Shoes are an essential part of anyone’s wardrobe, and French girls really love their footwear! French girl shoes are comfortable yet stylish. You will rarely catch a casual chic French girl wearing ultra-high Christian Louboutin heels on the street unless she’s on her way to a very fancy dinner, or special event, so I’ve left those kinds of shoes out. These ten types of shoes are a great foundation to building a French capsule wardrobe. They’re chic and practical, meaning you’ll actually wear them!
FALL/WINTER SHOES
Here are the key French girl fall and winter shoe essentials.
1. Ballet Flats
The ballet flat is to France what the Converse sneaker is to the United States. This classic and practical shoe is found in countless colors and fabrics in French girl closets. It’s a shoe that I’ve personally relied on for everyday use since high school. Repetto and Chanel are the brands of choice for many Parisians, but the ballet flat is such a classic style that you can find it nearly anywhere.
2. Suede Ankle Boots
Suede is a popular fabric for French girls in the fall – Suede skirts, pants, and even jackets can be found everywhere. It’s no surprise that suede boots are a reigning trend, then. Suede boots with a chunky heel and round toe are a favorite of Jeanne Damas, who popularized the Isabel Marant Garett boot a couple of seasons ago. With a softly round toe and a boot height that comes just above the ankle, these comfortable shoes instantly charm any French girl outfit.
Jeanne Damas released the Rouje Brigitte boot, which is a very similar alternative to the Isabel Marant version she wore so often. Those stateside can try this Sam Edelman pair or this Barneys Warehouse pair.
3. Low Block-Heels
Similar to ballet flats, the low-heel shoe is great for everyday use. It gives you a bit of height while still being a walkable shoe. I see these on Jeanne Damas all the time on her Instagram! They’re typically suede, feature a round or slightly square toe, and a thick block heel, which makes them so great for walking!
4. Low-Heel Boots
A fall staple, low heel leather boots are found on the feet of so many French girls. Whether a faux croc texture, suede, or smooth leather surface, these heels are walkable and chic at the same time. You can’t go wrong with the By Far Este Boots, as seen on Leia above. Here are some more ideas, including a beautiful lace-up suede boot
5. Knee-High Boots
The knee-high boot is ever popular with French girls. It can be worn over a pair of jeans, or paired with a midi or mini skirt. I love the sixties vibe of knee-high boots. Here are a few ideas:
SPRING/SUMMER SHOES
These are the shoe styles French girls rely on during the spring and summer seasons.
6. Low Heel Sandals
The low-heel sandal is something I saw on French girls all throughout summer. The style is typically very minimal in style, almost barely there at all. There are a couple versions I see trending mostly from the brands By Far and Michel Vivien. The Tanya patent leather sandal seems to be especially popular with French girls! It features two simple straps and a square toe base.
7. K.Jacques Saint Tropez Sandals
These strappy brown leather sandals are a summertime favorite of the French. K.Jacques is the brand of choice, which dates back to 1933! Founded in Saint-Tropez by Armenian immigrant Jacques Kéklikian at the age of 24, the brand became world-famous after celebrities such as Princess Grace of Monaco and Brigitte Bardot began wearing them during the mid-century in the south of France. The shoes are still sold in Saint-Tropez today as well as a boutique in Paris.
The most popular model I see on French girls is the Epicure leather sandal in natural brown, but the Fusain and Loki models are similar.
You can buy K.jacques online at Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Revolve, 6pm, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys.
8. Espadrilles
I bought two pairs of espadrilles this past summer because they are literally on the feet of nearly every French it-girl every year! The one brand they all love and trust are Castañer, specifically the Carina shoe. I can see why espadrilles are so loved. The 2-inch heels give you a little extra leg length, while the flat, wedge sole makes walking across uneven cobblestones in Provence a breeze! The shoes are super walkable in general which is why I love them! Castañer is sold by many US retailers, but if you can’t find a pair, then try Soludos which are slightly less expensive, too!
Be sure to read my full guide to the Castañer Carina espadrilles sizing, colors, and comfort.
DRESSY SHOES
Here are the special event shoes that French girls have on hand for the holidays, special dinners, and various parties.
9. Strappy Gold Heels
To dress up a casual outfit, or to attend a cocktail, then look no further than the strappy gold heels found on the feet of so many Parisians. I love the Jonak Doliate.
10. Ankle Strap Pumps
I first noticed this trend on Anne-Laure of Adenorah, and instantly fell in love with how beautiful a simple ankle strap makes your legs look! Once I started paying attention, I quickly noticed this trend on women all over Paris. I then purchased this pair of Jonak black leather ankle-strap pumps and never looked back.
There is something about the ankle strap highlighting the thinness of the ankle that just makes your legs look divine. From what I see in Paris, the color or fabric may vary (try burgundy or suede), but the round-toe and thin strap are consistent. I have yet to see this trend as popular as it is in France, so you may have to look a bit harder to find this style shoe stateside!
I hope you found this little guide to French girl shoes useful! Feel free to let me know of any French shoe trends you love in the comments.
