Years ago, I spent a summer living in Paris. During my time in the city, I found an apartment in the Marais and made a point of trying to live like a local. I make regular stops at the boulangerie on the corner and walked everywhere to really learn the city for myself. During those walks down sweeping boulevards of St. Germain and through the paths along the Tuileries, I encountered stylish Parisian women and made mental notes about the outfits they were wearing.
Since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, outfits always strike a balance of stylish and cool with comfortable and stylish. So, I quickly learned that the towering heels I’d packed in my suitcase were not very “French.” I’ve since given up wearing any shoes that are uncomfortable. Instead, I’ve taken inspiration from the stylish Parisian women I came across and added their go-to shoe styles into my own closet. Ahead, see the Parisian shoe trends I still wear today.
ANKLE BOOTS
Perhaps one of the most Parisian shoes in my closet: ankle boots. No matter what time of the year, these are an essential to pair with everything from jeans to dresses.
LEATHER SANDALS
For warm weather and vacations, leather sandals are key. You'll be sure to spot the classic Hermès Oran sandals on plenty of French girls—or you can opt for the Zara version I picked up last year.
Related: 16 Classic Pieces French Girls Would Never Toss
SLINGBACK HEELS
If you want to slip on some heels, there are a few styles French women wear on repeat. First up: slingbacks that are both practical and stylish.
KITTEN HEELS
Another key heel style? Kitten heels. What makes these popular is perhaps unsurprising: They're more comfortable than sky-high silhouettes.
STRAPPY HEELS
The other heel staple French girls wear? Strappy styles that have a delicate, barely there look.
Up Next: French Fashion: 10 Secrets to Dressing Like the World's Chicest Women
This story was originally published onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing U.S. and has since been updated.
-
People in Paris, London and New York City Are Wearing Skirts in This Elegant Trending Colour Right NowGrey has never looked so good.
-
I’ve Done the Research—These Are the 5 Colours French Women Will Stand By in 2025C'est vrai.
-
I'm a Brit Living in Paris—10 Timeless Items I Know Stylish Women in France Will Rely On in 2025Your ultimate guide.
-
7 Chic and Classic Trends I've Spotted French Women Wearing on the Streets of ParisThey know best.
-
3 French Vs. 3 Scandi Knitwear Trends Set to Be Everywhere This WinterChoose your team.
-
Forget Bombers—Stylish Women in LA and Paris Much Prefer This Elegant Jacket TrendJennifer Lawrence included.
-
I'm a French Designer Living in London—These 6 Chic Buys Are the Key to Mastering Parisian StyleAn expert's advice.
-
French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This WinterNow you know.
