Women in Paris Will Wear These Basics With Skirts and Jeans in 2024

A belted skirt and vest outfit

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Every time I travel to Paris, I find myself enthralled by the way that French women can make simple wardrobe basics feel so pulled-together. Over the summer, I sat at a café in the Marais, watching women take their lunch break dressed in jeans, sneakers, and cute miniskirts, and I began to mentally tuck away ideas that I could bring home and make use of myself. Luckily, I realized that I could easily re-create them using items I already own. It would just take some new styling to pull it all together. 

What I was particularly struck by is my French counterparts' ability to use simple pieces like a button-down or a blazer to give a sweatshirt or sneakers a dressier feel. It's an easy trick, but it has a big impact. Looking ahead to 2024, I'm already putting aside a fresh crop of ideas centered around the two pieces I find myself always going between: jeans and a simple skirt, like a suede mini or a silky black slip skirt. On Instagram, I've found some French outfits I can't wait to re-create in New York, bringing a little bit of Parisian flair over the pond. All of these outfits manage to take simple wardrobe basics and, through thoughtful styling, make them feel more elegant than they might otherwise. Here's my breakdown of the best basics to mix and match to re-create that Parisian sensibility.

Denim on Denim
Denim on denim outfit with chunky boots

Photo:

@maria_bernad

Give denim on denim a fresh twist by treating it like a formal suit. Layer a button-down (and perhaps a tie!) underneath a jean jacket and style with flared jeans and chunky boots.

Simple flared jeans that go with everything.

An oversize denim jacket is ideal for layering.

This is a white button-down you'll wear all the time.

Buy a tie or borrow one from a man in your life to finish off the look. 

Mixed Textures
A mini skirt outfit with tights and a sweater

Photo:

@annelauremais

Don't be afraid to mix and match textures. A suede skirt and knit sweater balance out a sleek pair of patent-leather shoes.

Try a miniskirt in a tactile suede or faux-suede material.

Tights help to make this ensemble cold weather–friendly.

Chain earrings add edge to your ensemble.

Finish the look off with a pair of slick patent heels.

Simple Shades
A white top, black skirt, and white flats

Photo:

@frannfyne

Monochromatic black and white is a classic combination that manages to always look good together. Mix a simple, sleek black skirt with a light button-down. If you want to add a little bit of a surprise detail, throw in a silver accessory like flats or a bag.

A black satin skirt is a wardrobe heavyweight. It can be worn in so many ways.

Telfar's textured bag adds a little something fun to a simple look.

Casually Chic
A blazer and jeans outfit with a baseball cap

Photo:

@leasy_inparis

When it comes to casual dressing, give sneakers and a sweatshirt the French twist. A blazer helps to add polish to a casual look, and if you're feeling particularly Parisian, tuck a baguette into your tote for later.

A sleek sweatshirt is comfortable but still put-together.

High-waisted straight-leg jeans are a low-key everyday option.

A blazer helps to tie a casual look together.

For running errands, a casual baseball cap is a practical and low-key accessory.

Adidas's Samba sneaker is casual and cool.

Structured Combo
A belted outfit with a vest and skirt

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Layering is an easy way to make the hero pieces of your wardrobe feel fresh again. A vest, belted and worn over a stiff button-down, creates a fresh look to wear with your favorite black maxi skirt.

A vest is an underrated layering piece.

Try a belt cinched at the waist to create shape.

A long skirt adds an inherently dressy touch.

A striped button-down is a piece you'll wear once a week or more.

Square-toe boots are a comfortable option for work or play.