Jeans are definitely a staple in my everyday wardrobe. I’ll probably write a blog post soon about my daily “uniforms”—you know, those comfortable clothes perfect for everyday activities (which many of you requested in the survey from the newsletter) and how to make them a bit more chic for stepping out of the house.
But back to jeans! Every fall, I like to go through my closet to decide what to keep, what to donate, and to see what I wear regularly versus what just sits in my wardrobe. And if there’s one piece I’m loving right now, it’s jeans! But not just any jeans. Below, I’ve listed my favorite jeans that I highly recommend, along with my best tips on how to wear them, Parisian style.
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My Go-To Jeans for Effortless Style
If there’s one thing in my wardrobe I don’t want to spend a fortune on, it’s jeans! I love finding good-quality jeans that last (so I don’t have to keep buying new ones every few months!), but I’m not about to break the bank on designer pairs, either. For a few years now, I’ve been obsessed with the Spanish brand Massimo Dutti, especially their jeans, which are priced at around a hundred dollars. I have a few of their jeans that have become my absolute favorites over the years (isn’t it funny how our oldest, familiar pairs often are the ones we love the most?)
This summer, I treated myself to two of their latest styles: a relaxed fit wide-leg mid-rise jeans and a mid-rise wide-leg full-length jeans. I truly adore both! The length is just perfect with chic white sneakers, ballet flats (I’m currently in love with these raspberry-colored Vibi Venezia velvet slippers), or even classic chunky loafers (I’ve been wearing these Tod’s Gomma Pesante loafers for years, and they’re perfect for both fall and spring). I find these jeans make my legs look longer than the classic straight-leg ones, and the mid-rise waist gives a more modern vibe. I used to be a die-hard straight-leg jeans fan, but now I’m totally converted to wide-leg styles!
In fact, for this season, I’ve decided to add two more pairs to my collection from Massimo Dutti: these faded straight-leg high-waist jeans that will look great with my Carel ankle boots and these mid-rise wide-leg full-length jeans in light blue. Oh, and I’ve also got my eye on these chic full-length wide-leg high-waist jeans—they’d be perfect with ballet flats. I also recently had a coup de coeur for the iconic Anna jeans by Parisian label Gerard Darel in corduroy, which are just perfect for this fall.
How to Style Your Favorite Denim, Parisian Style
So, you’ve got a pair of wide-leg jeans in your wardrobe, and now you’re wondering how to style them with a Parisian touch? I’ve got you covered! Wide-leg jeans are usually full-length, a bit longer than your classic straight-leg jeans. Personally, I think they look best with flat shoes—think ballet flats, loafers, or sneakers—rather than heels. This season, I absolutely love the Les Valentins loafers from Rosaé Paris, those velvet ballet flats from Vibi Venezia, and these elegant brogues by Tod’s. And for a more laid-back vibe, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Adidas Gazelles!
For that effortlessly chic look, pair your wide-leg jeans with a simple shirt (Marie Marot is a great Parisian brand for beautiful, quality shirts) or a tucked-in white tee. Don’t forget to add a leather belt, like this lovely one from Sandro, to cinch your waist. Or you can go for a full denim look! Try layering a burgundy turtleneck (like this one from Massimo Dutti) under a denim jacket or overshirt, and tuck your jeans into some Isabel Marant-style boots. Or, as shown in the photo above, you can also layer a gorgeous suede or nubuck jacket in camel over a denim shirt.
Now, let’s talk jackets! The right jacket can make all the difference: a blazer (navy, black, or beige), a cropped jacket in tweed or leather, a trench coat, or a long camel wool coat. While I might not splurge on jeans, I do believe in investing in a great jacket or coat. This season, I’ve got my eye on a few pieces, like this gorgeous cape from Gerard Darel, the chic Napoléon II trench from Rosaé Paris, and a beautiful camel coat that reminds me of the Signature coat from Totême. If you’re in the market for a blazer, I highly recommend this navy blue one from Sandro that I bought a few years back—it’s still a favorite! I’m also really into wool blazers with a pied-de-puce or herringbone pattern this fall (like this one from Rosaé or the Melanie blazer from Gerard Darel).
Et voilà! Now you’re all set to style your wide-leg jeans the Parisian way.
