Ask anyone who lives in London or New York where they get their most sartorial inspiration from, and they’ll likely tell you that the most tasteful dressers who call those places home are their biggest source. However, if you corner them in a more vulnerable moment, you might actually find the truth, which is that, regardless of the silhouettes native to their cities, the casual chic attire emanating from Paris is actually what they look like most.
Blame it on her inescapable je ne sais quoi, but the Frenchwoman has a knack for taking mundane basics and pairing them together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Because when you see photos of Jane Birkin strolling down Saint-Germain-des-Prés in a perfectly crisp white T-shirt and basket bag, or Camille Rowe strolling down the Rue de la Paix in a fabulous Reformation cardigan and Repetto ballet flats, you can’t help but be impressed. The one who proves this best is none other than Miranda Kerr.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Stepping out in New York, the Kora Organics founder wore an outfit that would have fit better in Le Marais than Manhattan, choosing a velvet-effect single-breasted blazer, wide flared jeans and square-toe boots for the occasion. In her defense, her shoes were lust-worthy Khaite Nevadas, which have already garnered quite a celebrity fan base with Dua Lipp and Kendall Jenner all frequent wearers of this style. However, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel decided to lean more toward the French influence by carrying a green checked book tote from Dior.
Of course, to the trained eye, this outfit is the modern equivalent of the Breton striped top, slouchy beret hat or washcloth. Red lipstick, considering how uniform this look has become from Belleville to Montmartre. But, it also proves that when it comes to classic outfits that demand to be replicated, French women really do it best.
In fact, I’ve already seen countless iterations of this look in all the major style capitals. Flared jeans have been on the rise in popularity over the past twelve months and show no signs of slowing down, especially as people look for a more structured effect than the razor-sharp stovepipe shape. This jacket style, too, has become a fixture for the season, with the spring/summer 2026 runways saturated with this cropped look, the most notable piece in Mathieu Blazey’s new Chanel.
Shoes, too, are a mainstay in any well-edited wardrobe, meaning very little is really needed to introduce the effortless beauty of French women into your life. To make it even easier, I’ve taken it upon myself to gather the key pieces needed to recreate this look. From denim that’ll make you feel like you belong on the Rive Droit, to shoes that’ll get you everywhere, shop the French-girl outfits below.
Shop French-Girl Flared Jeans and Boots
It would be a mistake for me to start this edit by mentioning one of the most beloved French-girl denim brands, Sézane.
Khaite
nevada leather ankle boots
These are the exact same shoes that the Australian-born model-turned-mogul wore.
Mango
Violet flared high-rise jeans
This whole outfit is very simple, but very sophisticated.
just a little
leather heel shoes
Don’t overlook sturdy shoes when you’re shopping on the high-street.
For the price of an average meal in London, this pairing is too good to refuse.
Because who said you only have to wear boots with denim?
Improvement
Cara Low Rise Loose Flare Jeans
Keep it low and loose with this ultra-breezy style.
totem
shiny leather ankle boots
French girls don’t discriminate when it comes to heel height.
eggolde
Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans
They may be from Los Angeles, but even Parisians are not immune to Agolde’s appeal.
le monde beryl
Carol Leather Ankle Boots
This soft toe shape provides a more romantic feel.
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