In today’s post, I’ve gathered a curated selection of the chicest shoes I’ve spotted online—think of it as a little style edit, put together just for you, with the same care I would take choosing pieces for my own wardrobe :). When it comes to shoes, I must admit I’m rather particular: they not only need to be elegant, but also versatile enough to go with nearly everything I wear (there’s nothing worse than spending half the morning debating which pair to match with your outfit). And above all, they must be incredibly comfortable.
As a true city-dweller, I walk a lot throughout the day—and now that cycling has become my main mode of transport, comfort is non-negotiable. So yes, no sky-high heels in sight ;). For each shoe style, I’ll be sharing tips on how to wear them, what to pair them with, and my thoughts on the ones already in my wardrobe—always with that unmistakable French eye for fashion and the effortless chic you’ve come to love.
This post is not sponsored. I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
1. Sandals—Yes, but Make Them Chic
Gone are the days when sandals were reserved strictly for the beach. Today, there are beautifully crafted styles in leather and suede that can be worn just as easily in the city—and with just as much elegance. This season, you have several options: the slightly “gladiator” look, for instance, with brands like Ancient Greek Sandals (I’ve had a pair for years and still love wearing them on holiday), A.Emery and Amanu with their minimalist sandals, or Margaux and the lovely Positano sandal—which is currently at the top of my wishlist. And of course, the iconic French label K. Jacques Saint-Tropez, a cult favorite from the Riviera and very popular in France.
If you prefer a slide style, consider the chic MX Sandal—perfect with linen trousers, jeans, or floaty summer dresses. And for a subtly nautical touch in your everyday wardrobe, the fisherman sandal is another great option. It pairs just as well with breezy summer dresses as it does with tailored office trousers—ideal if you’re not quite ready to wear completely open-toe styles to work.
2. The Return of the Ballet Flat
In case you haven’t noticed, ballet flats are officially back this year! So if you’ve got a pair tucked away in the back of your wardrobe, now’s the perfect time to bring them out again. And if you don’t yet have a pair in your wardrobe, here are a few styles I highly recommend.
First, you can’t go wrong with a minimalist design. I personally chose The Demi Jane in dune nappa—a soft, neutral tone I love pairing with pastel shades like blush pink, powder blue, or lavender. It also looks stunning with brighter hues like fuchsia, which is having a real moment this summer (as you can see in the lead photo of this article). This style works beautifully with light-wash jeans—my current favorite is the LAX by Frame, which I’ve been reaching for on repeat.
If you prefer something a little more unexpected, try a mesh pair in deep burgundy (mesh ballet flats are very on-trend this year), a chic two-tone version, or one in woven leather for a more textured, artisanal look. This season, you truly have plenty of stylish options to choose from!
3. Espadrilles Made for Summer Getaways
I usually save espadrilles for summer holidays or relaxed weekends in the city. Think of cult-favorite brands like the Spanish label Castañer—I have this particular pair in my wardrobe that’s absolutely stunning; I even wore it to a wedding. Most of the time, I prefer flat espadrilles—they’re simply more comfortable for walking around all day. This season, you might opt for something a little more detailed, like this lovely pair with broderie anglaise from Loeffler Randall, a chic mesh version from J.Crew (handmade in Spain), or this elegant two-tone style from Tory Burch.
4. Boat Shoes for a Nautical Twist
If you’re looking for something a little more refined than espadrilles—still relaxed, but undeniably more polished—boat shoes might be just what you need this summer. They’re the perfect warm-weather alternative to your autumn/winter loafers! Speaking of loafers, I recently bought a lovely blush pink suede pair from the Italian brand Scarosso, which I’ve been wearing nonstop in the city with light-wash jeans and a classic beige trench. This season, I’m also drawn to this bold version from Marni. For a more affordable option, the Caroline loafers from Sézane or the original boat shoes by Sperry are both excellent choices.
5. Sneakers for Everyday Ease
Let’s be honest—sneakers are still the most comfortable shoes of all time ;). And if you’re looking to stay chic this summer while embracing a bit more comfort day-to-day, opt for a suede pair in a soft, seasonal shade. I recently bought this pair of Nike Cortez in lavender suede, and I absolutely love them! I’m completely taken with this shade at the moment—it pairs beautifully with blush pink, crisp white, warm beige, or light-wash denim for a fresh spring-summer look. I even found this Ralph Lauren cap in the exact same shade to complete the look. Et voilà!
