9 Classic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing This Spring

Woman in red ballet flats

(Image credit: @saraloura)

When it comes to classic, effortless, understated style, no one does it quite like the French—which is why I always turn to stylish French women for outfit inspiration. I've already covered some of the chicest outfits and items French women are wearing this spring, and today I'm honing in on their shoes. While French women aren't afraid to try new trends, there's no denying their affinity for trend-proof footwear. Classic shoes that don't date year-on-year, and can be worn with a multitude of outfits.

Keen to find out what classic shoe trends French women are wearing this spring I scrolled through the profiles of the fashionable French set and below, I'm sharing seven specific styles that I see cropping up time and time again. From Mary-Janes to woven textures, take a look below to see the versatile spring shoes, stylish French women love to wear.

Mary-Janes

Woman in butter yellow blazer, jeans, and Mary-Janes

(Image credit: @salome.mory)

While Mary-Janes have become a major trend, the classic silhouette has always been a classic in a French woman's wardrobe. You can't go wrong with black, red, and brown, as well as creamy off-white hues.

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Suede Loafers

Woman in suede loafers, red shorts, and a navy sweater

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Classic loafers are a year-round staple in every French woman's wardrobe and this spring, we're particularly seeing softer suede iterations dominate on the French fashion set. Go for ecru, tan, and brown hues.

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Pointed-Toe Slingbacks & Mules

Woman in trench coat, jeans, and pointed-toe slingbacks

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

To achieve an elegant and polished outfit, the French fashion set always rely on sleek pointed-toe heeled slingbacks and kitten heel mules, that they pair with jeans and midi skirts alike.

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Ballet Flats

Woman in striped T-Shirt dress and ballet flats

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Classic and timeless, ballet flats will never go out of style. A neutral hue will go with everything, or opt for a statement red or leopard print which feels very Parisian.

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Woven Textures

Woman in woven sandals, jeans, and a sweater

(Image credit: @rouje; @jeannedamas)

No one embraces woven leather detailing quite like French women once the temps start to rise. You'll see stylish Parisians gravitate towards braided textures—on flats and heels alike.

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Cherry Red

Woman in jeans, shirt, and red shoes

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Red shoes are a classic item you'll find French women wearing year round. They're the perfect pop to amp up jeans and elevated basics. Whether you go for ballet flats or sandals, they'll give your look a French-girl touch.

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Elegant Pointed-Toe Flats

Woman in white top, capri pants, and black flats

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

I've been spotting elegant pointed-toe flats all over the streets of Paris—paired with cropped trousers and jeans alike. They feel timeless yet fresh for the new season.

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Espadrilles

Woman in sweater, white skirt, and espadrilles

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Once the temps start to rise, espadrilles come back on the French fashion scene without fail. They're casual, comfortable, and incredibly versatile—ideal for both day and night. They go with everything—chic capri pants, midi skirts, jeans—you name it.

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Black Minimalist Strappy Sandals

Woman in jeans and black strappy sandals

(Image credit: @rouje; @jeannedamas)

For an evening look, minimalist black strappy heeled sandals are the shoe of choice for the French fashion set. Style them with straight-leg jeans, a black camisole, and a relaxed blazer for the perfect dinner look.

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Judith Jones
Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.