We talk a lot about French women and their ballet flats, but the shoes they wear out at night don't get quite as much airtime. No, they don't have a cute rounded toe with a bow on top, but they are just as classic as any pair of ballet flats, and they're guaranteed to do the job every single time you need something a touch more formal on your feet. I'm talking about black heels—the kind with an elegant pointed toe and long stiletto heel—and every French woman has a pair that she quietly swears by for parties, events, dinners, and more in Paris and beyond.
WHO: Camille Rowe
Don't believe me? Just see French American model Camille Rowe's look for the Bal d'Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a black-tie gala hosted by Sofia Coppola during Haute Couture Week. Rowe, who's been dishing French-girl fashion inspiration for years, attended the event wearing a champagne-coloured long-sleeve gown made of sheer silk organza that featured allover beaded embroidery. She carried a tiny silk handbag and black scarf, finishing off the ensemble with a pair of timeless black patent-leather pumps.
What's great about this footwear style is that it's not groundbreaking. Not everything has to be as controversial as jelly sandals or PVC wedges. You can—and should!—just have a beautiful pair of hardworking shoes. Clearly, French women appreciate them. If you do too, keep scrolling. Shop the best black heels of 2025 below.
Shop Classic Black Heels:
As classic a shoe as you'll ever see.
The cut of this shoe is just so elegant.
If you usually live in flats, these micro kitten heels will be more aligned to you than stilettos.
So chic—the satin fabrication also feels very French to me!
These heels also come in a chic ecru colour.
The addition of straps doesn't take away from how timeless these heels are.
I love the unusual-shaped heel on this Topshop pair.
These will look so cute worn with crop trousers and shorter hemlines so you can see the buckle detail.
A shoe that will never, ever date.
The gold T-bar might feel fancy, but this shoe is just as classic as the rest of my edit.
-
New York It Girls Agree—This is the Coolest Heels Trend to Pair With Skirts Right NowI have to say, I agree.
-
Don't Even Think About Puffer Coats—This Is the Retro Alternative Parisians Are Wearing This WinterTre chic!
-
Not Wedges, Not Stilettos—This Is the New-Season Heels Trend Fashion People Are Wearing InsteadThe chicest upgrade.
-
First VB, Then Kate Middleton, Now Alexa’s Also Choosing This New Shoe TrendLoved by a princess, a former pop star and an It girl.
-
Spotted on the Red Carpet in London: The Affordable Basic You Can Buy at M&S, Zara and H&MWhen high street becomes high fashion.
-
Sorry, Stilettos, Every Fashion Person I Know Is Elevating Their Winter Looks With This Heel TrendIt's my one recommendation.
-
Nobody Makes Denim Look Chicer Than French Women—3 Shoe Trends They're Styling with Cigarette Jeans Right NowInspiration incoming.
-
From the Biebers to the Beckhams, These Are the 10 Best-Dressed Celebrity Couples From the Past DecadeEverything is romantic.
