I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Anti-Trend Sandals French Women Are Living In This Summer
Here at Who What Wear, we vehemently champion the allure of French women's apparel and the same is true with footwear. French women's shoe capsules are equally as significant as their clothing and when summer rolls around, so does the re-introduction of classic sandals. I've observed the staple pieces adorned by the women in Paris and it's the same each summer — ranging from slip-on sandals, to ankle-tie shoes and the itty-bitty minuscule heel, there's a variation of celebrated styles but each is notably unique and refined. Ever the minimalists, French women often opt for barely-there options and there is no more streamlined fit than the thong or flip-flop sandal (and I know the appeal). Despite the many exciting sandals on the market, I wear flip-flops with most daytime outfits when the weather becomes balmy, even opting for heeled versions for eveningwear. At this point "a little heel" has also become synonymous with French women's footwear — whether it's the gloved shoe, mule or heeled sandals, chunky block heels, or kitten styles. If you're looking for some inspiration for the warmer months ahead, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for five sandal categories French women adore.
Shop The Sandals French Women Are Wearing This Summer:
1. Heeled Sandals
This season, St Agni is spearheading this deepened red hue and it has endeared me to colour!
In my book, animal print is most definitely considered a neutral.
The most darling shoes on the market, courtesy of French footwear specialists, Bobbies.
You may be familiar with Manu for its directional bag offerings favoured by Sartorialists far and wide but have you stopped to consider the footwear?
2. Crossover Sandals
Embrace natural textiles as we transition into hot weather days.
Most brown slippers are available in a warm tan colourway but this deeper suede iteration offers a modern touch.
3. Block Heel Sandals
The thin sandals straps loan these sandals a feminine look.
A snazzy snake-effect with an ever-so-slight heel.
Rouje is best known for apparel but you can also find French footwear favourites, such as the block heel.
4. Thong Sandals
Trust Gianvito Rossi to create the most elevated thong sandal.
Miista's boutiques house some beautiful French style favourites.
5. Minimalist Sandals
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.