As far as everyday wardrobe staples go, it doesn’t get much more classic than a pair of jeans.
But now that we’re in 2025, I’m keen to look at how I can refresh my wardrobe, and given that I wear jeans 85% of the time, non-denim alternatives feel like the best place to start. And where better to look for inspo than our favourite French fashion influencers, who, it seems, are always able to pull off that effortlessly chic look we all want to emulate?
French style strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, which if we’re talking about moving away from jeans, feels like the ultimate goal. If I’m not wearing jeans, I want an outfit that feels both elevated and comfortable, which the women of France are year-round pros at.
Given that a new year brings the opportunity for us to get a bit more experimental with our style, the anti-jeans outfits I’m looking at go beyond switching to tailored trousers (though of course, I’ll always have a pair of these on rotation). But in the spirit of embracing something new, I’ve also included skirts, shorts and maxi dresses in this round-up. French fashion is wonderfully versatile, after all.
So, if you’re looking to move away from jeans this year, keep scrolling to see my eight favourite alternatives, as styled by French women.
Anti-Jeans Outfits French Women Are Wearing in 2025
1. LEATHER SKIRT + JUMPER + LONGLINE COAT
Style Notes: A leather skirt with tights always looks trés chic, in my opinion. Pair with a casual knit in the same colour (chocolate brown is always a winner), then layer a long coat over the top.
Shop the Look:
Whistles
Riley Trench Coat in Black
It would be hard not to feel smart in this.
ARCH4
+ Net Sustain the Ivy Cashmere Sweater
Rich brown cashmere feels so luxe.
John Lewis
Leather Pencil Skirt
I’m loving the chocolatey tones.
M&S Collection
3pk 60 Denier Body Sensor Tights in Chocolate Mix
ZARA
Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes
With or without tights, these would look so chic.
2. RELAXED-FIT TROUSERS + TRENCH COAT
Style Notes: If you want your jeans alternatives to be as comfortable as possible, a pair of loose-fitting trousers is the way to go. I love how Franny has paired hers with a matching black top and contrasting khaki trench (pictured above).
Shop the Look:
H&M
Rib-Knit Trousers in Black
Comfy enough to lounge around the house in, stylish enough to go out in.
COS
Oversized Boiled Merino Wool Jumper in Black
Elevate this basic driver with bold jewellery.
hush
Stella Long Trench Jacket
Whilst I’m usually a fan of a neutral trench coat, there’s something about khaki that feels so classic.
MAISON MARGIELA
Replica Suede Sneakers in Black
The tan leather soles give a great contrast.
3. LEATHER JACKET + TAILORED SHORTS + TIGHTS
Style Notes: I’m bookmarking this look for date-night outfit inspo. Sheer tights and tailored shorts are an effortlessly sexy combination, as is the black turtleneck and leather jacket.
Shop the Look:
& Other Stories
Short Patent Jacket
The cropped fit makes this ideal for pairing with high-waisted trousers, midi dresses, tailored shorts… you name it.
Reformation
Nell Knit Top in Black
H&M
Tailored Shorts in Black
A simple pair of tailored shorts like these will open up a world of outfit possibilities.
M&S Collection
Leather Lizard Effect Slim Jeans Belt in Burgundy
A timeless accessory you’ll wear on repeat.
Arket
Sheer Tights 20 Denier
THE ROW
Sofia 10 Leather Tote
Bobbies
Reem in Lacquered Black
Bobbies is a gorgeous French footwear brand.
4. CHOCOLATE-BROWN TROUSERS + SCARF JACKET + TONAL HANDBAG
Style Notes: Tailored trousers are a go-to alternative for jeans, but a chocolate-brown shade takes them to a whole new level. Keep everything else in the same tone and the outfit instantly looks more expensive.
Shop the Look:
MARCÉLA LONDON
Tol Wool Jacket With Scarf in Chocolate Brown
The definition of cosy-chic.
ZARA
Double Pleat Trousers in Chocolate Brown
For under £30, these are a steal.
The Row
Margaux Shoulder 12 Bag in Leather in Hippo Grey
John Lewis
Wide Fit Penny Patent Leather Moccasins
5. KNITTED SKIRT + JUMPER + LOAFERS
Style Notes: A knitted set is perfect if you want to look put-together but still feel comfy. Pair with sunglasses and loafers for a polished jeans-free outfit.
Shop the Look:
ALIGNE
Mysti Fluted Midaxi Knitted Skirt
I love the simplicity of this.
Nobody’s Child
Navy Roll Neck Knitted Jumper
H&M
Oxford Shirt in Blue/Striped
A summer staple, but also ideal for layering under knits in winter.
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Vlogo Locker Leather Loafer in Black
Wear with white socks to make a statement.
Ray-Ban
RB3688 Unisex Polarised Square Sunglasses
Ray-Bans will always be timeless to me.
6. CROPPED TROUSERS + BLOUSE + SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Want to feel elevated with minimal effort? Try a pair of cropped pinstripe trousers. Style with a white button-down shirt and slingback heels to take the look in a more glamorous direction.
Shop the Look:
ME+EM
Textured Pinstripe Slim Crop Trouser
Cropped to a length that highlights the narrowest point of your ankle.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Silk Crepe De Chine in Cream
The styling possibilities are endless.
ROGER VIVIER
Two-Tone Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps
Prada
Aimée Large Leather Shoulder Bag in Black
This will become a lifelong friend.
7. SATIN SKIRT + ROLL-NECK JUMPER
Style Notes: This wouldn’t be an anti-jeans round-up without a satin skirt in the mix. I love how Aïda Badji (pictured above) has kept her outfit simple with a neutral roll neck and classic white heels.
Shop the Look:
Ghost
Luna Satin Slip Skirt in Ivory
A slinky satin skirt is a wardrobe staple.
MANGO
Turtleneck Knit Sweater in Light/Pastel Brown
This also comes in a richer brown.
M&S Collection
Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes in Cream
Polène
Mokki in Textured Ebony
The bag currently at the top of my wish list.
8. MAXI DRESS + LEATHER TRENCH + BOOTS
Style Notes: Maxi dresses are no longer the reserve of summer. A full-length knitted dress is one of my go-tos in the colder months, and I love how it looks with a leather trench and boots.
Shop the Look:
NOUR HAMMOUR
Henri Belted Double-Breasted Leather Trench Coat
hush
Talen Long Sleeved Knitted Maxi Dress in Chocolate Brown
& Other Stories
Slim-Fit Turtleneck Top in Brown
Did I mention I’m a fan of chocolate brown?
Gabor
Jazzy Chunky Ankle Boots in Black
Comfy boots to wear with pretty much anything.