6 Chic Flat-Shoe Outfits That the French Have Perfected to a T (2024)

I'll be the first to admit that as much as I love looking at a beautiful pair of heels, I've begun to fall out of love with actually wearing them. Whenever there's a special occasion, be it a party or dinner plans, I'll immediately opt for heels until I end up having to limp home in them afterwards, regretful of my decision. My day-to-day calls for practicality (in other words, comfort), and whether I'm heading into the office or rushing around doing errands at the weekend, I need a shoe I know I can rely on. So, what can I say? Flats can be a sensible and stylish option, so you don't have to compromise on the chic factor to save your feet.

I've already got a wealth of flat-shoe outfits committed to memory for when I need ease in an instant, but what about the days that could do with a little extra je ne sais quoi? Nobody does effortless elegance quite like the French, and to prove it, I’ve put togetheran edit 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 comfortable twist, so that any time you need an easy yet polished look at a moment's notice, the inspo is here for your perusal.

From pretty ballet flats to styled-up trainers, keep scrolling for six incredibly chic outfits to wear withflat shoes. If any take your fancy, I’ve added my favourite pieces to replicate each look to save you some serious scrolling time. Bon chance!

1. Knit + Miniskirt + Pointed Flats

Style Notes: There's something about pointed-toe shoes that makes an outfit look instantly expensive, and flats are no exception. If you're looking for an ensemble smart enough for the office, allow me to suggest a pair of pointed flats and a miniskirt. This pairing toes the line between preppy and professional and feels less stuffy than a tailored suit.

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2. White Button-Down + Jeans + Trainers

Style Notes: I've been looking for a way to make trainers feel smarter, and as it turns out, the answer is simply a bright white shirt and indigo denim. Throw a jacket and a roomy tote into the mix and you've got an easy outfit that's ready for anything. Bonus points if you manage to get your hands on a pair of this season's trending trainers, too.

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3. Blazer + Miniskirt + Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Spring has sprung (or at least it's trying to), and that means we're inching closer towards bare-legs season. As it turns out, the satin midi skirts we've been wearing for the past few years look just as good in mini length too, but especially when paired with a boxy blazer and cute ballet flats. It's balletcore-meets-business-class chic.

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4. Maxi Coat + Midi Skirt + Lace-Up Flats

Style Notes: When in doubt, add a long coat. Whether it's a winter wool or a spring trench, the longline silhouette always looks refined with a flat shoe. Take tips from Géraldine Boublil [pictured above] and dress up a casual knit with an interesting shoe for a look that could easily be from a street style shot.

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5. Oversized Button-Down + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: If there's one thing Parisians love, it's an oversized shirt, and here it appears again with straight-leg jeans and loafers. No notes on this perfectly executed ensemble, but if the weather isn't quite as good as it is in France, just add a cardigan to tie around your shoulders in case of emergency.

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6. Breton Top + Wide-Leg Trousers + Slingbacks

Style Notes: Think of French fashion and it's more than likely that Breton stripes and Chanel spring to mind. And whilst there's so much more to the country's style legacy, there's still something to be said about the longevity of this classic monochrome look. Does it look just as good in 2024 as it did in 1944? Absolutely, and we still haven't found a better pairing for a striped top than tailored trousers and two-tone pumps. If it ain't broke…

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6. Midi Dress + Mules

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be the start of spring without with a pretty dress, and taking inspiration from Diane Kari [pictured above], we've decided to pair printed midi dresses with easy slip-on mules. Although this looks like the ideal outfit for lounging in the garden, it works just as well for brunch with friends or running errands—really anything that calls for you to get ready in 15 minutes but look like you took an hour.

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