French women embody chic, effortless style from head to toe. We all admire their French girl style because of how little effort it seems to take to pull together the perfect look that’s just the right amount of “undone”. From their loose waves to their tailored clothes, Parisians are a walking billboard for the style that so many of us want to have. The good news is, you can replicate their aesthetic with the help of the right French fashion essentials. Today, let’s start from the top (er, bottom) and talk through the 7 must-have French style shoes for your footwear collection.
1. Loafers
nordstrom
Loraine Bit Loafer
French women love to choose shoes that are equal parts practical and stylish. They don’t sacrifice style for comfort, or vice versa. The key is to choose footwear that you can walk in for long periods of time, which also complements the chic look of your outfit. After all, the right pair of shoes can make or break your entire look!
Let’s kick things off (no pun intended) with a pair of classic loafers. This timeless style is the perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe. French women love loafers for their versatility – they can be worn to the office with a full suit, or dressed down on the weekend with a white button-down and straight jeans. No matter how they’re styled, loafers add a polished touch to any look.
button-down shirt | jeans | loafers | necklace | bag
2. Espadrilles
j.crew
Lace-Up High-Heel Espadrilles
Slightly less practical but no less chic are the lace-up high-heeled espadrilles. This is a classic French girl shoe, which was exported to France in its original form in the 14th century. Hundreds of years later, in the 18th century, these shoes would be redesigned and produced in the Basque region of France for the first time. From there, a demand grew across France for the quality-made shoe that was breathable and durable.
Today, French women add feminine elegance to their spring and summer looks with espadrille wedges. Although these do have a high heel, the additional support from the wedge style helps to provide additional balance. Try styling them with a striped tee and crop jeans for a flirty springtime look. Or, wear them with a polka dot dress for a vintage-inspired aesthetic this summer.
3. Ballet Flats
quince
Italian Leather Pointed Bow Flat
Ballet flats are another style beloved by French women for their classic, feminine look. French girls love to pair masculine and feminine pieces to create a balanced outfit, and ballet shoes are an easy way to incorporate a soft touch to nearly any look. For example, style them with a plaid camel blazer, white t-shirt, and jeans. These are all pieces that fit nicely into a French capsule wardrobe! Accessorize with chunky gold hoop earrings to complete the look.
The reason that ballet flats are so popular in Parisian style is that they’re as chic as they are comfortable. Plus, they pair well with nearly any look, and can take you from work to the weekend with ease.
plaid blazer | jeans | t-shirt | ballet flats | bag | earrings
4. Mary Jane Heels
sezane
Paula Babies
Mary Jane heels are another great staple piece from the French wardrobe. These shoes offer a subtle amount of height with a block heel, while also providing plenty of support with the double strap over the top of the foot, in addition to the ankle strap. These additional straps are key for Parisian women navigating centuries-old cobblestone streets and stairs.
Use a pair of Mary Jane high heels as a statement shoe to add interest to your capsule looks. Try pairing a bold cherry red pair with a striped blue button-up shirt, jeans, and a classic trench coat like the French girl above. Or, style them with a white maxi dress for an elegant summer outfit.
5. White Sneakers
nordstrom
Veja Esplar Sneakers
White sneakers are the perfect example of wardrobe essentials for a capsule shoe collection. This versatile shoe is chic and stylish no matter where you are, and is very necessary if you plan on traveling anytime soon. The key is to find a pair with minimal branding and a sleek, clean look. Vejas were the most popular pair that Carolyn and I spotted in Parisian street style on our last visit!
On that visit to Paris, white sneakers were my savior. Parisians walk a lot, and sneakers were essential for getting around the city and not gaining a ton of new blisters in the process. Plus, they fit right in with the casual chic Parisian aesthetic.
jeans | t-shirt | trench coat | sunglasses | sneakers | bag | watch
6. Mary Jane Flats
gap
Mary Jane Flats
Just like their close sister, Mary Jane heels, Mary Jane flats are a popular choice in French footwear. They’re great for adding a vintage-inspired, classic touch to a casual outfit. Plus, they’re even better for walking without the block heel.
If you want to style them like the French women above, pair them with jeans, a sweater, and a leather jacket. This is practically a French girl’s uniform! You could choose from a variety of sweater types to fit your personal style – turtlenecks, pullovers, and cardigans would all look great incorporated into this look.
7. Ankle Boots
quince
Italian Leather Stretch Sock Bootie
In the wintertime, French girls tend to favor shoes with more coverage, like an ankle boot. Although it doesn’t snow often in Paris, these boots help to keep their feet from getting wet or cold! Plus, ankle boots pair well with everything from jeans to maxi skirts to slacks for work. They can be dressed up for a nice date night out or paired with classic workwear pieces for a day at the office.
Choose an ankle boot with a square or pointed toe for a modern take on this style. And as for height, go for a low kitten heel or block heel to maximize your comfort. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice your good posture or foot health just for a slightly taller heel.
If you challenge yourself to style slimming looks, try a tonal look in all black for a chic, elegant Parisian-inspired outfit. Pair your ankle boots with black jeans, a black shirt, and a black wool coat. Accessorize with pearl earrings and a slouchy leather tote in black to complete the outfit.
ankle boots | coat | shirt | jeans | tote bag | earrings
Shoe Shopping the French Way
Although shoe shopping can be overwhelming (after all, there are so many amazing pairs to choose from), try starting with this list of 7 styles if you’re looking to complement a French-style capsule wardrobe. After all, these pairs pop up again and again in French street style for a reason! French women provide the perfect inspiration for style that’s all about quality over quantity, and that applies to their shoes, too.
Ready for more French girl style advice? Up Next: How to Put Your Own Spin on Classic French Fashion
Is there an alternative to the Espadrilles shoes as I cannot wear heels anymore.
Lace up espadrilles come in flat styles too. Just do a google search. Options are endless.