Wide Jean

      AG Brinley Mid Rise Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

      CHLOÉ High-Rise Straight-Leg Broderie Anglaise Organic Jeans

      She avoid jeggings and stretchier fabric, favoring rigid denim.

      I’m relieved that jeggings seem to be fading away (for now), especially after there were rumors of their potential resurgence. The French are celebrated for their preference for the opposite—rigid denim that is comfortable yet maintains its shape is always their go-to choice. Think Levi's 501s.

      Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans

      j.crew Cuffed Lower-Rise Wide-Leg Jean

      LEVI'S 501 90s Straight Jeans

      aritzia Remy Hi-Rise Wide Jean

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If You're Looking to Emulate French Style This Fall, Avoid These Denim Trends

Looking to achieve a French-inspired look this fall? Avoid these denim trends and opt for the classic styles that Parisians consistently choose.