7 Stylish Shoes French Women Deem Essential for Winter

Photo:

@tamaramory

Style Notes: We were surprised at just how many French women have been sporting combat boots this season. They were easily the most prevalent shoes on our list. While they might not sound chic on paper, when paired with knitted minidresses or wide-leg jeans, they certainly look the stylish part. 

Photo:

@lenafarl

Style Notes: Suede is a fabric French women love to wear, frequently in jacket form, but it heavily features in their shoe choices, too, specifically in knee boots, which Parisians often wear with printed midi dresses—much as Léna Farl is here. It’s also worth noting that they tend to stick to a softer palette, which further enhances the tactile look of the suede. 

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Style Notes: Although these shoes aren’t solely adopted by the French, loafers serve as one of their go-to shoes (just as they do for us Brits). In winter, look for styles with thicker soles or even heels to put a little extra space between you and the ground, thus keeping your feet warmer. 

Photo:

@andi_mun

Style Notes: Riding boots have a tendency of looking twee, but not where French women are concerned. They actively seek out more minimalist pairs, which give any outfit instant polish instead of giving it pony-club vibes. Handily, there are plenty of styles out there to choose from right now.

Photo:

@frannyfyne

Style Notes: Though this may be a big 2021 trend, French women have consistently worn cowboy boots, regardless of whether they’ve appeared on the runway or not. Whether you opt for an ankle or a knee-high length is entirely up to you.

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Style Notes: Mary Janes often crop up when we talk about French style, but there’s a reason for it. Perhaps even more integral to their looks than ballet flats, Mary Janes are a French go-to year-round, and we have a theory as to why. They generally come with a slight heel, which, like the aforementioned loafers, keeps them from landing directly on the ground, thus they're slightly warmer than completely flat shoes. Their general shape also looks chic with socks—something you can’t necessarily say about all shoes. 

Photo:

@leiasfez

Style Notes: Though it might not directly correlate to winter, it’s hard to ignore the French’s affinity for snake prints. Often seen in boot form, this helps add a playful undertone to their winter outfits, a trick many of the French influencers we follow seem to love doing.