Even if you barely follow French style, you probably at least know that French women love wearing dresses in the summer. (Learn more about what dress trends they’re wearing this summer here.) And while it used to be the case that they’d typically pair them with espadrilles, 2024 has proved that times have changed.
I’ve seen several examples of French women wearing dresses since the weather warmed up, and the shoe trends I’ve spotted them wearing on repeat are vastly different. It shows that anything goes when it comes to what shoes you wear with dresses, and I love that for us.
Below, you’ll see nine of the main summer shoe trends French fashion girls are wearing with dresses, and if it leaves you inspired, I’ve shopped incredibly chic versions of each trend.
1. Ankle-Wrap Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have been a thing for a minute, but I’ve seen several examples of French girls wearing ankle-wrap iterations with dresses lately. It’s a fresh variation on a very saturated trend.
Shop Ankle-Wrap Ballet Flats:
All Saints
Alia Leather Ribbon Ballet Pumps
You can wear these well into autumn.
Repetto Paris
Ballerines Sophia
So pretty!
Jeffrey Campbell
That’s a Wrap Ballet Flats
These come in 6 different colours.
2. Western Boots
It may not be a typical summer shoe trend, but Western boots—especially with minidresses—are trending this summer, and French girls are embracing the fun look.
Shop Western Boots:
And/or
Thorn Suede Embroidered Long Western Boots, Sand
I love the embroidery on this pair.
GIANVITO ROSSI
Wylie 60 Suede Boots
These are so sleek.
mango
Suede Leather Ankle Boots
A colour that will go with everything in your summer wardrobe.
3. Kitten-Heel Sandals
If you want to look instantly sophisticated and timeless, do as the French do and pair a dress with sleek kitten heels.
Shop Kitten-Heel Sandals:
STAUD
Brigitte Suede Mules
A classic shoe that will pair well with all of your dresses.
The Row
Combo Kitten Heel Sandal
So elegant.
mango
Strappy Heeled Sandals
Pale yellow is back again this season as a trending colour.
4. Sneakers
Sneakers with dresses is a defining look of the 2020s, and it’s still going strong in Paris. French girls are especially into wearing retro sneakers like Adidas Sambas, and Asics, and Salomons.
Shop Sneakers:
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Samba Og Suede and Metallic Leather Sneakers
This fashion-person favourite is constantly selling out, so act fast!
ASICS
Asics Gel-1130 Trainers
Asics is known for its comfy footwear.
SALOMON
Xt-Slate Advanced Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
A classic white trainer will never go out of style.
5. Fisherman Sandals
Because fisherman sandals are one of the biggest sandal trends of the year, it’s not surprising that French women have embraced wearing them with dresses, especially for daytime.
Shop Fisherman Sandals:
The Row
Fisherman Sandal in Leather
A sandal you won’t regret investing in.
M&S Collection
Leather Strappy Sandals
M&S have some of the comfiest sandals on the high street.
ZARA
Leather Track Sole Cage Sandals
Don’t these look way more expensive?
6. Fancy Flip-Flops
Fancy flip-flops were once polarizing, but now they’re acceptable. (If French women are wearing them with dresses, there’s no denying it.)
Shop Fancy Flip-Flops:
Reformation
Sophie Heeled Sandal
A pop of red to wear with your white maxi dresses.
The Row
Ginza Sandal in Suede
These are the epitome of quiet luxury.
Miista
Miista Palmira Leather Toe-Strap Heeled Sandals
I love a flared heel.
7. Mary Janes
Sweet Mary Janes and dresses go hand-in-hand, and this combo perfectly suits the classic French aesthetic. You’ll get bonus points for adding white socks.
Shop Mary Janes:
AEYDE
Uma Leather Mary Jane Flats
Metallics are not just for winter.
LE MONDE BERYL
Woven Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
This mesh pair will immediately elevate any outfit.
M&S Collection
Buckle Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps
A black mary jane is a versatile choice that will go with all of your dresses.
8. Ultra-Minimal Sandals
Minimal sandals are great because they go with any dress style under the sun. It’s a universally beloved style that makes the dress the focal point of your look.
Shop Ultra-Minimal Sandals:
mango
Combined Lace-Up Sandal
These could easily be mistaken for designer.
Reformation
Lake Flat Sandal
Reformation has some great sandal options this summer.
KHAITE
Marion Leather Mules
Khaite is known for its minimalist designs.
9. Wedges
Last but not least, wedges are an easy way to make your dresses look fresh and forward this summer. French girls are especially gravitating toward sleek, non-bulky styles.
Shop Wedges:
H&M
Wedge-Heeled Espadrilles
Raffia is a forever summer staple.
ST. AGNI
Leather Wedge Sandals
These also come in black or white.
STUART WEITZMAN
Aleena Patent-Leather Wedge Sandals
A neutral tone to go with everything.
Explore More:
