French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This Summer

It's no secret that I often turn to the French style muses on my Instagram feed when I need some outfit inspiration. I can't help but fall for the allure of their elevated and effortless aesthetic. During a recent perusal, I noticed a trend among the Parisian women I follow. Many, if not all of them, were wearing socks with two classic shoe styles: ballet flats and loafers. Pairing socks with unexpected shoe options is nothing new, but when French women give a trend their own twist, I am all eyes and ears.
Ahead, you'll catch a roundup of eight inspiring outfits straight from the streets of Paris where your attention will be immediately drawn to the sock-and-shoe combo. We're not just talking about the usual basic white crew socks, either—you'll also spot some colorful options and some frilly details. The ballet flats are pretty classic all around, whereas the loafers tend to lean trendier with chunkier silhouettes. Keep scrolling to check out each incredibly chic French-inspired outfit idea and to shop each look.
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
I'm obsessed with cuffed jeans.
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
Shop the look:
This jacket looks way more expensive than the price tag.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
5 Chic Outfits From Parisians and New Yorkers That Are On-Trend for Spring
Next-level looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
The Unexpected Shoe Trend Bella Hadid's Been Wearing Right and Left During Paris Fashion Week
Forget flats—buy these instead.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Pretty Flats Trend Katie Holmes Just Wore Makes Jeans Look High-End
Found my next purchase.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Can't Wait for People to Quit Flats and Bring Back This Elegant Shoe Trend
There's simply no better style.
By Eliza Huber
-
These $20 Old Navy Flats Are Just as Chic as the $900 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last Spring
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I Work in Social Media—These 6 Fashion Trends Are Officially Dominating Everyone's Algorithms
I have the screen time to prove it.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
I Styled 5 Chic Nordstrom Outfits for Under $400 to Wear This Spring
Elevated ensembles.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes