It takes a lot for French women to stray from their favorite denim styles, especially when it comes to something as foundational as light-blue and vintage-style jeans, which we've noted their fandom of over the years. Once in a while, a blue-jeans alternative emerges that's so utterly chic it manages to knock their go-to jeans down a few rungs. Such is the case with the latest denim trend to arrive in Paris: dark-rinse jeans. Indigo washes are infiltrating the wardrobes of chic Parisian women (and soon everyone else).
The trend is hardly localized, though. Designers such as Khaite and Zimmermann featured "so dark it's almost black" denim on their fall runways, and considering the shade makes just about anything, from a white tee to classic black heels, look far more elegant than regular light-blue denim, it won't be long before stylish women in other fashion capitals begin to enhance their jeans rotations with these indigo washes too. Ahead, see how French women are styling the dark-wash-denim trend and shop our favorite pairs.
Dark-rinse jeans with a straight cut are so '90s yet so now, especially when styled with a white tee and strappy sandals.
I just tried these on at Madewell's SoHo store, and they're 10/10.
It's the slight puddle hem for me.
According to Revolve, 16 shoppers are eyeing this pair.
Jeans and a black top are basically the French-girl going-out uniform at this point, and the addition of the darker wash on the denim gives it that extra polish.
There's a reason why every fashion editor owns a pair of Agolde jeans.
The model's got the right styling idea.
Like many of its basics, Reformation does denim really, really well.
Even a simple white tank looks downright elegant when paired with indigo denim. Add a classic leather belt to enhance it even further.
Love that full-length cut.
Wear with thong sandals now and ankle boots later.
The base to so many casual but chic outfits.
This look showcases that dark-wash jeans are the ideal base to fall's trendiest basic: a plaid button-down shirt. Tuck one into a pair of high-rise jeans for a simple but of-the-moment combo.
The lower rise gives them such an effortless vibe.
Such a modern shape.
Dark-rinse jeans *handshake emoji* brown suede shoes.
A darker wash takes a double-denim ensemble up about 10 notches.
You'll look modelesque in these.
Easy and cool.
This cigarette fit will remain relevant for eternity.
Jeans and a leather jacket for fall? Say less. The tried-and-true combination gets an elevated spin with a pair of dark-rinse jeans.
Perfect with ballet flats.
A fashion-editor favorite.
The contrast stitching makes these look extra elevated.
French women have a lifelong commitment to strappy heels, and they were basically made for this denim trend.
One of the most polished-looking pairs of jeans I own.
They're a cult classic for a reason.
The darker the rinse, the cooler the jeans.
Darker jeans make even maximalist pieces, like a zebra-print coat, seem approachable.
The right amount of relaxed.
So good for the price.
Classic.
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