Dispatch From Paris: Everyone's Forgoing Sandals to Wear These Far Chicer Shoes With Shorts

Shorts with sandals? Think again. French women have mastered how to look polished and elevated 100% of the time—yes, even in the dead of summer when the heat and humidity becomes a near-impossible feat. The key? I've noticed that the chicest people in Paris all seem to follow the same styling rule for giving their shorts that extra polish, and it comes down to their choice in shoes.

Sandals are fine, but if you take a stroll around Le Marais on any given afternoon and cast your eyes downward, you'll be met with a sea of ballet flats instead. It shouldn't be all that surprising considering flats are the staple in every Parisian's closet, but the combination somehow feels unexpected in the best way. So if you're looking to emulate the French this season and elevate all your shorts outfits, look no further than all the ways to style this chic combo.

Mesh flats take any pair of tried-and-true denim shorts and make it feel very "now."

Classic ballet flats ensure these tailored shorts feels polished for day or night.

An Oxford shirt with shorts and cap-toe ballet flats? I don't think it can get any more quintessentially French than this.

I'm so into the combination of delicate knit or ruffle-hem shorts with a sportier nylon jacket.

While flip-flops would be my first instinct to throw on with a tank top and knit shorts, the ballet flats make the casual look feel much more intentional.

Even glorified pajama shorts turn chic when they're paired with ultra-polished patent flats. Now that's how to do high-low dressing right.

Just reach for this combination when you're all out of summer outfit ideas: pretty white top + denim cutoffs + classic black flats.

With her insouciantly cool style, I'd say Alexa Chung is an honorary Parisian, no? At least, this denim-Bermuda-shorts moment says so.

Calling all corporate girls! Take note of how these pleated shorts look so polished and chic with the two-tone ballet flats.

Last, but certainly not least—if you just bought a pair of lace-trim shorts (like me and everyone else), here's how to style them the low-key cool way.