When Ballet Flats Won’t Do—This is the Shoe French Women Wear Instead

Collage of influencers wearing pointed-toe slingback heels.

(Image credit: @annelauremais, @sylviemus_, @vikilefevre)

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published 7 December 2025

When I'm stuck for styling inspiration, my first port of call is always the French. With a natural knack for making their everyday outfits feel more elevated than the rest, I like to touch base with the hero items circulating the French fashion set's wardrobe come the turn of the season, to see if I can bolster my own rotation with any outfit-enhancing buys. This time around I've been paying special attention to the shoes they're using to enhance their styling, and I've come across a particularly chic silhouette that seems to run through the very chicest French women's wardrobes.

Skirting trainers and side-stepping chunky boots, the Parisian style set is stepping out in pointed-toe slingbacks on repeat right now—an ideal midpoint between the ease of flats and the formality of full-height court shoes.

Influencer @sylviemus_ wears a black v-neck dress with black pointed-toe slingbacks and a white scarf.

Why is it that so many French women are wearing them right now? For starters, the elongated pointed toe sharpens any outfit, lending a polished, intentional energy without requiring a full head-to-toe overhaul. Whether paired with relaxed denim, tailored trousers, floaty skirts, or sleek evening dresses, the silhouette has a transformative quality that always elevates.

Influencer @vikilefevre wears trousers with black pointed-toe slingbacks and a denim jacket.

Then there’s the slingback strap—whereas a classic pump can skew a little prim, the slingback reads modern and unfussy. It offers subtle support without compromising on sophistication and adds enough interest to make an otherwise minimal outfit feel styled. It’s exactly the kind of quietly clever detail the French rely on to keep their looks feeling effortless rather than overworked.

Influencer @juliesfi wears black pointed-toe slingbacks with shorts and a jumper.

Another reason Parisians are gravitating toward the style is its sheer versatility. Think of them as the perfect “in-between” shoe: elevated enough for dinners and events, yet unfussy and considered enough for daytime occasions.

Influencer @vikilefevre wears blue tights with black pointed-toe slingbacks and a leopard print coat.

As the new season unfolds, expect to see even more variations emerging—from glossy patent finishes and demure kitten heels.

Ready to tap into the trend? Explore our edit of the best pointed-toe slingbacks to shop now.

Shop Pointed-Toe Slingbacks:

H&M

Pointed Slingbacks

While I love these in the sleek black, they also come in red and gold.

Whistles

Black Cecily Slingback Heel

The cross-strap detail ensures a comfortable fit.

Saint Laurent

Amalia Slingback Pumps in Patent Leather

Saint Laurent's extreme pointed-toe shoes are a fashion person's new-season favourite.

Reformation

Noreen Slingback Pump

Style tailored trousers or pair with a sleek pencil skirt.

Calvin Klein

Soft Leather Slingback Pumps

The kitten heel adds a little height without sacrificing any comfort.

Tom Ford

Satin Slingback Pumps

The satin shoe trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Sézane

Serena High Heels

These also come in a glossy shade of black.

Arket

Slingback Leather Pumps

Shop these while they're on sale.

Mango

Leather Sling Back Pointed Heel

The high-vamp finish lends these a sophisticated edge.

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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.