7 Anti-Trend Shoes French Women Are Living In This Autumn

With autumn in full swing, mounting excitement for cold-weather dressing. Sunny days might soon be behind us, but the cloud of knitwear on the horizon certainly softens the blow (literally and figuratively).

Shoes sit right up there with woolly jumpers and oversized outerwear on the list of exciting early autumn purchases. From ankle boots to lug-sole loafers, there are plenty of cool and classic footwear options for the transitional months—ensuring you don’t have to go straight from sandals to ski boots. Step into October in dainty ballet flats or a subtle Western silhouette; whether you’ve started reaching for your blazers or are having a hard time letting go of pretty floral dresses, there’s a shoe out there to carry you through the awkward seasonal shift.

French girl autumn shoes: @syanalaniyan styles western boots with blue jeans and a cocoon coat

Photo:

@syanalaniyan

Wondering where to start? As always, we suggest consulting the Parisian masters. We’ll never stop waxing lyrical about the timeless allure of French fashion and the mastery of its pioneering designers, who repeatedly seem to hit the sweet spot between elegance and effortlessness. From high-end names like Chloé and Dior to fast-rising brands such as Sézane and Jonak, there’s a common thread among them that’s difficult to define but easy to envy. 

Beyond the quintessential labels, it feels like all femmes Françaises have a knack for filtering through the stream of newness that arrives each season and pinpointing the items worth investing in. If you want to dress like those Gallic gurus you follow Instagram, this is the roundup for you. Scroll on to discover the French-girl autumn shoes you need, and when you’re done, start styling your ensembles with help from our favourite Parisian-inspired outfits.

1. Mary Janes 

French girl autumn shoes: @emmanuellek_ styles black patent Mary Janes with a denim dress and socks

Photo:

@emmanuellek_

Style Notes: One of the most noteworthy shoes of the season is the Mary Jane, but French women have long considered them an integral part of their shoe repetoire; one that transcends the seasons. Ensure yours withstand the cold weather with the addition of a cute sock. 

Opt for flats if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

2. Knee-High Boots

French girl autumn shoes: @sylviemus_ wear knee-high boots with a longline jacket and black turtleneck dress

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Style Notes: It doesn't get any classier than this look from Paris-based Sylvie Mus. Longline jacket? Check. Black knee-highs? Check. Effortless attitude from top to toe? Check.

Boots you'll hold on to for years to come.

Reformation doesn't just make pretty dresses.

French girls are often spotted in suede.

3. Ballet Flats

French girl autumn shoes: @salome.mory styles ballet flats with blue jeans and a check-print blazer

Photo:

@salome.mory

Style Notes: If I could capture French style using just one outfit, this would be it. The blazer, blue jeans and ballet flats combination has been expertly executed by Paris resident Salomé Mory.

These are the ultimate slip-on-and-go shoes.

This Arket pair comes in four cool shades and textures.

A pop of red will give your looks a new lease of life. 

4. Retro Trainers

French girl autumn shoes: @juliesfi wears New Balance trainers with white denim and a striped jumper

Photo:

@juliesfi

Style Notes: Understated and ultra comfy, Julie's beach getup is exactly the kind of low-key ensemble I lean towards. Those New Balance trainers would work with relaxed tailoring for smarter occasions.

Simple, sustainable and set to be your new go-to.

5. Western Boots

French girl autumn shoes: @leiasfez styles western boots with blue jeans and a black blazer

Photo:

@leiasfez

Style Notes: The Wild West comes to France with Leia's elevated on-the-go look. Who says navy and black can't go together?

This silhouette feels familiar yet fresh.

I can imagine styling a boho look around these boots.

Isabel Marant's cowboy boots will always reign supreme.

6. Sleek Loafers

French girl autumn shoes: @frannfyne wears flat loafers with tailored grey trousers, a blazer and a cross-body tweed bag

Photo:

@frannfyne

Style Notes: If Annie Hall walked the streets today, I bet her style would look something like this. Switch in black loafers to make this outfit from Franny Fyne even more streamlined.

Burgundy is just as sleek as black. 

Arket's leather footwear never disappoints.

7. Two-Tone Pumps

French girl autumn shoes: @tamaramory styles two-tone pumps with brown woollen trousers

Photo:

@tamaramory

Style Notes: Tamara Mory is my go-to for feminine fashion inspo with a Gallic spin, and this outfit is no exception. The subtly matching accessories and complimentary colour palette prove it's all in the details.

Contrast these delicate shoes with wide-leg trousers.

The trend in boot form, courtesy of Toteme.

Try out the two-tone trend with this affordable pair from Marks & Spencer.

Up next, Here's How French Girls Are Wearing This Anti-Skinny Jean Trend

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.