It's no secret that I often turn to the French style muses on my Instagram feed when I need some outfit inspiration. I can't help but fall for the allure of their elevated and effortless aesthetic. During a recent perusal, I noticed a trend among the Parisian women I follow. Many, if not all of them, were wearing socks with two classic shoe styles: ballet flats and loafers. Pairing socks with unexpected shoe options is nothing new, but when French women give a trend their own twist, I am all eyes and ears.
Ahead, you'll catch a roundup of eight inspiring outfits straight from the streets of Paris where your attention will be immediately drawn to the sock-and-shoe combo. We're not just talking about the usual basic white crew socks, either—you'll also spot some colorful options and some frilly details. The ballet flats are pretty classic all around, whereas the loafers tend to lean trendier with chunkier silhouettes. Keep scrolling to check out each incredibly chic French-inspired outfit idea and to shop each look.
Shop the look:
Sweater-vests are back in the spotlight.
So many styling possibilities.
The cutest socks.
These look designer.
Shop the look:
This top's a year-rounder.
Perfect jeans.
Cashmere socks? Sign me up.
Chic penny loafers.
Shop the look:
I'm obsessed with cuffed jeans.
Burgundy pieces are trending.
Major ballerina vibes.
Shop the look:
Great buttoned and belted or worn open.
Light-wash jeans that don't feel dated.
Best to buy these in packs.
To wear forever.
A very Parisian accessory.
Shop the look:
I live in baseball caps all year round.
This is a standout.
Hello, statement earrings.
Fashion-forward pants for the win.
Neutral socks go with everything.
Truly elegant flats.
Shop the look:
You can never have enough button-downs.
Guaranteed to be a closet staple.
The fashion set loves Hue socks.
Sam Edelman comes through again.
Shop the look:
A polished pick.
Free People denim is always so good.
More neutral sock options.
I love a good pair of snakeskin-print shoes.
Shop the look:
This jacket looks way more expensive than the price tag.
Into all the details.
Giving French vibes.
Another cool pair of cuffed denim.
Gray is also having a moment.
Classic ballet flats.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
The 2 Tank Top Trends That Make Every Outfit Look Peak 2025It's all in the details—er, necklines.
-
5 Flat Shoe Trends I Refuse To Wear During a Manhattan Summer, and the 5 I Can't Live WithoutI'll walk a mile in these shoes.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
-
Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find At a TimeFrom summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
-
These 21 Premium-Looking Old Navy Pieces Feel Straight-Up LuxuriousAnd so many are on sale!
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
-
Honestly? These 7 Summer Shoe Trends Feel a Little DatedBut these seven styles feel very 2025.
-
A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the BillBring on the compliments.
