Here’s How French Girls Are Wearing the Anti-Skinny Jean Trend

We here at Who What Wear like to talk in great detail (and with much passion!) about our jeans. They are one of the hardest-working items in our wardrobes, after all. We’ve already touched upon the biggest jean trends we’re all wearing for 2023, including ’90s baggy styles and barrel cuts. Of course, with wider-leg styles coming back in general, it only makes sense that flares have returned.

Yes, friends, the ’70s silhouette is back, and we’ve already spotted them on a host of street style leaders as well as on celebrities such as Katie Holmes. Thanks to designers like Balmain, Victoria Beckham and Ulla Johnson, leg-lengthening flares are set to be a staple part of our wardrobes this year. And we’ve noticed that fashionable French women, in particular, have been quick to jump on the trend.

The pinnacle of effortlessly chic, below we’re sharing some of the cool ways French girls are wearing the anti–skinny-jean trend right now. Invest in one of the chic pairs below and you’ll be wholly on-trend this season. 

Style Notes: The coolest way to wear the ’70s bootcut silhouette year-round is with a simple blue button-down shirt. Et voilá.

It’ll be a long time before you run out of new ways to style this.

A subtle kickflare to ease you into the trend. 

Style Notes: Dominique’s cut-out top and wide-leg jeans combination is perfect for a night out.

This asymmetric version will be perfect for autumn evenings out. 

A very 2023 shape.

Style Notes: A ensemble of off-white pieces is so very French. Try out a pair of white or cream flared jeans with a polo knit for a fresh take on the idea.

A versatile addition to your wardrobe. 

This pair is partly blended with organic and recycled cotton. 

Style Notes: Not all French women go down the minimalism route, you know. This colourful mash-up proves just how individual you can make a simple jeans-and-tee outfit, so don’t feel restricted to true blues only.

La DoubleJ shows its knack for incredible prints. 

A bold addition to your wardrobe. 

Style Notes: It’s a big yes from us to flared jeans with a striped jumper, another Parisian classic. 

Stripes are always in style. 

This pair keeps selling out. 

Style Notes: It doesn’t get more Parisian than a white shirt unbuttoned just so, but why not try it with a different kind of flare silhouette that’s bunched at the ankle? Perfect for wearing with sneakers. 

A classic white shirt always comes in handy. 

I really rate this wash. 

Style Notes: It’s simple and it works: A coat, flared jeans, heeled boots and a minimalist bag is the kind of formula that you’ll never tire of.

Trench coats are found in all French-girl wardrobes. 

Pair with heeled boots to make the most of the length. 

Style Notes: Double denim never fails to look chic, especially when it’s in the same shade.

The collar is everything. 

Double up on mid denim. 

Style Notes: Slim flares and a belted blazer (with nothing underneath!) could well be our new favourite sassy combination for 2023. Throw in a tarte tatin and things are looking pretty French up in here.

This blazer will fast become one of your most-worn pieces.

Celebrate retro silhouettes with this pair. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Up next, The 9 New-In Pieces I’m Adding to My Wish List This Week