If you want to discover what French Girl shoes to wear this Spring, I have you covered. As a confessed Francophile, I always look for ways to add some Parisian charm to my everyday style. With Spring around the corner, I was prompted to look for French girl shoes to wear this Spring. I am ready for warmer days wearing ballet flats, espadrilles, and, my all-time favorite, a gold strappy sandal, which French women have perfected. Whether you are looking for classic ballet flats, kitten heels, or just comfortable shoes with a casual look, these French girl shoe styles are sure to please.
9 French Girl Shoes
I am sharing a selection of nine quintessential French girl shoes, curated to inspire your spring wardrobe and perhaps introduce a few refined additions for the season. These selections epitomize chic and timeless style, offering a versatility that allows them to transition effortlessly from casual daytime engagements to more polished evening affairs.
The Ballet Flat
From the iconic styles of Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Coco Chanel to the contemporary elegance of Kate Middleton, the ballet flat is a testament to classic and enduring French style, embodying a refined elegance in its understated simplicity. Stye them with a pair of jeans and a white tee for an effortlessly casual outfit, tailored trousers and a classic trench coat, or a midi skirt and a lady cardigan to cultivate a timeless yet comfortable aesthetic. The ballet flat’s versatility is further enhanced by its myriad styles – black cap-toe, solid hues, diverse fabrics, and, more recently, woven designs.
For these reasons, ballet flats have become my favorite everyday shoes, which I tend to invest in, as I know they will become a cherished and frequently worn part of my wardrobe. Not only do they offer exceptional comfort for walking the city streets, but they also elevate any ensemble with a touch of that elusive je ne sais quoi for which French women are so rightly admired.
Given the diverse options, there is indeed a ballet flat to suit every preference. For those particularly drawn to the allure of Chanel ballet flats yet daunted by the retail price, I would recommend exploring the option of consignment. I have found that purchasing designer footwear through consignment has yielded significant savings over the years. Notably, these Chanel ballet flats are currently available through consignment, with many priced at a substantial reduction from their original retail value.
Ballet Flats | French Girl Shoes
The Mary Janes
We could never discuss French girl chic and not talk about the enduring presence of Mary Janes, another classic shoe that embodies French culture. I am certain that French girls own at least one pair of these shoes. While the traditional style exudes a more casual and youthful charm and assuredly holds a place within a classic French wardrobe, I find them to be a tad too youthful for my liking. However, on a recent shopping trip, I discovered this modern take on the classic French style Mary Jane and instantly fell in love.
You can see that the tip of the shoe is pointed, giving it a more modern and mature look versus the rounded toe we typically see. And instead of the straight strap across, two straps are on an angle. I know this is a loose version of a Mary Jane style, but I have fallen in love with this shoe. The color also works year round and even makes for a great holiday shoe. As of this posting, the Pamla flat is currently on sale.
Mary Janes | French Girl Shoes
Espadrilles
Next up, we are talking espadrilles. Fun fact: espadrilles originated in Spain, France, and the Pyrenees mountains. The name comes from the Catalan word espardenya, which refers to the esparto grass used to make the soles. When I envision espadrilles, I am transported to the sun-drenched shores along the South of France, picturing a stroll in a white eyelet dress, a market tote in hand, and neutral espadrilles to complete the French. Not only are espadrilles comfortable, but they are flattering on just about everyone, with wedge heel options, platforms, and flats to choose from. Espadrilles are also a great way to incorporate a pop of color into your wardrobe, as there are multiple styles with bright, bold hues and patterns.
Espadrilles | French Girl Shoes
My Favorite French Girl Shoes | The Gold Sandal
Gold sandals hold an iconic status within French fashion, lending an immediate elevation to any outfit you choose. I own six pairs of gold sandals, which I will provide links to below. My most frequently worn pair is the Cressa strappy kitten heel, which resembles the more costly but similar style of the Prada Mordoré, retailing for $1200, while mine are priced at a more accessible $120. I find myself wearing these sandals on repeat, even when the weather necessitates a compromise between warmth and style.
Gold shoes are something I find myself drawn to. While you might not think of gold as a neutral shoe, it is. Gold or silver can both serve as great neutrals in your closet that just provide a little pop of color. They can be styled for dressier occasions but are versatile enough to be styled casually, with some jeans. This Gloria sandal is also available in a flat.
A favorite way to wear this style is with some kick-flare denim, a button-down shirt, and a blazer or paired with a long, flowy dress for a sophisticated yet comfortable look. Whether one seeks a high heel, a block heel, an ankle strap, or a flat, the gold sandal remains synonymous with Parisian chic, exuding an undeniable air of sophistication.
