French women have long been revered for their effortlessly chic style, and when it comes to footwear, their choices are no exception. Flat shoes have become a staple in the wardrobes of many French women, even more so than high heels, embodying a sense of timeless elegance and practicality.
French women often opt for flats that offer comfort, allowing them to navigate the charming streets of Paris (and beyond) with ease. This emphasis on comfort doesn't come at the expense of style, as they favour flats that seamlessly transition from day until night. Another pattern I’ve noticed is the sheer versatility of the flat-shoe trends French women prioritise—they effortlessly complement various outfits, making them malleable to a multitude of aesthetics.
Scroll on to see the flat-shoe trends French women love to wear and are practically living in as we head into the new season.
1. LOAFERS
Style Notes: Loafers are selected by dressers from around the world but, especially the French, for their polished yet comfortable design. Their sheer wearability makes them the first thing they grab for casual strolls, brunch dates and low-key dinners out.
Shop the Shoe:
2. FLAT MULES
Style Notes: Flat backless mules offer a breezy, chic allure that complements the equally effortless French-girl wardrobe. Their slip-on ease and understated charm make them the perfect shoe style for updating more casual ensembles; jeans, leggings, dresses, you name it!
Shop the Shoe:
3. MARY JANE FLATS
Shop the Shoe:
Style Notes: Mary Janes might be trending right now, but French women have long since worn them. The strap can be dainty or chunky—take your pick!—but the overall silhouette offers something different to that of our next select...
4. BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Classic ballet flats are a quintessential favourite among French fashion types. They present a certain Parisian charm and pair seamlessly with everything from tailored trousers to flirty dresses and, yes, miniskirts.
Shop the Shoe:
Next Up: I'm an Editor—9 New-In Buys I Just Added to My Autumn Wish List
-
Trendy Flats This, Trendy Flats That—These New Ballet Loafers Will Sell Out FirstGigi Hadid approves.
-
2025's Favorite Flats? Say Boat Shoes, Loafers, or Slippers and You'll Be WrongKeep guessing.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Deemed This Flat-Shoe Trend Elegant Enough to Wear to a Fancy NYC Fashion PartyTrust her—she knows what she's doing.
-
So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the ItchEverything is under $150.
-
The Elegant "New Neutral" Chic French Women Are Wearing This SpringFresh and fashion-forward.
-
Can't Choose Between Sneakers and Ballet Flats? Now, You Don't Have ToThanks to brands like Puma and Nike.
-
Spotted in Paris and Copenhagen: The Next Viral Sneaker Trend to Take OverComing to a street (or social feed) near you.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her AttentionThe dresses alone are gems.
