Even if you just barely follow French style, you probably at least know that French women really love wearing dresses in the summer. (More on the dress trends they’re wearing this summer here.) And while it used to be the case that they’d typically pair them with espadrilles, 2023 is proving that times have changed.
I’ve come across lots of examples of French women wearing dresses since the weather warmed up, and the shoe trends I’m seeing on repeat are all vastly different from each other. It just goes to show that anything goes when it comes to what shoes to wear with dresses these days, and I love that for us.
Below, you’ll see nine of the main summer shoe trends French fashion girls are wearing with dresses, and if it leaves you inspired, I’ve shopped out incredibly chic versions of each trend to wear with your own dresses.
Ballet flats have obviously been a thing for a minute now, but I’ve come across several examples of French girls wearing ankle-wrap iterations with dresses lately. It’s a fresh variation on a very saturated trend.
It may not be a typical summer shoe trend, but Western boots—especially with mini dresses—are trending this summer, and French girls are embracing the fun look.
If you want to look instantly sophisticated and timeless, do as the French do and pair a dress with sleek kitten heels.
Sneakers with dresses is a defining look of the 2020s, and it’s still going strong in Paris. French girls are especially into wearing retro sneakers like Adidas Sambas, and Asics, and Salomons.
Given that fisherman sandals are one of the biggest sandal trends of the year, it’s not surprising that French women have embraced wearing them with dresses—especially for daytime.
Fancy flip-flops were once polarizing but now they’re fully acceptable. (If French women are wearing them with dresses, there’s no denying it.)
Sweet Mary Janes and dresses go hand-in-hand, and this combo perfectly suits the classic French aesthetic. Bonus points for adding white socks.
Minimal sandals are great because they go with any style of dress under the sun. It’s a universally beloved style that makes the dress the focal point of your look.
Last but not least, wedges are an easy way to make your dresses look fresh and forward this summer. French girls are especially gravitating toward sleek, non-bulky styles.
