Even those of us who work in fashion find ourselves in a style rut from time to time. And where is the first place we turn for inspiration in such situations? You guessed it: The French capital.
You might be tired of the constant praise we direct at Parisians, but there's a reason they're held up as beacons of classic, trend-defying style. Just think of the icons; Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin. Each exudes an effortless attitude in their every look, from the perfectly tousled hair that falls just-right, down to the practical footwear they favour over sky-high heels. Whether a pretty midi dress or a fuss-free jeans outfit is on the cards, Gallic girls know how to make even the simplest outfits feel enviably cool and unapologetically feminine.
Speaking of jeans, in the midst of the seasonal shift we've been thinking ahead to which tops we should pair with our staple denim once the temperature rises. And we knew just where to look for ideas. Scroll on to see the spring-ready tops the French fashion set will be wearing with denim for the foreseeable.
1. Waistcoat
Style Notes: Tailored waistcoats aren't just intended for three-piece suits—Léna shows just how cool they look with relaxed denim.
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The Frankie Shop does tailoring like no other.
In 2023, the looser the jeans the better.
2. Sweetheart Top
Style Notes: Sweetheart-neck tops captured our hearts in 2023, and they feel like a fun, feminine option to work into your spring jeans outfits.
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An affordable everyday staple.
H&M's jeans are such high quality for the price.
3. Short-Sleeved Knit
Style Notes: No need to stash all your knitwear away just yet. Cropped, short-sleeve designs are perfect for the transitional period and look super sweet with high-waisted jeans.
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I'll be living in uplifting shades like this throughout spring.
Yep, flares are a thing again.
4. Racerback Tank
Style Notes: An oldie but a goodie. It's always worth having a few tank tops in your wardrobe for those days when you need a quick outfit fix.
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Racer tanks are a non-negotiable as we enter the warmer months.
& Other Stories bestselling jeans come in nine versatile washes.
5. Denim Shirt
Style Notes: Denim-on-denim is slowly but steadily doing the rounds on Instagram, and even those of us who were initially sceptical (myself included) are now into it.
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There's something about embroidered denim that feels very nostalgic.
A great shade of blue for spring.
6. Vintage Blouse
Style Notes: French girls love a unique vintage find, and you'll often spot them pairing their retro floral blouses with '90s Levi's.
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There's just one, so snap it up if you love it!
Reformation's jeans are a fashion editor favourite.
7. White Shirt
Style Notes: There are few items a white button-down won't work with, but there's something so chic about the simple combination of a crisp cotton shirt and blue jeans.
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You really can't go wrong with a classic like this.
Don't worry, straight-leg jeans aren't going anywhere.
8. Baby Tee
Style Notes: Y2K enthusiasts, this one is for you. Shrunken tees tap into the revived noughties trend, but in a subtle enough way that Parisians are on board.
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Wear with high- or low-waist jeans, depending on how brave you're feeling.
One of the best-loved pairs of jeans on the high street.
9. Cotton Blouse
Style Notes: The mood we're aiming for this spring/summer? Easy, breezy. And there's no better way to achieve this than with a loose-fitting cotton blouse in an uplifting springtime print.
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I can't wait until we can wear blouses like this without adding multiple layers on top.
This shape looks so flattering.
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