Forget the Trends—These Are the 7 Classic Shoes French Women Rely On in Autumn
With autumn finally here, excitement is mounting for cold-weather dressing. Sunny days might soon be behind us, but the cloud of knitwear on the horizon certainly softens the blow (literally and figuratively).
Shoes sit right up there with woolly jumpers and oversized outerwear on the list of exciting early autumn purchases. From ankle boots to lug-sole loafers, there are plenty of cool and classic footwear options for the transitional months—ensuring you don’t have to go straight from sandals to ski boots. Step into October in dainty ballet flats or a subtle Western silhouette; whether you’ve started reaching for your blazers or are having a hard time letting go of pretty floral dresses, there’s a shoe out there to carry you through the awkward seasonal shift.
Wondering where to start? As always, we suggest consulting the Parisian masters. We’ll never stop waxing lyrical about the timeless allure of French fashion and the mastery of its pioneering designers, who repeatedly seem to hit the sweet spot between elegance and effortlessness. From high-end names like Chloé and Dior to fast-rising brands such as Sézane and Jonak, there’s a common thread among them that’s difficult to define but easy to envy.
Beyond the quintessential labels, it feels like all femmes Françaises have a knack for filtering through the stream of newness that arrives each season and pinpointing the items worth investing in. If you want to dress like those Gallic gurus you follow Instagram, this is the roundup for you. Scroll on to discover the French-girl autumn shoes you need, and when you’re done, start styling your ensembles with help from our favourite Parisian-inspired outfits.
1. Mary Janes
Style Notes: One of the most noteworthy shoes of the season is the Mary Jane, but French women have long considered them an integral part of their shoe repetoire; one that transcends the seasons. Ensure yours withstand the cold weather with the addition of a cute sock.
Opt for flats if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
2. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: It doesn't get any classier than this look from Paris-based Sylvie Mus. Longline jacket? Check. Black knee-highs? Check. Effortless attitude from top to toe? Check.
The riding boot is making a comeback this season, but it's a true classic that'll always be in style.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If I could capture French style using just one outfit, this would be it. The blazer, blue jeans and ballet flats combination has been expertly executed by Paris resident Salomé Mory.
4. Retro Trainers
Style Notes: Understated and ultra comfy, Julie's beach getup is exactly the kind of low-key ensemble I lean towards. Those New Balance trainers would work with relaxed tailoring for smarter occasions.
Simple, sustainable and set to be your new go-to.
5. Western Boots
Style Notes: The Wild West comes to France with Leia's elevated on-the-go look. Who says navy and black can't go together?
Isabel Marant's cowboy boots will always reign supreme.
6. Sleek Loafers
Style Notes: If Annie Hall walked the streets today, I bet her style would look something like this. Switch in black loafers to make this outfit from Franny Fyne even more streamlined.
7. Two-Tone Pumps
Style Notes: Tamara Mory is my go-to for feminine fashion inspo with a Gallic spin, and this outfit is no exception. The subtly matching accessories and complimentary colour palette prove it's all in the details.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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