I’ll be the first to admit that as much as I love looking at a beautiful pair of heels, I’ve began to fall out of love with actually wearing them. Whenever there is 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. What can I say? The flat shoe can be a sensible and stylish option, so you don’t have to compromise on the chic factor to save your feet.
We’ve already got a wealth of flat shoe outfit combinations committed to memory for when we 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 together an edit of looks below from some of the most stylish women in Paris and beyond. Consider this as your handy cheat sheet to nailing French style with a comfortable twist, so any time you need an easy yet polished look at a moment’s notice, it’s all here for your perusal.
Ffrom pretty ballet flats to styled-up trainers, keep scrolling for 6 incredibly chic outfits to wear with flat shoes. Some you may already own, and others will be brand new, but I’ve added my favourite pieces to replicate each look to save you some serious scrolling time. Bon chance!
1. Knit + Mini Skirt + Pointed Flats
Style Notes: There’s something about a pointed shoe that makes an outfit look expensive, and flat shoes are no exception. If you’re looking for an ensemble smart enough for the office, allow me to suggest a pointed flat and mini skirt that toes the line between preppy and professional, and feels less stuffy than a tailored suit.
Shop the Look:
Mango
Round-neck Knitted Sweater
You’ll wear this with everything.
Uniqlo
Extra Fine Cotton Shirt
Such a good shade of blue.
You can’t argue with that price.
Wolford
Satin Touch 20 Denier Tights
The best tights on the market, hands down.
Topshop
Ava pointed toe ballet flat shoe in black
They might be high street, but they look designer.
2. White Shirt + Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: I’ve been looking for a way to make trainers feel smarter, and 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 voila, you’ve got an easy outfit that is ready for anything. Bonus points if you manage to get your hands on a pair of this season’s trending trainers too.
Shop 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 Barrel-Leg Jeans
2024’s biggest jean trend? Undoubtedly the barrel.
Adidas Originals
Samba OG Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Act fast while they’re still in stock.
Wear everywhere, with everything.
3. Blazer + Mini Skirt + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Spring has sprung (or, at least it’s trying to), and that means we’re inching closer towards bare leg season. As it turns out, the satin midi skirts we’ve been wearing for the last few 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.
Shop the Look:
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Oversized Tencel-blend Blazer
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.
Reformation
Edda Silk Skirt
Dune
Hipplie Patent Mary Jane Shoes
A teeny, tiny heel for the most subtle lift.
Miu Miu
Matelassé Small Leather Hobo Bag
A cult favourite in the making.
4. Maxi Coat + Midi Skirt + Lace Up Flats
Style Notes: When in doubt, add a long coat, and whether it’s a winter wool coat or a spring trench, the longline silhouette always looks refined with a flat shoe. Take tips from @Erinoffduty [pictured above] and dress up a casual knit with an interesting shoe for a look that comes street style set approved.
Shop the Look:
HUSH
Miranda Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
Hush coats are an unsung hero.
Khaite
Suzette Fair Isle Cashmere Cardigan
*Immediately adds 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 Ballet Flats
Just as special as heels.
5. Oversized Shirt + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: If there’s one thing Parisian’s 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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Size up and wear loosely unbuttoned.
COS
The Clean Cut T-Shirt
Masters of the high street basic.
Agolde
90’s Cropped Jeans
Our editors agree, these are some of our favourite jeans, ever.
Russell and Bromley
Brewster Loafer
You can wear a loafer like this for a lifetime.
Ted Baker
Myfair Medium Leather Padlock Handbag
How to look like you’ve spent five figures (without actually having to).
6. Breton Top + Wide Leg Trousers + Slingbacks
Style Notes: Think of French fashion and it’s more than likely Bretons and Chanel spring to mind. And, while there’s so much more to the country’s style legacy than that, there is still something to be said about the longevity of this classic monochrome look. Does it still 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 a tailored trouser and a two tone pump, so if it aint broke, why fix it?
Shop the Look:
Sézane
Collette Marinére Top
Trust Sézane to nail the perfect Breton top.
I’ve been recommending these to everyone I know.
Stuart Weitzman
Multi Leather Sleek Slingback Flats
Oliver Peoples
+ Khaite cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses
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.
Shop the Look:
Reformation dresses never fail.
Birkenstock
Boston buckled suede clogs
Finally back in stock (but selling fast).
Dragon Diffusion
Triple Jump woven-leather basket bag
A printed sun dress + a basket bag. Name a more iconic duo.
