We talk a lot about French women and their ballet flats, but the shoes they wear out at night don't get quite as much airtime. No, they don't have a cute rounded toe with a bow on top, but they are just as classic as any pair of ballet flats, and they're guaranteed to do the job every single time you need something a touch more formal on your feet. I'm talking about black heels—the kind with an elegant pointed toe and long stiletto heel—and every French woman has a pair that she quietly swears by for parties, events, dinners, and more in Paris and beyond.
WHO: Camille Rowe
Don't believe me? Just see French American model Camille Rowe's look for the Bal d'Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a black-tie gala hosted by Sofia Coppola during Haute Couture Week. Rowe, who's been dishing French-girl fashion inspiration for years, attended the event wearing a champagne-colored long-sleeve gown made of sheer silk organza that featured allover beaded embroidery. She carried a tiny silk handbag and black scarf, finishing off the ensemble with a pair of timeless black patent-leather pumps.
What's great about this footwear style is that it's not groundbreaking. Not everything has to be as controversial as jelly shoes or PVC wedges. You can—and should!—just have a beautiful pair of hardworking shoes. Clearly, French women appreciate them. If you do too, keep scrolling. Shop the best black pumps of 2025 below.
Shop classic black heels:
-
Victoria Beckham Just Put an Elegant and Fresh Spin on the Anti-Trend Jeans That Petite Women LoveSleek and chic.
-
From Paddock 'Fits to On-Track Rivalries: Go Sports Dives Into F1 Ahead of the 2025 LVGPRead up before lights out on Saturday night.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Nordstrom Black Friday Sale, These Are the 37 Items She'd Immediately Add to Her CartEffortlessly chic.
-
I Showed My Closet to a Therapist—Spoiler: She Wanted to Talk About the Leopard-Print CoatMy wardrobe, analyzed.
-
I Thought This Pant Trend Was Surely Out Until I Saw J.Law Wear It With These BootsInstantly changed my mind.
-
Red Bow Dresses, Velvet Pants, and Tuxedo Shirts—Emma Roberts Shares What She's Wearing This Holiday SeasonAll at affordable price point.
-
Instead of Leggings and Sneakers, Fashion Girls Are Wearing Puffer Jackets With These Non-Skinny Pants and BootsIt feels fresh and very 2025.
-
I'm Betting On It: 5 Designer Items Celebs Will Wear This Holiday SeasonPredictions so good, one of them already came true.
