It's no secret that I often turn to the French style muses on my Instagram feed when I need some outfit inspiration. I can't help but fall for the allure of their elevated and effortless aesthetic. During a recent perusal, I noticed a trend among the Parisian women I follow. Many, if not all of them, were wearing socks with two classic shoe styles: ballet flats and loafers. Pairing socks with unexpected shoe options is nothing new, but when French women give a trend their own twist, I am all eyes and ears.
Ahead, you'll catch a roundup of eight inspiring outfits straight from the streets of Paris where your attention will be immediately drawn to the sock-and-shoe combo. We're not just talking about the usual basic white crew socks, either—you'll also spot some colorful options and some frilly details. The ballet flats are pretty classic all around, whereas the loafers tend to lean trendier with chunkier silhouettes. Keep scrolling to check out each incredibly chic French-inspired outfit idea and to shop each look.
Shop the look:
Sweater-vests are back in the spotlight.
So many styling possibilities.
The cutest socks.
These look designer.
Shop the look:
This top's a year-rounder.
Perfect jeans.
Cashmere socks? Sign me up.
Chic penny loafers.
Shop the look:
I'm obsessed with cuffed jeans.
Burgundy pieces are trending.
Major ballerina vibes.
Shop the look:
Great buttoned and belted or worn open.
Light-wash jeans that don't feel dated.
Best to buy these in packs.
To wear forever.
A very Parisian accessory.
Shop the look:
I live in baseball caps all year round.
This is a standout.
Hello, statement earrings.
Fashion-forward pants for the win.
Neutral socks go with everything.
Truly elegant flats.
Shop the look:
You can never have enough button-downs.
Guaranteed to be a closet staple.
The fashion set loves Hue socks.
Sam Edelman comes through again.
Shop the look:
A polished pick.
Free People denim is always so good.
More neutral sock options.
I love a good pair of snakeskin-print shoes.
Shop the look:
This jacket looks way more expensive than the price tag.
Into all the details.
Giving French vibes.
Another cool pair of cuffed denim.
Gray is also having a moment.
Classic ballet flats.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
I'm on the Hunt for Elegant Summer Bags—These 36 Have My AttentionStarting at just $25.
-
Striped Shirts Are Always In, But Not *This* In—These 28 Will Make Every Outfit CoolFact.
-
Quiet Luxury to the Left: Every Chic Person Is Wearing This Summer Aesthetic InsteadNantucket house not required.
-
I Shop for a Living—44Replica Store, Zara, and J.Crew Items That Are Actually Worth Your MoneyChic finds right this way.
-
6 Fashion Editors, 36 Summer Buys—Inside Our Summer 2025 Mood BoardsEverything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
-
9 Shockingly Elegant Denim-Shorts Outfits the Fashion Crowd Is WearingFrom short and frayed to long and baggy.
-
Katie Holmes's Tip for Looking Rich? Lose the Flip-Flops and Wear These Classic Flats (in *This* Color) InsteadA shoe trend to take from summer to fall.
-
Bring On the Transitional Weather—29 Perfectly Chic Pieces FromReplica Store to Wear Straight Through FallEffortless dressing right this way.
