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Walking the River Seine, shopping along the Champs-Élysées, and people-watching from a brasserie are all prime spots to see chic Parisians in their natural habitat. Unlike any other city I’ve been to, Paris holds a special place in my heart for its fashion, its love, and its people, who, speaking of which, are so in touch with the latest trends that they often popularize them first.
We’re only a few months into 2026, and as spring begins to blossom, the Parisians have already set the standard for spring 2026. Whether it’s commenting on the in and out trends French women are adopting in 2026 or showcasing the best shoes to wear with jeans, there’s no denying Parisian style set has a knack for providing fashion advice.
This week, I took a look at my shoe rack and noticed there was definitely room for improvement, specifically in the flat-shoe department. So as any good shopping editor would do, I went to the IG accounts of my favorite French women for inspiration. I, of course, made sure to write up my findings. And that’s exactly what’s coming to you below.
Scroll on to shop the six French-woman flat-shoe trends I expect to be everywhere come spring. From classic Mary Janes to unexpected booties, the Parisians know where it’s at.
6 French-Woman Flat-Shoe Trends for Spring 2026
Half-Boots
Chic but cool—the moto half-boot is an unexpected French-woman flat-shoe trend for spring 2026, yet it makes total sense. In contrast to the boots’ edgy attitude, French women are styling them with icy blues and stark whites for a springtime effect. Score extra points with the style set if you tuck your trousers into the boot.
Frye
Viv Short Engineer Boot
Reformation
Dorinda Mid Shaft Boot
DURANGO
Harness Western Boot
Free People
We the Free Aiden Chain Boots
STEVEMADDEN
Ruben Black Leather
Red Mary Janes
Red flats are synonymous with the French woman. Capitalize on the Frenchness and wear them with capri pants and a crisp white button-down. Throw on a matching red lip, and you’re ready to walk to the Champs-Élysées. This time of year always calls for a pop of color. Take a page out of the French woman’s style book and invest in a pair of red Mary Janes.
Loeffler Randall
Leonie Soft Mary Jane Ballet Flat
ZARA
Patent Leather Sporty Ballet Flats
A chic affordable option.
Free People
Spinning Around Ballet Flats
Flabelus
Lucrecia Mary Jane Flat
The Mary Jane flat women in Spain and Paris love.
Free People
Charming Mary Janes
Glove Flats
The glove flat is a French woman’s staple. Often worn with low-rise trousers or straight-leg jeans, the simple look and fitted silhouette make styling easy. Pro tip I stole from a chic Parisian: Wear them with sheer tights if you want to look like a fashion person.
J.Crew
Sophie Ballet Flats in Leather
AEYDE
Moa Pointed-Toe Flats
Something about the V-cut vamp speaks to me.
Franco Sarto
Dovie Flexa Flat
Mules
A mule is my solution to looking chic and feeling comfortable. It gives the illusion of a ballet flat with the ease of a house slipper. Bonus points if it comes in soft suede or crochet.
Suede still has its place in spring.
ZARA
Leather Slingback Flats
Reformation
Inez Heeled Mule
Our editors can’t stop talking about these Reformation Inez pumps.
Lo-Pro Sneakers
It’s rare to spot a Parsian in such a casual shoe like a sneaker, but if you do, chances are high it’s a low-profile silhouette. Succinct and minimal, styles like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 and Adidas Tokyo Shoes make for an excellent choice.
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66 Sneakers
I love my Tokyo sneakers, but these new Mary Jane styles have my heart.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
A pop of color is needed this time of year.
Franco Sarto
Felina Sneaker
ALOHAS
Tb.304 Nylon Sneaker
Ruched Loafers
Ruched loafers have always held a spot on the French woman’s shoe rack. But lately, the slim silhouette has been hitting different and seems to be preferred over sneakers or Mary Janes for its sturdy stability and elegant appeal. Parisians are styling the loafer with low-rise trousers for an old-money-meets-new look.
Reformation
Ani Ruched Penny Loafer
J.Crew
New Winona Penny Loafers in Italian Spazzolato Leather
Don’t sleep on J.Crew shoes.
Tony Bianco
Gatsby Loafer
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
Arrow Loafer
STEVE MADDEN
Roger Black Leather
An elegant affordable pair.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
