Lauded as being effortlessly stylish, the French woman’s fashion game is a code many attempt to crack, but few master. One enigmatic facet of their dressing prowess lies in their choice of footwear—specifically the flat shoes they wear. Flat shoes might have dominated this year but, to people in Paris, they’ve long been a staple in their wardrobes; one which they largely favour over heels. Okay I’m generalising but if you’ve been to Paris lately then I think you’ll agree; no one wears flat shoes chicly as French women. A blend of comfort and sophistication, flat shoes effortlessly capture the essence of Parisian allure.
More often than not, you’ll find French women wearing flats shoes with jeans outfits. This strikingly simple combination might sound like a no-brainer, but their jeans-and-flat-shoe combinations are anything but basic or boring. From classic ballet flats to minimalist loafers, the choice of footwear becomes a canvas for expressing personal style, while the jeans add a casual je ne sais quoi to the rest of the look. Then, it’s up to you—layer in everything from blue Oxford shirts to natty knitwear to sleek blazers… There’s very little you can’t style with this formidable pairing.
For extra inspiration, I’ve assembles some of my favourite French-girl jeans-and-flat-shoes outfits for you. Something tells me these looks will come in handy for the season ahead.
Style Notes: Nodaleto put Mary Janes back on the fashion map a few seasons ago with its chunky heeled styles, but French women have long worn theirs by way of a flat shoe. Right now, I’m seeing more and more Parisienne’s opting for Mary Janes from brands Le Monde Beryl and Vibi Venezia.
Such a great price.
Agolde jeans get our editors’s seal of approval.
The contrast edging looks so premium.
Style Notes: When it comes to flat shoes, none look quite as elegant as simple mules. Worn with a jersey top—in this instance, a long-sleeve ballerina-type top—this is a look you can rely on for errand running, coffee dates and meandering shopping trips.
I own this and think it makes for a polished alternative to boxy tees.
The high waistline on these jeans will give you a great hourglass silhouette.
These come in a handful of chic colours.
Style Notes: Of all the French-style clichés there are, there is one that rings true—people in Paris love to wear ballet flats and do so regularly. Although they loan themselves to dresses and skirts, I’d argue they look their coolest worn with baggy denim.
The perfect pre-slouched fit.
M&S jeans keep getting better.
A modern take on toe-cap ballet flats.
Style Notes: London fashion people live in loafers, and their French counterparts are just as obsessed. Where ballet flats or Mary Janes can feel somewhat twee, a sleek pair of loafers will give your ensembles an androgynous feel.
So cosy!
Cropped lengths will better showcase your flat-shoe moment.
These went straight to the top of my autumn wish list.
Style Notes: This season marks the return of the pointed flat, with many of these shoes coming with slingbacks as standard. Although they present the same clean finish as mules, the addition of a strap around the ankle makes the more secure and, hence, more practical for longer periods of wear. When temperatures drop, try styling yours with a pair of chunky socks; it’ll help you achieve that effortless French aesthetic that’s hard to replicate.
I keep seeing these Raey jeans on social media.
An easy add-to-basket.
Rest assured, these shoes will never date.
Style Notes: There’s still life in your sandals, so make the most of the last remaining chances you have to wear them by pairing them with jeans and a blazer. Hello, transseasonal-outfit perfection.
Asymmetric-fastening blazers will be a key trend this season.
These classic jeans come in an extended size range.
A sandal I’d be looking forward to next summer just to wear.
