When it comes to classic, effortless, understated style, no one does it quite like the French—which is why I always turn to stylish French women for outfit inspiration. I’ve already covered some of the chicest outfits and items French women are wearing this spring, and today I’m honing in on their shoes. While French women aren’t afraid to try new trends, there’s no denying their affinity for trend-proof footwear. Classic shoes that don’t date year-on-year, and can be worn with a multitude of outfits.
Keen to find out what classic shoe trends French women are wearing this spring I scrolled through the profiles of the fashionable French set and below, I’m sharing seven specific styles that I see cropping up time and time again. From Mary-Janes to woven textures, take a look below to see the versatile spring shoes, stylish French women love to wear.
Mary-Janes
While Mary-Janes have become a major trend, the classic silhouette has always been a classic in a French woman’s wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black, red, and brown, as well as creamy off-white hues.
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DOLCEVITA
Reyes Ballet Flats Black Leather
Sam Edelman
Michaela Mary Jane Flat
Tony Bianco
Bobbi Espresso Suede
Suede Loafers
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
Classic loafers are a year-round staple in every French woman’s wardrobe and this spring, we’re particularly seeing softer suede iterations dominate on the French fashion set. Go for ecru, tan, and brown hues.
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Massimo Dutti
Gathered Split Suede Loafers
Church’s
Suede Slip-On Loafers
Jeffrey Campbell
Boast Boat Shoe
Pointed-Toe Slingbacks & Mules
To achieve an elegant and polished outfit, the French fashion set always rely on sleek pointed-toe heeled slingbacks and kitten heel mules, that they pair with jeans and midi skirts alike.
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Tony Bianco
Crush Black Vintage
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale Suede Buckle Mules
Marc Fisher LTD
Posey Kitten Heel Slingback Pump
Ballet Flats
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
Classic and timeless, ballet flats will never go out of style. A neutral hue will go with everything, or opt for a statement red or leopard print which feels very Parisian.
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Madewell
The April Ballet Flat
Reformation
Prudence Ballet Flat
AEYDE
Kirsten Leather Ballet Flats
ZARA
Leather Animal Print Ballet Flats
Woven Textures
No one embraces woven leather detailing quite like French women once the temps start to rise. You’ll see stylish Parisians gravitate towards braided textures—on flats and heels alike.
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Sezane
Natacha Low Sandals
sezane
Anya Low Ballerinas
Cherry Red
Red shoes are a classic item you’ll find French women wearing year round. They’re the perfect pop to amp up jeans and elevated basics. Whether you go for ballet flats or sandals, they’ll give your look a French-girl touch.
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Sezane
Angelique Mary Janes
Reformation
Tina Ballet Flat
Elegant Pointed-Toe Flats
I’ve been spotting elegant pointed-toe flats all over the streets of Paris—paired with cropped trousers and jeans alike. They feel timeless yet fresh for the new season.
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Vince
Isabel Leather Point-Toe Ballerina Flats
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hermine
STEVEMADDEN
Ottie Camel Patent
Espadrilles
Once the temps start to rise, espadrilles come back on the French fashion scene without fail. They’re casual, comfortable, and incredibly versatile—ideal for both day and night. They go with everything—chic capri pants, midi skirts, jeans—you name it.
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Castaner
Dosalia Canvas Wedge Espadrilles
Sezane
Diane Espadrilles – Ecru Canvas – Cotton Fabric – Sézane
Black Minimalist Strappy Sandals
For an evening look, minimalist black strappy heeled sandals are the shoe of choice for the French fashion set. Style them with straight-leg jeans, a black camisole, and a relaxed blazer for the perfect dinner look.
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Ava 65MM Leather Kitten Sandals
Sam Edelman
Cressa Sandal
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