I've Studied French Style—This is the Timeless Jeans and Flat Shoe Pairing Parisians Wear Most
Cropped jeans are trending—this is the timeless shoe trend French women always pair theirs with.
Before anything else, I'm a jeans person, meaning there's some form of denim in my outfit at least five days a week. Whilst denim itself is the constant, the wash, silhouette and styling details shift with the seasons, and right now, I'm reaching for cropped jeans more than any other.
Sleek and polished, ankle-grazing jeans have become my summer go-to. And the shoe trend I've found complements them best? French women's favourite ballet flats.
Comfortable and considered but not fussy or overstyled, this pairing embodies the effortless approach to dressing that French women do so well.
By revealing just a sliver of ankle, cropped jeans bring a lightness to denim that feels particularly well-suited to summer. Meanwhile, ballet flats offer all the polish of a smarter shoe whilst remaining just as comfortable as your favourite trainers. They're also an elegant alternative to sandals, making them ideal for days when you want a little more coverage.
There's a reason the chicest French women continue to return to this combination year after year. Scroll on to shop the best cropped jeans and ballet flats to recreate the look for yourself.
Shop Cropped Jeans and Ballet Flats:

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.