Parisians are defining my fall wardrobe one category at a time. First, it was color trends, with royal purple and burgundy leading the charge, and now it's flat shoe trends. I always pay close attention to the shoe choices chic French women make. What type of heel height they pair with trousers or, say, a pair of shorts. I've noticed, more often than not, they choose a flat sole: a ballet flat, loafer, thing-soled boot, you name it.
With that in mind, I wrote down the three flat-shoe trends French women are wearing this fall. Scroll on to see which ones made the list and how to style them.
3 French Woman-Approved Shoe Trends for Fall 2026High-Vamp Flats
(Image credit: @annelauremais)Also called a glove flat, this modern take on a ballet flat features a high vamp silhouette and sleek profile. French women keep it within arm's reach every fall for its versatility and wearability. It looks great with jeans and trousers.
Old Navy V-Cut Ballet Flats Nordstrom Maddox Ballet Flat J.Crew Verona Ballet Flats DOLCE VITA Kory Ballet Flats Dear Frances Gala Reformation Blaine Ballet FlatRiding Boots
(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)Designed to mimic the look of traditional riding boots, these tall, knee-high boots offer a clean look with pencil skirts and shorts in the fall.
ZARA Leather Riding Boots Lauren Brooke Ii Calfskin Tall Boot Frye Quinn D Leather Knee High Boot Frye Campus Knee High Riding Boot Stuart Weitzman Celia Riding Boot Sam Edelman Penny Tall Leather Riding BootRuched Loafers
(Image credit: @salome.mory)No fall shoe rack is complete without a loafer, and in a French woman's shoe closet you'll note a specific style: the ruched loafer. It features a gathered toe box with soft pleats around the curve of the shoe. It's a refined style people love, with the casual elegance of a Parisian fashionista.
Dolce Vita Baxen Penny Loafer Reformation Francine Ruched Loafer Madewell The Ashley Ruched Loafer Vagabond Shoemakers Brandi Loafer Steve Madden Quest Penny Loafer G.H.BASS Whitney Weejuns® Penny Loafer