If there’s one thing we know to be true about French women and fashion, it’s that they love to keep an unfussy wardrobe. Key pieces they always have on standby include a perfect white shirt, a well-tailored black blazer and classic black heels. They also love their jeans.
But we’re not talking about any old denim style. Our columnist Marissa Cox told us back in September last year that since she moved to Paris, she discovered that French girls love straight-leg jeans. And while we’re sure no Parisian woman is going to ditch those anytime soon, we’ve got new intel that says French girls are now loving another style.
According to data from Lyst, the global fashion search platform, high-rise wide-leg jeans are the exact style French women—in particular, Parisian women—can’t get enough of right now. In fact, searches for these jeans are up by 68% year on year. And the most popular brand of all? Jacquemus, of course.
There’s a reason this silhouette is so popular: It’s flattering on everyone. The high rise will give any waist definition, and the wider cut will balance out the hips and elongate the legs. Ready to see how some of our favourite French women wear this style? Keep scrolling, then, shop our edit of the best high-rise wide-leg jeans.
Style Notes: One of our go-to French influencers is Jeanne Damas. Here, she’s wearing high-rise wide-leg jeans with black boots and a beige jacket. Some might say this is the perfect transitional outfit.
Style Notes: Anything that makes your jeans feel authentically retro is in this season, too—cue patch pockets and deep indigo hues.
Style Notes: Let’s focus on the high-rise aspect for a moment. See how it gives the waist fantastic definition? Add a belt to give it a final style flourish.
Style Notes: Andrea Mun serves up the perfect low-key going-out outfit—wide-leg jeans, a cropped top, and strappy sandals.
Style Notes: Marissa Cox opts for dark jeans with a white T-shirt, a pink blazer and bright strappy sandals.
Style Notes: Wearing your jeans with a white cotton blouse and braided sandals? It doesn’t get more French than that.
Style Notes: While the weather isn’t exactly cold or hot, try an outfit like this. A cute cropped blazer with a basic tee and a woollen beret? Parfait!
Style Notes: Another great look from Marissa. This time, it’s a brown jacket and boots with a pair of white wide-leg jeans.
Victoria Beckham knows how to create good wide-leg jeans.
I’m into the raw hems on this pair.
Black jeans never fail to look sleek.
Asymmetic fastenings are trending right now.
Who said your jeans had to be blue?
So classic.
Grey jeans are a softer alternative to black but present the same edgy styling opportunities.
The matching belt and starched pleats are ’70s-style perfection.
The fade on this pair makes them look genuinely vintage.
How chic are these jeans styled with a white tee?
See? What did I tell you about asymmetric fastenings?
These cut above the ankle so are perfect for wearing with ankle-strap shoes.
I want these in all three colours.
Proof that, when styled right, jeans can look the workwear part.
I spy patch pockets.
The seamwork on this pair really elevates them.
Rips will give your outfits a low-key, cool-girl spin.
