Parisians are defining my fall wardrobe one category at a time. First, it was color trends, with royal purple and burgundy leading the charge, and now it’s flat shoe trends. I always pay close attention to the shoe choices chic French women make. What type of heel height they pair with trousers or, say, a pair of shorts. I’ve noticed, more often than not, they choose a flat sole: a ballet flat, loafer, thing-soled boot, you name it.

With that in mind, I wrote down the three flat-shoe trends French women are wearing this fall. Scroll on to see which ones made the list and how to style them.

3 French Woman-Approved Shoe Trends for Fall 2026

High-Vamp Flats

Also called a glove flat, this modern take on a ballet flat features a high vamp silhouette and sleek profile. French women keep it within arm’s reach every fall for its versatility and wearability. It looks great with jeans and trousers.

Riding Boots

Designed to mimic the look of traditional riding boots, these tall, knee-high boots offer a clean look with pencil skirts and shorts in the fall.

Ruched Loafers

No fall shoe rack is complete without a loafer, and in a French woman’s shoe closet you’ll note a specific style: the ruched loafer. It features a gathered toe box with soft pleats around the curve of the shoe. It’s a refined style people love, with the casual elegance of a Parisian fashionista.

Shop More Flat Shoes for Fall 2026