Here are the 5 boots French women are wearing now and throughout the winter. You can’t go wrong with a great pair of boots in classic hues! Whether styled with jeans, tailored trousers, or a dress, these essential shoe styles can add sophistication to any basic winter outfit.
And if this season you’re looking for a classic and stylish pair of boots you’ll wear again and again, you know, the one pair that can take you from the office to dinner and with which you can get around the city in any weather, I’ve got you covered!
From failsafe ankle boots to classic Chelseas, knee-high boots, and buckled combat styles, I’ve gathered a list of the most stylish boots of the season. These will work with just about everything you already have in your wardrobe and will feel appropriate for any occasion.
So without further ado, browse and shop the best French-girl-approved boot styles below.
1. The Block-Heel Ankle Boots
I think there is no safer option than the classic ankle boots! Not only are they the ideal pair of shoes for almost any time of the year, but those stylish shoes can suit many looks and can easily be dressed up or down. Whether styled with jeans, tailored pants, or a dress, ankle boots add sophistication to any outfit.
Being French, my ultimate go-to winter outfit is to combine a pair of ankle boots with straight-leg jeans, and a cashmere turtleneck underneath a wool-blend blazer. This season, I love these fabulous Madewell Mira ankle boots in leather.
2. The Chic Suede Boots
Whether styled with jeans and sweaters, heeled or flat, I do think you can’t go wrong with suede boots! And even if these are entirely acceptable year-round, they are definitely the ideal shoe option for the fall-winter season. A great pair of suede boots are a true staple that will last for decades in your wardrobe.
This season, consider opting for knee-high silhouettes (like these Chloé Piper knee boots) or classic ankle boots (like these Isabel Marant Dripi boots). For the ultimate comfort opt for these Gianvito Rossi flat suede boots.
Also, if you’re looking for more affordable options I love these fabulous Madewell Mira ankle boots. Finally, when dressing up for any special occasion, aim for more dramatic silhouettes like stiletto (like these ba&sh Caitlin boots) or angled suede boots (I love these Roger Vivier square metal buckle boots).
3. The Classic Chelsea Boots
The classic Chelsea boots are definitely a French wardrobe winter staple. This shoe option offers somewhere between one and two inches of height, which is perfect if you have a lot of miles ahead of you.
Versatile, walkable, and comfortable, Chelsea boots are the perfect shoes if you’re looking for chic and elegant footwear without the possibility of getting some serious foot pain.
Being French, Chelsea boots are one of my favorite shoe options for the fall-winter season. I’ve bought these Macha boots at Bobbies Paris (there is a similar pair at Sézane) and I have these Très Vivier Chelsea Booties on my wishlist as well.
4. The Timeless Knee-High Boots
Whether flat or heeled, knee-highs are a basic boot shape to have in your winter capsule wardrobe. It’s a great footwear option to stay warm in the colder months while still looking stylish and pulled together.
Versatile, knee-high boots can look fantastic with a variety of outfits. You can wear them with a dress, a pair of black leggings or jeans. If you’re petite, prefer heeled ones as they offer a bit of height that helps elongate the legs.
This season, I love equestrian-inspired boot styles like these Jil Sander knee-high leather boots or these Tory Burch The Riding boots. These classic boots add an upgrade to the most casual outfit. Also if you love Chloé’s Mallo boots I found in a similar style these J.Crew knee-high boots.
5. The Cozy Shearling Boots
Shearling boots are one of my favorite footwear options for the coldest winter months! These shoe styles give us the comfort of a house slipper while keeping our feet toasty even in sub-zero temperatures.
This season, you’ll find a myriad of shearling boots to accompany your favorite winter coat. I especially love the See by Chloé’s Mallory boots and Manolo Blahnik’s Mircus boots.
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In the photo with the Oxford shoes it appears that the girl has on black hose… are hose still in style?
Bonjour Sheri! Merci for your comment! Yes, indeed black tights are in style, French women generally avoid skin-toned tights 🙂 xo
I spent years trying to match the perfect skin-toned tights and my life has become so much easier since adopting the French black tights rule. Though there are many shades and textures of black…….:)
Great to know that black tights are ‘in fashion’ – due to 12 operations – my legs have a lot of scars – so I can be ‘In Fashion’ and wear dresses and skirts ……Yeahhhhh
Hi Leonce,
Love your site! My daughter and I are heading to Paris – Spain – Portugal – Switzerland in Nov / Dec 2022. We are from Queensland, Australia so are preparing for a fairly extreme temp change. As we will be travelling quite a bit by train and bus we have opted to do carry on only. So we are thinking carefully about our packing list.
In terms of shoes, my daughter has her platform Doc Martens and I have some leather boots but will we need snow boots? We have some thermal socks etc. I really don’t want to take a chance on being uncomfortably cold, but also don’t want to have to carry boots through Portugal (2 weeks) if not essential.
Also, we are planning to go to the Moulin Rouge, so excited about this. Can we get away with jeans / black pants and a nice knit?
Thanks so much, Lee
Bonjour Lee, thank you very much for your comment! In Paris, snow is exceptional in winter, and as temperatures are generally not negative if it snows, it never lasts very long. So I don’t think you will need snow boots for Paris but maybe for Switzerland?
In Nov / Dec in Paris, temperatures are around 8°/4°C so you’ll need a good wool coat to go to the Moulin Rouge 🙂