We routinely turn to French women for outfit ideas given their effortless approach to style. The ensembles from Parisians that we save on Instagram are consistently equal parts easy and chic. And yes, they always include a forward shoe choice. On that note, there are a few specific summer shoe styles women in Paris are turning to over others, and they fall within the “elegant” category. Essentially, the silhouettes in question are pretty, sleek, and modern.
In addition, the said shoe trends seem to be paired the most with jeans and skirts—two staples that often complete some of the coolest outfits. Below you'll uncover the three elegant summer shoe styles French women are prioritizing the most. It’s also to note that the specific skirt and jean silhouettes Parisians wear run the gamut—everything from relaxed denim to long silk skirts. Oh, you’ll also uncover a range of shopping recommendations if you're looking to add a new pair of shoes, a skirt, or jeans to your wardrobe.
1. Slingbacks
Style Notes: As one of our fashion editors recently stated, slingbacks are a key shoe style to elevate an outfit. This outfit with the slingbacks and of-the-moment column skirt is about as chic as it gets.
Style Notes: Slingbacks with a lower heel or in the form of flats are also quite relevant with both jeans and skirts.
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Mesh shoes will be everywhere this summer. Watch this space.
The cropped length makes these perfect for the warmer months.
An editor favourite.
Style this formally for the office or tuck in a tee at the weekend.
An iconic shoe by an iconic brand.
I'm into this look, and adding slingbacks will only make it better.
These have such a classic feel.
Pleated mini skirts come Parisian-approved.
2. Court Shoes
Style Notes: As one of spring and summer 2024's most elegant shoe trends, court shoes (often in an almond-toe silhouette) are quickly becoming a key style for French women. This pair looks quite sleek with the cool leopard skirt.
Style Notes: While sneakers could totally work with this ensemble, the elegant pair of heels is so chic with the jeans and leather jacket combo.
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A low enough heel for daily wear.
Tapered jeans are a key denim trend this spring/summer.
I love the simplicity of this pair.
We're firm believers that a silk midi skirt is a wardrobe staple.
This pair has only five-star reviews.
Arket denim deserves more attention, IMO.
Such a unique shoe—I expect they'll sell out pronto.
This skirt is beautiful and expensive-looking.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Ballet flats continue to hold strong as a go-to footwear choice for Parisians as an easy-to-style silhouette.
Style Notes: This pair of ballet flats in red is beyond elegant with the light-wash jeans.
Shop the Look:
One of Arket's bestselling styles.
COS always does denim trends so well.
Leather shoes for less than £50? It's a yes from me.
Ideal for summer holidays.
This colour will work for all seasons.
Perfectly slouchy.
I bet you didn't know you needed raffia ballerinas until now.
Everyone will be wearing white cotton skirts this summer.
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My Colleague Just Got Back From Paris—She Saw This Chic Trouser-and-Shoe Combo on Every StreetNo-brainer elegance.
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Spotted in Paris: The Prettiest Dress-and-Shoe Combination You'll See This SummerIt's such an elegant pairing.
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Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Colour Looks Better With White DressesSpotted at Versailles.
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Don’t Pack Away Your Jeans Just Yet—8 Chic Celeb Outfits That Prove Denim is Still a Summer StapleEasy but elegant outfit formulas.
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Forget Trying Hard—J.Law Just Wore the Throw-On Matching Set and Flats I Also Want to Wear RNNo need to overcomplicate things.
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8 Classic Outfits to Try This Summer If You're a French Girl at Heart (Like Me)Chic.
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Dakota Johnson Just Wore the Timeless Top That Makes Baggy Jeans Look Surprisingly ElegantI didn't think a top could make such a difference.
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Aged 35 or 56—Jennifer Aniston's Timeless Jeans-and-Sandals Pairing Always WorksAn enduring combo.
