11 Anti-Trend Shoes That I Keep Seeing on Women in Paris and New York City

If there's one thing NYC and Parisian women 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 increased movement, New Yorkers and the French seem to take it to the extreme, walking nearly everywhere they can. It is a simple fact of life that the footwear these women choose has to be utterly comfortable and completely stylish due to 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 the essentials you need (including a few pairs you already have in your closet without realizing it). 

Retro Sneakers

With step counts in the thousands, it's no wonder stylish women rely on classic, fun sneakers for their everyday needs. Pair the below trainers with baggy jeans and a leather jacket for an It girl-inspired look.

Ballet Flats

We're big fans of ballet flats here at Who What Wear. How could you not be? This simple style goes with everything and feels chic enough to throw on with baggy trousers or an elevated minidress when heading out to happy hour with your friends.

Strappy Sandals

Summer is the perfect time to incorporate new footwear into your outfits, and this timeless minimal heel style will outlast any heatwave.

Sporty Sneakers

While Asics seems 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 athleticwear and a trench to keep things interesting.

Loafers

What can I say? I'm a loafer girl, just like the cool girls of New York City and the sophisticated French women of Paris. While people in Europe tend to stick to sleeker silhouettes, the New York crowd loves platform and lug-sole styles that remain timeless with any outfit.

Sleek Boots

One thing we can all agree on is 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.

Heeled Mules

The '90s are calling, and they're incredibly proud that this ultra-slinky shoe trend is still around and kicking. You 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.

Flip-Flops

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 are everywhere now, New Yorkers and French women have been throwing on the style for ages when the heat starts rising. 

Mary Janes

This is by far the prettiest shoe style on this list. Mary Janes are the go-to footwear of choice for anyone looking to dive into their feminine side. Add ankle-length socks for an extra dainty effect.

Minimalist Slides

While gladiator sandals are becoming one of summer 2023's hottest shoe trends, I have to admit: my heart still lies with the minimal sandals worn by the French and New Yorkers. They're not only for the beach. One of our favorite editors and influencers, Camille Charrière (pictured above), has opted for a knit top and sleek trousers with her pair, and I've got to say, I'm diggin' it.

Espadrilles

Summer and espadrilles go hand in hand. For this ultra-laid back style, New Yorkers and the French love to wear them with sundresses or linen sets for an OOO feel. BRB, heading to the south of France!