In case I haven’t mentioned it already, strappy sandals are my love language. They are equally perfect for a spring wardrobe, summer wardrobe or even colder months. There is no need to wait for a special event, either. I wear mine on repeat with denim jeans, dresses and even shorts for a dressier night out. For me, they are a staple in my classic wardrobe.
Gold Sandals | French Girl Shoes
The Sneaker | French Girl Shoes
The sneaker has become an indispensable element of any French girl shoe wardrobe, transcending seasonal boundaries. Particularly in springtime, they are masterfully integrated into a range of looks, from classic denim and tailored trousers to the more unexpected pairings with skirts and dresses, lending a touch of effortless cool. In recent years, we have seen a resurgence of the white sneaker, which I adore, making this a natural pick for French girl shoes to wear this Spring.
The French brand VEJA, celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and minimalist design, is seen all along the streets of Paris. Then there is the iconic Adidas Stan Smith and Samba, both of which evoke a sense of timeless athletic chic, and the ever-versatile high-top Converse, a staple for its casual yet undeniably stylish appeal. I do not find Converse high tops comfortable, but I know they are a beloved style by so many. French women seem to have a discerning eye for maximizing comfort while still pulling off an outfit that looks très chic, even in sneakers. I prefer the Adidas over the Vejas from a comfort standpoint, with the Adidas offering a cushion cloud insert on many styles.
Sneakers | French Girl Shoes
The Woven Shoe | French Girl Shoes to Wear This Spring
A notable trend emerging in the French woman’s spring shoe collection is the woven shoe. It’s less about a specific style and more about the texture itself. Whether one prefers a loafer, ballet flat, sandal, or block-heeled slingback, woven fabrics are gaining considerable traction this season. They present an ideal choice for the warmer months, offering a palette of neutral tones and a sense of effortless styles, making them French-style shoes you will adore. Pair with blue jeans and a classic trench coat or style with some trousers, a button-down shit and a silk scarf.
Woven Shoes | French Girl Shoes
The Chunky Sandal
The resurgence of the chunky-strap sandal has been a notable trend in recent years. While one might naturally assume French women, known for their predilection for delicate footwear, would abstain from this style, my research revealed a prominence of this style being worn along the streets of Paris, particularly those with substantial Velcro straps. I must confess, I was taken aback by their popularity among French women, as these sandals tend to look a bit clunky. I did some digging and found chunky sandals that still have a feminine feel, like this Tisha style.
However, I do see the appeal to a classic Birkenstock or a thick striped leather sandal. As I tend not to hop on the “trend bus,” I would suggest these styles below rather than their trendier counterparts.
Chunky sandals | French Girl Shoes
The Mule
Whether you choose a kitten heel, a block heel, or a flat, the mule is a style that epitomizes femininity and French girl chic. In my opinion, they are a close rival to the gold sandal, which remains my personal favorite for the spring season. The mule is another timeless style we have seen for close to a decade since the Gucci Princetown mule debuted, and women everywhere fell in love. Mules are an easy way to enjoy comfort paired with style, with varying heel height options that can be worn in colder or warmer months, making them super versatile. Kitten heel mules, in particular, project a sophisticated aesthetic, embodying feminine elegance and standing as a quintessential choice among French women’s shoe styles.
Mules | French Girl Shoes
The Ankle Boot
Though ankle boots may not immediately spring to mind as a quintessential springtime accessory, they are exceptionally well-suited for the transitional period of early spring, when cooler, damp conditions persist in many regions. Parisian women are often seen styling ankle boots with diverse looks, including denim jeans, dresses, skirts, and even shorts. However, unless one is blessed with exceptionally long legs, I would advise caution when pairing dark-colored boots with shorter hemlines. This combination can visually shorten the legs, creating a less elongated silhouette. Instead, if bare legs are desired, opt for neutral hues that harmonize with your skin tone. Alternatively, when temperatures remain low, pair darker ankle boots with tights of a similar color, effectively minimizing the visual break in the leg line.
I am also really loving the return of the Moto boot, which, if you prefer a pop of edginess to your style, this boot would be fabulous.
Ankle boots are particularly complementary to denim, a pairing frequently observed among French women. Whether one chooses a high-heeled, block-heeled, or flat ankle boot, this style remains an iconic element of French fashion.
Ankle Boots | French Girl Shoes
These French girl shoe styles to wear for Spring are truly the embodiment of Parisian chic, providing equal parts comfort and style. While I tend to invest in my shoes, opting for natural materials over synthetic, you can’t go wrong with the styles you pick at the price point that suits your budget. Whether seeking versatile neutrals, casual everyday options, or more refined, elegant choices, these popular styles will ensure a stylish spring season, capturing the timeless elegance that is synonymous with Parisian women.
Until next time,
