There’s something about European style that we Americans never tire of. The fashionistas of cities like Paris, London, Milan, and Stockholm always seem to dress smartly, even when they’re dressing casually and modestly. I often scour the far reaches of the internet for ways to recreate their style for myself. In fact, I recently tried to do just that, so I thought I’d share my findings with you here.
Let’s start with jeans, an item that everyone has in their closet these days. Europeans are known for their sophisticated style, but they also have their hands full with fine denim. I’ve noticed that the main difference between American and European denim outfits is in the way they style them. After spending hours scrolling through the Instagram feeds of stylish Europeans, I’m convinced that the secret to their denim ensembles now boils down to a few select wardrobe basics. Here, from Paris to Stockholm, discover what Europeans are wearing with their jeans right now, and shop the key items.
1. A sharply tailored coat
Walking the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, you’ll notice people all over Europe pairing jeans with one universal item this winter: a tailored coat. It’s arguably the easiest way to dress up a casual look, much like pairing a blazer with jeans in cold weather.
shop:
Pixie Market
Lee maxi blazer coat
Good Americans
Ponteca Court
Topshop
Oversized longline coat
H&M
Double-breasted twill coat
2. V-neck sweater
Jeans and sweaters is a classic story, but I’ve noticed that Europeans overwhelmingly pair V-neck sweaters with jeans (or skirts or trousers, too), or layer them over a white t-shirt.
shop:
mango
Contrast V-neck sweater
Hertha
Tarena V-neck sweater
J.Crew
Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
3. Pointed toe pumps
Europeans have a knack for making jeans look super chic and sophisticated, and lately they’ve been elevating the classic denim look with pointed-toe pumps, especially kitten-heeled pumps that are comfortable enough to wear day or night.
shop:
reform
Nikki kitten heel pumps
Massimo Dutti
High heel shoes
4. Lightweight layered tops
Over the past few days, I’ve been spending a lot of time browsing the feeds of cool women from France, Scandinavia, the UK, and the Netherlands, and one thing I’ve noticed in their denim outfits is a simple layered top. Whether it’s a long-sleeved t-shirt or a lightweight turtleneck, these tops may seem “boring,” but you’ll regret not having them on hand all winter long.
shop:
Cos
Merino wool turtleneck top
Intimissimi
Boat neck modal cashmere ultralight top
Skim
Long sleeve t-shirts for everyone
1961
Long sleeve boat neck T-shirt
5. Penny loafers
Europeans have mastered the jeans and flats combo, and the best way to make this combo never feel dated? Pair straight-leg jeans with classic penny loafers (bonus points if you pair them with colorful socks).
shop:
GHBASS
Whitney leather loafers
Koio
Brera leather penny loafers
Wandering Shoemaker
Alex Laufer
6. Blue Oxford Shirt
While you probably already have a white button-down shirt in your closet that you’ve paired with jeans, consider a cool blue shirt like the ones many fashionistas are sporting in Paris and Stockholm. This color has a slightly academic vibe and pairs especially well with silver jewelry, which is a current accessory trend.
shop:
Frankie Shop
Louis Organic Cotton Poplin Shirt
gap
Organic Cotton Big Shirt
Open Edit
Button-down shirt
7. Low-heeled ankle boots
Flats may be mainstream now, but that doesn’t mean this group is ignoring the classic ankle boot: slim, slender silhouettes are by far the most popular styles to wear with jeans, especially with long toes and low stiletto heels.
shop:
Sam Edelman
Usha pointed toe bootie
Idea
Zoe suede pointed toe ankle boots
Madewell
Dimes kitten heel boots
J.Crew
Stevie ankle boots
8. Tights and see-through socks
Wearing tights under jeans is an outfit trick people have been using for years to stave off the bitter winter chill, but cool Europeans are revisiting the hack to add elegance to their denim ensembles, letting sheer or fishnet tights peek out from under their pumps or flats. If the cold isn’t an issue, you can wear sheer socks instead to achieve the same effect without layering.
shop:
Stem
Micro Fishnet Ankle Socks, 2 Pairs
Falke
See-through Swiss dot ankle socks
Calzedonia
Invisible 20 Denier Sheer Tights
