If there’s one thing NYC and Parisian woman have in common besides their love for fashion, it’s the eye-watering amount of steps they’ll accumulate in a day. While a move to most metropolitan cities will lead to an increased amount of movement, New Yorkers and the French seem to take it to the extreme, walking nearly everywhere they can. It is, in fact, simple fact of life that the footwear these groups of women chose has to be both utterly comfortable and completely stylish given their extreme sartorial tastes. Thankfully, while trends come and go, New York City girls and French women always rely on a few pairs of staple shoes that’ll outlast any season. Introducing: the only 11 pairs of shoes you need.
From summery espadrilles to essential walking shoes and happy hour-appropriate kitten mules, you’ll find these 11 anti-trend shoes on the NYC and Paris fashion set, rain or shine. Below, shop all of the essentials you need (including a few pairs you already have in your closet without realizing it).
With step counts in the thousands, it’s no wonder that stylish women rely on classic, fun sneakers for they’re everyday needs. Pair the below trainers with baggy jeans and a leather jacket for an it-girl inspired look.
We’re biiiiiggg ballet fans here at Who What Wear. How could you not be? The simple style goes with everything, yet feels chic enough to throw on both with a pair of baggy trousers and with an elevated mini dress when you’re heading out to happy hour with your friends.
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate new footwear into your outfits, and this timeless minimalist heel style will outlast any heatwave.
While gel Asics seem to be taking off this summer, chunky running shoes have always been en vogue for both the French and Americans. Pair the dad-esque style with sleek athletic-wear and a trench to keep things interesting.
What can I say? I’m a loafer girl, along with the cool girls of NYC and the sophisticated French women of Paris. While the girls in Europe tend to stick to sleeker silhouettes, the NYC crowd loves platform and lug-sole styles that remain timeless with any outfit.
One thing we can all agree on: sleek riding boots are the superior footwear choice when the weather starts to get chillier. As a result, both groups of stylish women have tall, leather-backed riding boots in their footwear arsenal. While you can find most shoes on this list for the down-low, investing in a good pair of riding boots that’ll last you years is the secret weapon for French women.
The ’90s are calling and they’re incredibly proud that this ultra slinky shoe trend is still around and kicking. You simply can’t go wrong with simple, elevated kitten heels. While I own a pair or two (or three… or four…) in black, I’m eyeing fun colors to switch things up a bit when wearing with white jeans.
Love them or hate them: flip-flops have always been around. Thankfully, every summer, everyone still agrees they’re massively in. While chunkier, elevated thong sandals seem to be everywhere right now, New Yorkers and French women have been throwing on the style for ages when the heat starts rising.
By far the prettiest shoe style on this list, mary-janes are the go-to footwear of choice for the fashion set looking to dive into their feminine side. Opt for a pair with ankle-length socks for an extra dainty effect.
While gladiator sandals are rising to be one of summer 2023’s hottest shoe trends, I have to admit: my heart still lies with the minimalist sandals worn by French and NYC girls. They’re not only for the beach— one of our favorite editors and influencers Camille Charrière pictured above is opting for a knit top and sleek trousers with her pair and I’ve got to say, I’m diggin’ it.
Summer and espadrilles basically go hand-in-hand. For this ultra-laid back style, NYC women and French girls love to wear them with sun dresses or linen-sets for an extra ‘OOO’ feel. BRB, heading to the south of France!
