I'm a Brit Living in Paris—5 Anti-Trend Sandals French Women Are Living In This Summer

Sylvie Mus

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Here at Who What Wear, we vehemently champion the allure of French women's apparel and the same is true with footwear. French women's shoe capsules are equally as significant as their clothing and when summer rolls around, so does the re-introduction of classic sandals. I've observed the staple pieces adorned by the women in Paris and it's the same each summer — ranging from slip-on sandals, to ankle-tie shoes and the itty-bitty minuscule heel, there's a variation of celebrated styles but each is notably unique and refined. Ever the minimalists, French women often opt for barely-there options and there is no more streamlined fit than the thong or flip-flop sandal (and I know the appeal). Despite the many exciting sandals on the market, I wear flip-flops with most daytime outfits when the weather becomes balmy, even opting for heeled versions for eveningwear. At this point "a little heel" has also become synonymous with French women's footwear — whether it's the gloved shoe, mule or heeled sandals, chunky block heels, or kitten styles. If you're looking for some inspiration for the warmer months ahead, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for five sandal categories French women adore.

Leasy in Paris

(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

Shop The Sandals French Women Are Wearing This Summer:

1. Heeled Sandals

2. Crossover Sandals

3. Block Heel Sandals

4. Thong Sandals

5. Minimalist Sandals

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.