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.
-
5 Elegant, Throw-On Pieces You'll Find in a French Woman's Winter Capsule WardrobeThe chicest staples.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris—There Are the Outfit Formulas With Jeans, Coats and Boots I Saw Every Chic Woman WearingTrès chic.
-
French Women Rarely Wear Leggings, Unless They’re Paired With This Specific Boot StyleChic every time.
-
News Just In: These Are the Winter 2025 Fashion Trends I've Already Spotted French Women WearingThey nail it every time.
-
I'm a Fashion Writer Living in Paris—6 Accessories I've Noticed French Women Wear to Elevate Their Winter LooksFrom bags to belts.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris—This Is the Jacket, Jeans and Shoe Formula I Saw on Every CornerI'm feeling inspired.
-
I’ve Tested Dozens of Designer Bags, But This Elegant Tote Always Wins Me the Most ComplimentsA French-girl favourite.
-
Not Black, Not White—This Is the Chic Neutral Colour Combo People in Paris Are Styling50 shades of chic.
