I’ll be the first to admit that as much as I love looking at a nice pair of heels, I was actually starting to fall in love with wear them. Whenever there’s a special occasion, be it a party or a dinner party, I immediately opt for heels, until I have to hobble back home in them later, regretting my decision. My everyday life demands practicality (in other words: comfort), and whether I’m going to the office or running errands on the weekend, I need a shoe I know I can rely on. What can I say? The flat shoe may be wise And stylish option so you don’t have to compromise on the chic factor to save your feet.
We’ve already memorized a wealth of flat shoe outfit combinations for when we need convenience in a moment, but what about the days that could use a little extra?I do not know what“? No one has as effortless elegance as the French and to prove it, below I’ve put together a selection of looks from some of the most stylish women in Paris and beyond. Consider this your handy cheat sheet to nailing French style with a comfort twist, so when you need a simple yet polished look in an instant, it’s all here for your perusal.
From pretty ballet flats to stylish sneakers, keep scrolling for 6 incredibly chic outfits to wear flat shoes. Some you may already have, and others will be brand new, but I’ve included my favorite pieces to replicate each look so you can save some serious scrolling time. Likely!
1. Knitted + miniskirt + pointy flats
Style notes: There’s something about a pointy shoe that makes an outfit look expensive, and flats are no exception. If you’re looking for an ensemble that’s smart enough for the office, let me suggest a pointed flat skirt and a miniskirt that’s somewhere between preppy and professional, and feels less stuffy than a tailored suit.
Buy the look:
Mango
Knitted sweater with round neck
You wear this with everything.
Uniqlo
Extra fine cotton shirt
Such a good color blue.
There’s no arguing about that price.
Wolford
Satin colored tights of 20 denier
Without a doubt the best tights on the market.
Top shop
Ava flat ballet shoe with pointed toe in black
They may be high street, but they look designer.
2. White shirt + jeans + sneakers
Style Notes: I’ve been looking for a way to make sneakers feel smarter, and it turns out the answer is simply a crisp, white shirt and indigo denim. Add a jacket and a roomy tote and voila, you have an easy outfit that’s ready for anything. Bonus points if you manage to get your hands on a pair of this season’s trendy sneakers.
Buy the look:
Mango
Oversized bomber jacket
So elegant for a casual jacket.
With nothing underneath
The boyfriend: Tencel, white
You won’t find a better white shirt on the market.
Victoria Beckham
Twisted slouch jeans with barrel-shaped legs
The biggest jeans trend of 2024? Undoubtedly the barrel.
Adidas originals
Samba OG suede leather sneakers
Act fast while they are still in stock.
Wear everywhere, with everything.
3. Blazer + miniskirt + ballerinas
Style notes: Spring has sprung (or at least it’s trying to), and that means we’re getting closer to bare-legged season. It turns out that the satin midi skirts we’ve been wearing over the years look just as good in mini length, too, but especially when paired with a boxy blazer and cute ballet flats. It’s ballerinacore-meets-business-class chic.
Buy the look:
The Frankie Shop
Gelso oversized blazer from tencel blend
If anyone ever asks me where to find a good blazer, this is my go-to suggestion.
Everyone should have one of these in their wardrobe for layering.
Reform
Edda silk skirt
Dune
Hipplie patent Mary Jane shoes
A tiny, tiny heel for the most subtle lift.
Miu Miu
Quilted small leather hobo bag
A cult favorite in the making.
4. Maxi coat + midi skirt + lace-up shoes
Style notes: When in doubt, add a long coat, and whether it’s a winter wool coat or a spring trench, the long silhouette always looks sophisticated with a flat shoe. Take tips from @Erinoffduty [pictured above] and pair a casual knit with an interesting shoe for a look approved by the street style set.
Buy the look:
QUIET
Miranda double-breasted wool mix coat
Hushcoats are an unsung hero.
Khaiet
Suzette Fair Isle cashmere cardigan
*Adds immediately to wish list*
& other stories
A-line midi skirt
Everyone has a black satin midi skirt, but just in case you don’t.
Etro
Perforated leather ballerinas
Just as special as heels.
5. Oversized shirt + jeans + loafers
Style Notes: If there’s one thing Parisians love, it’s an oversized shirt, and here it reappears with straight-leg jeans and loafers. No comments on this perfectly executed ensemble, but if the weather is not as good as in France, you can simply add a cardigan to tie around your shoulders in case of emergency.
Buy the look:
Take a size up and wear loosely unbuttoned.
COS
The tight T-shirt
Masters of the high street basic.
Agolde
Cropped jeans from the 90s
Our editors agree: These are some of our favorite jeans ever.
Russel and Bromley
Brewster loafer
You can wear a loafer like that for a lifetime.
Ted Baker
Myfair medium leather padlock handbag
How to look like you spent five figures (without really having to).
6. Breton top + wide leg pants + slingbacks
Style Notes: Think of French fashion and you most likely think of Breton and Chanel. And while there’s so much more to the country’s style history, there’s still something to be said about the longevity of this classic monochrome look. Does it still look as good in 2024 as it did in 1944? Absolutely, and we still haven’t found a better combination for a striped top than tailored trousers and a two-tone pump, so if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
Buy the look:
Sezane
Collette Marinere top
Trust Sézane to create the perfect Breton top.
I have recommended this to everyone I know.
Stuart Weitzman
Multi leather tight slingback flats
Oliver Volkeren
+ Khaite cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses
6. Midi dress + mules
Style Notes: It just wouldn’t be the start of spring without a beautiful dress and inspiration from Diane Kari [pictured above]we decided to combine printed midi dresses with easy slip-ons. While this seems like the ideal outfit for lounging in the garden, it works just as well for brunch with friends or running errands – basically anything that requires you to get ready in 15 minutes but looks like it took you an hour .
Buy the look:
Reformation dresses never fail.
Birkenstock
Boston suede clogs with buckle
Finally back in stock (but sold quickly).
Dragon Spread
Triple Jump basket bag made of woven leather
A printed sundress + a basket. Name a more iconic duo.