The allure of French style can be maddeningly mysterious (just ask a guy what "je ne sais quoi" means to see our point), so we were thoroughly delighted to come upon a concrete tip that anyone can try. Cupcakes and Cashmere’s Emily Schuman recently posted about a French rule of thumb from one of her Parisian readers that’s too good not to share. Essentially, if you’re wearing a longer dress or skirt, opt for heels, and if you’re sporting a miniskirt of mini-dress, wear flats. This little trick will ensure your outfit proportions are always on point, and that you’re showing just enough skin. We pulled some street style outfits to illustrate the rule, and have to say that it works every time.
Scroll down to see if you agree whether flats really look better with a shorter hemline, and heels with a longer one. Then shop our skirt and shoe pairings, and pin the slide below for future reference!
Shop our perfect pairings:
Skirt: Topshop A-line Overlay Lace Skirt ($85)
Shoes: Alexander Wang Max Slip On Oxfords ($238) in Maroon
Dress: Needle
Thread Embellished Georgette Mini Dress ($360)
Flats: 3.1 Phillip Lim Devon Flats ($159) in White
Skirt: Alexa Chung x AG Kety Skirt ($178)
Flats: Gianvito Rossi Leopard-Print Calf Hair Point-Toe Flats ($895)
Shop our perfect pairings:
Skirt: A.L.C. Side Slit Fitted Midi Skirt ($416)
Heels: Isabel Marant Pippa Printed Calf Hair and Suede Pumps ($430) in Brown
Dress: Zara Fancy Knit Sleeveless Dress ($60)
Heels: Loeffler Randall Reeve Heels ($280) in True Black
Skirt: Antonio Berardi Jacquard Midi Skirt ($279)
Heels: Dolce Vita Kaiza Heels ($160) in Caramel
Next up, check out How to Dress Like a French Girl at the Airport.
-
26 Shopbop Sweaters, Coats, and Boots I Know Will Be Gone by Black FridayThe best ones are always the first to go.
-
The Risqué Trend Celebs Are Wearing With Tights in NYC and London Right NowNo bare legs here.
-
I Just Found the Chicest Sweaters, Coats, and Boots FromReplica Store's Black Friday Sale—EnjoyThese finds will sell out by December 1.
-
I'm a Mom With 2 Young Kids—These 31 EasyReplica Store Black Friday Sale Picks Make Me Feel StylishThese are guaranteed to sell out.
-
Wear This Shoe Trend If You Want to Wear Flats But Still Look Dressed UpThat was easy.
-
Wearing Cropped Jeans With This Type of Shoe Keeps Them From Looking DatedYou probably already own them.
-
I Asked My Fashion Friends What Tights They Wear in the Winter—They Sent Me TheseIt's tights season, baby.
-
The Rumors Are True: Peep-Toe Pumps Are Making a Chic Comeback in 2025Ready or not, here they come.
