If you aim to emulate a French woman's style this fall, avoid these denim trends.

If you aim to emulate a French woman's style this fall, avoid these denim trends.

      When I contemplate what makes French style so captivating, it always boils down to a sense of effortless chic. French women have an approach to dressing that is both remarkably polished and entirely nonchalant. When it comes to denim—a wardrobe staple—they do not get caught up in passing trends. Instead, they choose pieces that will remain stylish today, tomorrow, and even a decade later. With fall approaching, it’s no surprise that I'm turning to them for inspiration for my denim collection.

      As a New Yorker, I admit I've experimented with almost every denim trend that crosses my path. Cargo pants? Absolutely! Oversized pants that drag along the filthy NYC streets? Guilty as charged. In contrast, French women are much more selective, and perhaps it’s time I took some cues from them. Below, I'm outlining the denim styles they are avoiding this fall and the alternatives they prefer. If you want to capture their timeless and polished style, keep reading.

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

      As a fan of low-rise jeans who feels uneasy in mid-rise jeans, it's hard to say this, but this isn't about me, a New Yorker who prefers her jeans to hit at the hips. It’s about French women who appear far more stylish due to their choice of mid-rise and high-rise jeans. While you won't find me in super-high-rise jeans any time soon, I plan to embrace mid-rise styles to channel my favorite French women.

      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 forgoes puddle pants for tailored straight-leg jeans

      Although I enjoy puddle pants, I wouldn’t label them as the most practical, especially with the recent rainstorms in NYC, as they need washing more frequently than usual. French women favor cropped and tailored jeans, so they would choose a straight-leg silhouette over baggy 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 in favor of indigo and black jeans

      In recent years, adding cargo pockets to denim has been a trendy reinterpretation of classic styles, and it will likely continue to be popular among the NYC fashion crowd. However, Paris has a distinct vibe regarding this. For a utilitarian appearance, a French woman might skip cargo jeans in favor of an indigo or black pair to create a cool look.

      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 passes on distressed denim for frayed-hem jeans

      Distressed denim tends to come and go in fashion trends, particularly in New York; however, this is less common in Paris. The traditional French woman would steer clear of overly distressed denim and gaping holes, yet she might be drawn 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 skips patchwork and bold colors for white jeans

      For a French woman, making a statement means opting for crisp white jeans among a plethora of blue. She would not consider a bright-colored or heavily patched pair. Instead, break the "no white after Labor Day" rule for a casually stylish appearance.

      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 avoids jeggings and stretchy fabrics for rigid denim

      I'm thankful that jeggings seem to be a relic of the past (for now), especially with whispers of their potential return. The French are known for their preference for the opposite—stiff denim that is comfortable yet maintains its shape is always their go-to, such as 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

      Explore More:

      French Style

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If you aim to emulate a French woman's style this fall, avoid these denim trends.

Looking to achieve a French woman’s style this fall? Avoid these denim trends and opt for the classic styles that Parisians consistently choose.