I hate to say it, but sandal season is slowly slipping away. With unpredictable weather and the fall season on the horizon, the risk of soggy feet and a new shoe purchase you’ll only be able to wear for a month just isn’t worth it. So, like many of us, I’m being nudged towards practicality and leaving my beloved sandals tucked safely in the wardrobe—at least for now.
After living in them all summer long, the thought of styling anything but sandals feels slightly disorienting. In need of inspiration, I turned to the ever-reliable French style set to see how they’re transitioning their footwear for these in-between days. As always, they delivered—offering chic, weather-appropriate alternatives that still manage to retain a breezy feel.
From elegant slip-ons to timeless classics, I’ve rounded up the three key shoe trends French women are genuinely wearing in place of sandals right now—just look at the below for further proof.
3 Shoes French Women Are Wearing Instead of Sandals Now
1. Espadrille Wedges
Style Notes: With their rope soles and fabric uppers, espadrille wedges capture the essence of summer while offering more coverage than your average sandal.
Style Notes: Whether worn with classic blue denim, floaty white skirts, or cotton dresses, espadrille wedges strike the perfect balance between casual and polished, a style that French women always master.
Shop Espadrille Wedges:
Style with a white cotton dress or pair these with your favorite jeans.
BURBERRY
Checked Canvas-Jacquard Espadrille Wedge Mules
You can never go wrong with a classic.
GIANVITO ROSSI
110 Suede Slingback Platform Espadrilles
2. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: No roundup of French footwear would be complete without ballet flats. The go-to shoe for effortless elegance, this versatile staple is perfect for navigating late-summer dressing.
Style Notes: Soft, comfortable and enduringly chic, they’re easy to style with mini skirts and tailored shorts now, and just as good with full-length trousers or jeans as the weather continues to cool.
Shop Ballet Flats:
H&M
Ballet Flats With Scrunchie Detail
Wear these with white socks to give your styling a preppy edge.
ZARA
Low Heeled Leather Ballet Flats
Honestly, these look so much more expensive than they actually are.
LE MONDE BERYL
Luna Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
These also come in a fresh shade of white.
3. Closed-Toe Mules
Style Notes: Equal parts laid-back and luxe, mules are having a real moment. Whether you opt for flats or heeled versions, these slip-on styles bring an instant sense of polish to any outfit.
Style Notes: Flat mules are great for everyday wear, while a low heel adds just the right amount of lift for evening plans. French women are styling them with everything from wide-leg trousers to tailored co-ords, proving just how adaptable they can be.
Shop Closed-Toe Mules:
Yes, that price is correct.
Prada
Brushed Leather Mules
The almond-toe detail gives this such an elevated edge.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Ballerimu Bow-Detailed Suede Mules
Be quick, these are on their way to selling out.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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