The 8 Specific Basics Cool Europeans Are Wearing With Jeans Right Now

There's just something about European style that we Americans can't get enough of. Even when they're wearing something casual and low-key, the fashion people of Paris, London, Milan, Stockholm, and other cities always seem to dress with a certain polish—and I'll go to the ends of the internet in search of ways to re-create their looks myself. In fact, I recently did just that, and I figured I'd share my findings with you here.

Let's start with jeans, the one item I know every one of us has in their closets right now. Europeans may be known for their sophisticated style, but they're no strangers to good denim. The main difference in American and European denim outfits, I've noticed, is in how they are styled. I scrolled through the Instagram feeds of stylish Europeans for a few solid hours and can confirm that right now, the secret sauce for their denim ensembles all comes down to a handful of very specific wardrobe basics. Here, discover the items that Europeans from Paris to Stockholm are wearing with jeans now, and shop the key pieces.

1. Sharply Tailored Coats

Whether you walk around the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, you'll find people across Europe wearing their jeans with a single universal item this winter, and that is none other than a tailored coat. It's probably the easiest way to dress up an otherwise casual look—the cold-weather equivalent of wearing a blazer with jeans.

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2. V-Neck Sweaters

Jeans and sweaters are a tale as old as time, and I've noticed how Europeans are overwhelmingly wearing V-neck sweaters with jeans (and skirts and trousers, too) and layering them over a white T-shirt.

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3. Point-Toe Pumps

Europeans are experts at making their jeans look ultra chic and polished. Lately, they're elevating their classic denim with pointed-toe pumps, especially walkable kitten-heel pumps that can go from day to night.

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4. Thin Layering Tops

I spent lots of time in the feeds of cool French, Scandi, British, and Dutch women over the last few days, and one piece I've noticed repeated across all their denim outfits is a simple layering top. Whether it's a long-sleeve tee or thin turtleneck, these tops may feel "boring," but I promise you'll regret not having them on hand throughout the winter.

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5. Penny Loafers

Europeans have mastered the art of the jeans-and-flats combo. How to not make the combo feel dated? Pairing straight-leg jeans with classic penny loafers (and bonus points for adding colorful socks). 

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6. Blue Oxford Shirts

Chances are you already have a white button-down shirt in your closet that you've worn with jeans before, but I suggest considering one in a cool blue color like many fashion people in Paris and Stockholm are doing. The color feels a tad more academic and plays particularly well with silver jewelry, a bubbling accessory trend right now.

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7. Low-Heel Ankle Boots

Flats may be dominating right now, but this group is hardly overlooking their classic ankle boots. Sleek and slim silhouettes are overwhelmingly their favorite styles to wear with jeans right now, specifically with elongated toe shapes and low stiletto heels.

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8. Tights and Sheer Socks

Wearing tights underneath your jeans is an outfit trick people have been utilizing for years to combat the bitter cold throughout the winter, but the cool people across Europe are revisiting this hack to add a touch of elegance to their denim ensembles, too, letting sheer and fishnet tights show through with their pumps and flats. If the cold isn't a factor, my tip is to wear sheer socks instead for the same effect without the extra layer.

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