I've Done the Research—These Are the 6 Basic Items French Women Will Wear With Jeans This Year
From classic ballet pumps to elegant striped cardigans, keep scrolling to discover the six simple yet elevated basics French women are pairing with their jeans in 2026.
It feels like winter has been going on forever, but the good news is that we’re only about a month away from spring. And this, of course, means that I’m planning ahead and looking to the ways in which I’ll be styling my jeans for the new season.
And when it comes to elegant denim dressing, the French fashion girls will forever be my first port of call for inspiration. They manage to make even the most basic of clothing look chic, and for spring 2026 specifically, I’m on the hunt for the stylish staples that they’re wearing with their jeans. Naturally, I turned to the most elegant French fashion influencers I follow on Instagram for a fresh set of styling tips. And it should come as no surprise that they did not disappoint me. My main takeaway? Less is definitely more when it comes to styling jeans in 2026.
So, from classic ballet flats to elegant striped cardigans, keep scrolling to discover the six simple yet elevated basics French girls are pairing with their jeans in 2026.
6 French-Girl Basics to Wear With Jeans in 2026
1. Trench Coat
Style Notes: Outerwear doesn’t get more classic than a trench coat. A trusty capsule wardrobe staple that you know will make any outfit look elegant, trench coats are just as loved by French girls across the pond as they are here in the UK. Whether you opt for a classic long silhouette or prefer a shorter iteration, it’s sure to make your jeans outfit look put together.
Shop the Combo:
I've had my eyes on these Agolde jeans for a while now.
An icon.
This cropped version feels fresh for 2026.
If you already own a classic beige trench, why not opt for a sleek black hue?
2. Breton Cardigan
Style Notes: French girls and Breton stripes are inseparable, so these nautical-inspired patterns had to be in this edit. The key piece for spring? Lightweight cardigans that work well with jeans on their own as tops or layered over a tee when the weather cools.
Shop the Combo:
These are a bestseller for very good reason.
A striped cardigan + blue wide-leg jeans = a match made in heaven.
This navy and green colourway will pair well with darker denim.
How sweet is this knit?
3. Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: I, for one, cannot wait to get back into my ballet pumps when the temeprature rises, but I don’t think anyone loves these elegant flat-shoe style as the French fashion girls do. The best way to wear them? Pair them with ankle jeans to keep hemlines from grazing the floor.
These also come in a light-blue and a black wash.
Two-tone ballet flats always get a yes from me.
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
This suede pair will help to add some texture into your outfit.
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4. Blazer
Style Notes: When they want to dress their jeans up, the Gallic girls turn to boxy blazers that look a bit more formal than your average jacket. Perfect for making your denim office or evening-appropriate, a smart blazer is never a bad investment.
Khaite's Danielle jeans come fashion-editor approved.
Funnel-neck silhouettes are having a moment.
No one does tailoring quite like The Frankie Shop.
A wool blazer will serve you well when it's chilly out.
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5. Tank Top
Style Notes: Tank tops are a year-round staple, but they really come into their own in spring when you can wear them without a chunky knit layered on top. They’re simple, yes, but they look undeniably elegant when worn with classic blue jeans and kitten heels, as shown by Sylvie Mus above.
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These come in sizes UK 4 to 26.
This will act as the basis for so many of your spring outfits.
The styling possibilities are endless.
I own this and wear it constantly.
6. Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots will serve you well, but when you want to show off more of your jeans, ankle silhouettes should be your first port of call. Versatile, comfortable, and stylish, ankle boots can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Not to mention, they look particularly good with any style of jeans.
Shop the Combo:
Sézane's Brut Sexy jeans are a great choice for petite dressers.
How cool are these?
These will never go out of style.
The flat sole will ensure all-day comfort.
