Every French Woman's Shoe Capsule Includes These Ballerina-Adjacent Flats
Over the years, I've continued to keep close tabs on what stylish Parisians are wearing, especially their footwear. As you can imagine, French women tend to edit their shoes down to a select number of styles that they can repeat over and over. I've watched trending styles come and go from their outfits, but throughout it all, polished flats have remained a wardrobe backbone, including a specific silhouette that's even more polished than classic ballerinas—Mary Jane flats. It's not that these classic shoes ever went out of style, but with fashion's focus on flat shoes as a whole, the Mary Jane silhouette is earning a forever spot in many stylish people's wardrobes, but none more than the French.
Considering that these shoes have been spotted in recent runway collections and the fashion set has fastidiously taken up wearing them, it's safe to say that Mary Janes are starting to get the recognition they deserve. After all, this style is one of the best shoe purchases you can make and has infinite styling possibilities. In an effort to prove my point, I've curated seven outfits that you can pretty much always find the French (and British and Italian, for that matter) wearing with these shoes.
White Cotton Dress + Pouch Bag + Mary Jane Flats
You know a shoe style is worth a try when it's spotted on the French fashion set, and such is the case with Mary Jane shoes. Take a cue from the look above and opt for a black pair with a white cotton dress and small pouch bag for an effortlessly chic ensemble.
Car Coat + Knit Top + Cigarette Trousers + Mary Jane Flats
This shoe style can magically transform wardrobe staples like a trench coat and black trousers from basic to polished. No experimental outfit combinations here—just a straightforward look that can and should be worn on repeat.
Oversize T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Mary Jane Flats
What's another simple way to incorporate Mary Jane shoes into your life seamlessly? Pair them with oversize layers like a striped T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, and column skirt. This outfit is easy to throw on and embodies that cool French effortlessness.
Maxi Dress + Colorful Bag + Mary Jane Flats
What's so wonderful about this shoe style is that it really does elevate every look. Case in point: the outfit above. A simple maxi dress becomes a fully styled look when paired with pretty Mary Janes.
Blazer + Cropped Jeans + Oversize Clutch + Mary Jane Flats
Just because this shoe style is a bit minimalist doesn't mean it can't pack a punch. One styling tip I swear by is pairing a monochrome look with Mary Janes and adding one accessory, like a great handbag, in a contrasting hue. It lets the silhouettes do all the talking.
Blazer + Pleated Skirt + Elegant Bag + Mary Jane Flats
If you don't want to have full flashbacks to your youth but still want to tap into the school-inspired aesthetic, look no further than the outfit above. Pairing a pleated miniskirt with a T-shirt, a blazer, and Mary Jane shoes will give you that same preppy aesthetic without feeling too kitschy.
Wool Coat + Denim Shirt + White Tee + Straight-Leg Jeans + Mary Jane Flats
When styling these shoes, there's no better way to pay homage to their school-uniform history than with a button-down look. Whether you opt for double denim, like this outfit, or go for a classic poplin shirt, the combination never fails to read as polished.
