Instead of my usual post about the shoe styles French women wear in summer, I thought it would be more interesting to share a personal touch this time. I’m excited to present the shoes that I have purchased or plan to buy for this summer. Do let me know in the comments if you prefer this personal approach or a broader look at trends in France and Paris :).
In today’s post, I’m sharing my selection of six pairs of shoes that I absolutely love and will be wearing all summer long. There’s something for everyone: from city-appropriate sandals to on-trend espadrilles, très chic and trendy ballet flats, and stunning suede loafers and sandals. These choices are chic and timeless, perfect for the entire season and many more summers to come. Continue reading to discover and shop my carefully curated edit of shoe styles that, in my opinion, truly embody French chic this summer.
This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
P.S. I know ankle boots aren’t typically considered summer footwear, but could mesh ankle boots be an exception? For a special occasion where you want chic closed shoes, I absolutely love Chanel’s mesh ankle boots, like the ones the model is wearing in the feature photo of this post. I found a few pairs on Vestiaire Collective: here in black and leather and here in black and white. You’re welcome ;)!
- Espadrilles are one of my favorite shoes to wear in summer. This season, I purchased the Castañer Chiara 80 canvas wedge espadrilles in blush, which I wore to a wedding in Sevilla last month. They are super chic! I recommend opting for a size above your usual for better comfort. I also suggest a pair of flats like the Gea canvas espadrilles. While in Spain, I bought these beautiful Goya espadrilles, which are incredibly comfortable and very well-made. I love Castañer!
- As I mentioned in my previous post about the essentials in my French summer wardrobe, I have a thing for mesh ballet flats this season, especially the Magda Butrym embroidered mesh ballet flats, which I absolutely love! These are on my shopping list, and unfortunately, they are selling super fast. Currently, they are on sale at 25% off on SSENSE, or you can purchase them on Luisaviaroma. They are nearly sold out on the official brand website and on Net-a-Porter.
- The Chloé Rebecca leather sandals have been on my wishlist since last year! I absolutely love them and believe they are perfect for both the office and the city. You can pair them with wide-leg linen pants, bermuda shorts, or ecru denim. If your budget allows, I highly recommend them. If not, don’t worry—I found another great alternative just below!
- I absolutely love the A-EMERY Jalen sandals, which I discovered last year and plan to purchase this summer. They are a great option for city wear and a more affordable alternative to the Chloé Rebecca sandals. This summer, consider opting for a pair in nutmeg suede, or check out the gorgeous merlot pair, which will look stunning paired with khaki, beige, navy blue, or black bottoms.
- If you’re a faithful reader of Leonce Chenal, you already know about my love for loafers. I’ve always wanted a summer alternative to my favorite Tod’s Gemma Pensante loafers in a lighter fabric like suede. After a long search, I finally found the perfect pair: Scarosso’s Ludovica Electric Blue Suede Loafers! These stunning loafers in electric blue will add a vibrant touch to my predominantly neutral summer wardrobe.
- I purchased these beautiful Ancient Greek Sandals Victory of Samotrace sandals last year and wore them all summer on vacation. I love Greek-style sandals, which are flat and feature strappy heels. They pair very well with any dress and pants.
Et voilà! I hope you enjoyed this selection. I’d love to hear about your favorite summer shoes or any recommendations you have, so feel free to share in the comments below! Merci.
Bonjour! I’m Léonce, the founder of Léonce Chenal, a blog dedicated to French fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I’m French, and I'm originally from a small town near Annecy. I launched Léonce Chenal in 2018 while working as a data analyst in London to share my love of effortless French style. After living in Paris, London, and Amsterdam, I’ve now settled in the beautiful city of Bordeaux. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me baking pâtisseries, exploring hidden museums, or searching for the perfect perfume. I hope this space brings a touch of beauté to your everyday life!
I love your posts!!! Hoping to get to France again as soon as they let US citizens back in! This article has me really thinking…I’m long retired so I’ve gotten very used to being very comfortable, perhaps a bit sloppy, with my clothes…especially shoes. I am a flip flop fan, wearing ones with good support, but…the slide sandals and flat espadrilles look spectacular!! And the photo of the woman in the black pants and blazer…that could have been ME back in my working days!!!
I loved suits, blazers, slim pants, pencil skirts…and heels!! Always heels!! I dressed up when many of my colleagues dressed more casually!! Since retiring, I realize I’ve gotten a bit sloppy.
So…THANK YOU for your amazing posts…I’m realizing that I need to get back to my more polished style!
Now to figure out a way to do that, still be very comfortable, and cool!!
Bonjour Chris, thank you so much for your lovely feedback <3 xo Léonce
Just started with your newsletter and I absolutely LOVE it. SO nice to see beautiful, classi clothes and shoes this has been my style all my life!
Merci bien, Leonce – magnifique!
Thank you so very much Cassandra <3 I'm glad to hear you love the newsletter! Merci beaucoup 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful fashion post which I enjoy reading for inspiration. I too love espradrills they so comfortable and very chic. I have 4 pairs which I wear all summer long. Have a lovely summer.
Janette.
Thank you, Janette! I’m so glad you enjoy the posts and find inspiration in them <3 Espadrilles really are the perfect summer shoe, and it sounds like you have a nice collection ;). Have a wonderful summer! xo
Love the Chloe Rebecca sandals but a tad out of my price range. I did find an almost identical pair by Steve Madden. The Brazinn Gladiator Flat Sandal. They are arriving today! Great pair and very versitile! Can’t wait to wear them!
Love your style!!
Lisa
Thank you for the suggestion, Lisa! I can definitely see Chloé Rebecca’s inspiration in Steve Madden’s Brazinn Gladiator Flat Sandals ;). Merci, also, for your kind words about my style; it means a lot to me! I wish you a wonderful summer! xo
I love both types of posts both personal and general trends
Bonjour Aakanksha! Thank you very much for sharing your opinion. I’ll definitely keep both types of posts to ensure a mix of personal insights and general trends. Merci xo
Hello
Wouah les bottines chanel trop trop stylées
Super ton article pour les chaussures
Beaucoup d originalité