Taking inspiration from the French fashion set, Meghan Markle stepped out in a quintessentially French-girl outfit this week, styling a pair of grey skinny jeans with tonal ballet flats for an evening out. Simultaneously referencing a style combination that was much beloved in the early 2000s, Markle put a decidedly modern spin on her outfit by means of colour palette. Opting to style a head-to-toe look in the enduring grey colour trend, The Duchess of Sussex leaned into the spring-ready shade for her casual night-out look.
Whilst the popularity of skinny jeans peaked in the 2000s and 2010s, fashion people are back in the habit of embracing them on the regular in 2024. Although we’re still coming around to them, the French never let the classic style fall out of favour. Styling them with roomy knits, smart blazers and most importantly, ballet flats, the French style set have long made the case for the return of the divisive jean.
Capable of adding a streamlined finish to an outfit in ways other denim styles simply can’t, skinny jeans are working their way back into the wardrobes of those in the know. For a spring-worthy styling twist, the French-loved ballet flat pairing compliments the polished nature of the skinny jeans, culminating a casual outfit that you could style to a myriad of occasions.
Read on to discover Markle’s look and shop our favourite skinny jeans and ballet flats below.
RE-CREATE MEGHAN MARKLE’S FRENCH JEANS OUTFIT
Arket
Relaxed Cashmere Jumper
This wool knit is perfect for early-spring styling.
Paige
Hoxton Skinny High-Rise Stretch-Denim Jeans
Style with knee high boots or wear with a classic ballet flat.
French Sole
Amelie Light Grey Leather
Add a feminine touch to a denim outfit, or style with a flowy skirt.
This also comes in ten other colours.
SHOP OUR OTHER FAVOURITE SKINNY JEANS AND BALLET FLATS BELOW:
Mango
Skinny Push-Up Jeans
These are available in sizes 4 to 24.
Black ballet flats are versatile enough to wear with just about anything.
Agolde
Nico High-Rise Skinny Jeans
These will look chic style with mary janes and a slouchy knit.
Mango
Bow Leather Ballerina
Ballet flats are going to be everywhere this spring time.
Reformation
Cynthia Stretch High Rise Straight Jeans
Wear with a block heel or style with a mary jane.
Le Monde Beryl
Luna Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
I’m backing mesh ballet flats this season.
Paige
Gemma High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans
Skinny jeans look chic when styled with knee high boots,
Cos
Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flats
Mango
Skinny Cropped Jeans
White jeans are a spring/summer staple.
Aeyde
Kirsten Leather Ballet Flats
These also come in beige and black.
Mother Denim
The Looker Skimp
Skinny jeans are an easy way to add some casual structure to a day-to-day outfit.
Reformation
Mikayla Ballet Flat
Square-toe ballet flats are having a moment this season.