There was a time when I might have happily penned a list titled “10 Essential Shoes for a Timeless French Wardrobe.” But today, I feel drawn to something more personal, a reflection on the shoes that live in my wardrobe: the pairs I wear often, the ones I’ve recently added, and those I no longer reach for.
As I shared in my previous piece on what French style looks like today (and how to make it yours), my interpretation of French style has evolved, shaped, in part, by the clean lines, soft tailoring, and subdued palette of Scandinavian fashion. There’s a minimalist, almost androgynous spirit to the way women dress in the North, and living in Amsterdam has only deepened that influence. I love mixing these pared-back silhouettes with classic Parisian pieces, effortless, subtly bohemian à la Isabel Marant, refined without ever feeling overdone.
It’s a kind of méli-mélo, as we say in French, a personal blend of shapes, textures, and influences gathered from different chapters of my life: Paris, London, Bordeaux, and now here, in Amsterdam. And truly, I admire the way women dress in this city. The style here is less about overt femininity, and more about function and form, elegant in its practicality, with an ease that never sacrifices intention. Clothes aren’t just ornamental; they give posture, presence, and a sense of confidence. They’re made to move, to work, and to say something, subtly, but clearly.
And so, from these cities and their women, a reflection on shoes emerges: those that carry me through the seasons and the in-between days, when I don’t quite know what to wear (which happens more often than you’d think). The shoes that ground an outfit, that travel well, that return with stories. And those we save for summer light or winter frost. In short, yes, today we’re talking about shoes. And I hope, by the end of this piece, you’ll have found your perfect pair. Or at the very least, one that feels just right :).
This article is unsponsored. If you choose to buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and use myself. Merci beaucoup.
1. The Timeless Ones
Looking closely at my wardrobe and daily habits, I’ve realized there are four types of shoes I reach for again and again, pairs that go with everything, slip on effortlessly, are comfortable, and, importantly, walkable (or bicyclable, if you live in Europe).
Ballet Flats
Not the traditional round-toe style with a little bow (as charming as it is, I find it a touch too classic), but more modern interpretations. This season, I chose a woven leather pair from Margaux, incredibly soft, with 5 mm of plush foam padding (I recommend sizing down by half). I also love Mary Jane silhouettes like the Demi Jane or the Claudia by Le Monde Beryl. And then there’s the mesh flat, unexpectedly refined, especially with a fresh red pedicure. The Marcy from Khaite is particularly beautiful. I wear all of these with straight-leg or wide-leg trousers, cropped or floor-length.
Loafers
To me, loafers are the ideal chic alternative to sneakers, they elevate a look without ever feeling too formal. If you’re looking to invest in a truly timeless pair, I’d recommend the Glossed-leather loafers or the Gomma leather loafers from Tod’s. I bought my own pair of Gommas years ago, and I still wear them regularly. The leather is exceptional, the craftsmanship impeccable, and the comfort unmatched. Yes, they’re an investment, but one I’ve never regretted. I love wearing mine with cropped jeans, but also with full-length wide-leg styles that just skim the top of the shoe.
Ankle Boots
These are my winter essentials. I own two pairs: one flat Chelsea style that’s incredibly comfortable, and one with a slightly higher shaft and a small heel. I like contrasting styles, for instance, this elegant pair from Sandro I’ve had my eye on for years (they’d look perfect with cropped straight-leg jeans), or the Estime boots from Carel. I own two pairs already: one in red patent leather and another in navy with a white toe. I love how they elongate the foot, they’re refined, feminine, and surprisingly easy to walk in.
Sneakers
These are, without a doubt, the shoes I wear most often year-round. Easy to wear, effortlessly versatile, and just the right touch of casual. I even love pairing them with tailored trousers for a slightly undone, nonchalant edge. My current favorites? The Nike Cortez (ultra-comfortable!), the Adidas Originals Samba OG, and the reissue of the iconic 1991 Gazelle designed in collaboration with + Sporty & Rich. Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to colorful suede sneakers, a little more elevated than classic leather. I wear them with everything from jeans to structured trousers.
2. The Seasonal Ones
For Summer
In summer, I find that a beautiful pair of flat leather sandals is truly the shoe of the season. They’re easy to wear with fluid linen trousers, wide-leg jeans (even the longer ones that fall just over the sandal), and even more tailored, office-friendly trousers with pleats. A simple piece, but endlessly versatile, always bringing une touche de chic to summer dressing.
For Winter
Last winter, I found the perfect pair of boots from Massimo Dutti: a refined equestrian style that has just returned in their new autumn collection. I love wearing them with slim or straight-leg trousers, ideally a more fitted cut that can be tucked into the boots. I’ll pair them with a long shirt or blouse, something fluid, layered under a blazer, a wool coat, or even a cape. On rainy or colder days, I slip on thick wool socks underneath for warmth and comfort. They’ve become a seasonal staple, both practical and chic.
4. The Ones I No Longer Wear (and the Trends I Never Embraced)
There are shoes I’ve worn in the past that no longer feel quite like me, and others I never truly embraced. Stilettos, for instance. I’ve never managed to find comfort or elegance in towering heels, even for evening. I much prefer the quiet sophistication of two-tone slingback pumps like these, or the retro charm of Carel’s Mary Janes. Chunky, sporty sandals, so popular a few summers ago, never found a place in my wardrobe either. I’ve always leaned toward more timeless shapes: slim, flat styles from Amanu, K. Jacques St. Tropez, or A.Emery.
I’ve also moved away from espadrilles. I used to love them, especially the classic wedge styles, but today I only consider the flat versions, and only for summer holidays. Then there are the trends that were simply never for me: clogs, UGGs (I much prefer a pair of Moon Boots when it snows in Amsterdam or in the Alps), and flip-flops, always a little too casual for my taste. That said, I’ll make an exception for something more refined, like the Deia in woven leather, effortless, but elevated ;).
