French Women Know White Cropped Trousers Outperform Jeans

The French have a knack for many things, and imbuing their outfits with a polished ease that makes the rest of us wonder why we ever try so hard is one of them.

This is why, whenever I feel the urge to refresh my own looks, I inevitably find myself scrolling through the feeds of stylish Parisians for inspiration. This time, every chic account I visited seemed to be singing the praises of one particular piece: white cropped trousers.

A crisp, fresh alternative to the jeans I’ve been living in for, well, most of my life, these trousers offer the same easy wearability thanks to their soft, neutral shade, but with a polished feel that denim can’t quite match. What I love most is how seamlessly they slip into the roles jeans usually play—paired with a T-shirt, a sharp blazer, or a billowy blouse—instantly elevating, without feeling overdone.

As we inch towards autumn and hemlines begin to drop, think of them as the perfect bridge between summer’s white shorts and winter’s wool trousers. For these final golden days, wear them with breezy tops and blouses; once the chill sets in, layer them with blazers, knits and trench coats for a look that feels both seasonal and effortlessly put-together. Footwear-wise, they’re wonderfully adaptable—pair with light Mary Janes or closed-toe mules now, then switch to loafers or sleek trainers when temperatures dip.

It’s my favourite styling trick borrowed from the French, so keep scrolling to discover the chicest white cropped trousers to add to your wardrobe right now.