Sorry, Sandals—French It Girls Are Wearing These Classic Shoe Trends Instead This Summer
Our take
The quiet shift away from the ubiquitous pedicure, particularly amongst French “It Girls,” speaks volumes about a larger recalibration in the landscape of accessible luxury and effortless style. It’s a subtle rejection of the meticulously maintained, often performative, aspects of beauty trends, favoring instead a more understated and, frankly, realistic approach. The article's acknowledgement of the realities of life – toddler-induced toe trauma and the general fatigue of scheduled self-care – resonates deeply. It’s a validation of prioritizing well-being over adhering to rigid beauty standards, a sentiment increasingly valued by a discerning audience. This isn't about abandoning self-care entirely; it’s about redefining it on one's own terms, recognizing that true style emerges from a place of genuine comfort and ease. This aligns perfectly with the broader movement towards “quiet luxury,” a philosophy that prizes quality, timelessness, and understated elegance over ostentatious displays of wealth. Consider the recent focus on elevating the home with thoughtfully chosen furniture – Armchairs Are the Most Overlooked Piece of Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Elevate Your Space – as a parallel example; both demonstrate a desire for refinement rooted in practicality and personal preference.
The rejection of manicured perfection isn't entirely new, of course. Trends ebb and flow, and the cyclical nature of fashion often brings a return to simpler aesthetics. However, the current movement feels different. It's less about a deliberate rebellion against polished looks and more about a genuine embrace of imperfection. This echoes the broader cultural conversation around authenticity and self-acceptance—a desire to present a more relatable and human image. It’s a rejection of the curated, filtered reality often presented on social media and a move towards embracing the beauty of the everyday. The trend of favoring comfortable, versatile pieces over fleeting fads—much like the appeal of Not Leggings—This IYKYK Pants Trend Looks Even Better With Black Sneakers (Especially in This Color)—further illustrates this shift, prioritizing practicality and ease of wear. Even the embrace of romantic summer styles, as showcased in the The New Zara SRPLS Collection Is Full Of Wardrobe Staples and Summer’s Most Romantic Styles, suggests a desire for effortless beauty – a flowing dress feels inherently more romantic than a meticulously polished pedicure.
The implications for the beauty and fashion industries are significant. Brands will need to adapt to this evolving consumer mindset, moving away from high-pressure marketing tactics and focusing instead on promoting products and services that enhance individual confidence and well-being. The emphasis will likely shift towards quality over quantity, with consumers investing in fewer, more timeless pieces that reflect their personal style rather than chasing fleeting trends. This also represents an opportunity for brands to embrace inclusivity and body positivity, showcasing a wider range of beauty ideals and celebrating individuality. The rise of "clean girl" aesthetics, while still prevalent, will likely be tempered by a greater appreciation for natural beauty and a more relaxed approach to grooming. The concept of luxury itself is being redefined—it's no longer solely about price point or exclusivity but about the feeling of effortless sophistication and quiet confidence that comes from embracing one's authentic self.
Ultimately, the French "It Girl's" eschewing of the pedicure isn't just about footwear; it's a microcosm of a broader cultural shift toward authenticity, ease, and a redefined understanding of luxury. It underscores the power of understated elegance and the growing desire to prioritize well-being over adhering to arbitrary beauty standards. As we move forward, one wonders: will this trend extend beyond footwear and influence other aspects of beauty routines, signaling a permanent move away from meticulous perfection and towards a more relaxed and self-assured aesthetic? The answer likely lies in observing how this shift continues to intersect with the evolving conversation around self-expression and the pursuit of effortless style.
If I were to tell you I hadn't had a pedicure in almost a year, would you hold it against me? While I've kept to my mani appointments, a mixture of small-talk fatigue and my toddler breaking my big toe in several places twice in six months has rendered the hour-long pedi appointments all-too-easy to back out of.
Luckily for me, the very chicest French fashion circles look to have joined my movement. Whether they, too, have had their toes smashed to smithereens by an overzealous one-year-old or have rather just grown tired of sandals being the summer default, the It girls of Paris seem to have come to a collective decision that toes are officially out. Of style, I mean. Crucially, they're very much in when it comes to your footwear...
Looking to mix up your shoe game and opt for something slightly less obvious than a sandal this summer? Keep scrolling to check out the 7 trends we've spotted all over the streets of Paris that are dominating the very coolest French wardrobes right now.
7 French Girl-Approved Sandal Alternatives for 2026
1. Mesh Flats
Style notes: If you've been paying attention to the runways/your favourite influencers/our very own trend pages of late, you'll know that red is having a real moment. But that's not the only trend going on here, as mesh flats are in fact one of the most popular looks to come out of summer 2026. Whether it's tight sheer mesh that follows the contours of the foot or a more open fishnet-style weave, this subtly revealing aesthetic is no longer reserved solely for the high fashion followers, as it has been over recent seasons, and is now a certified staple on the Parisian pavements.
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A seasonless staple for good reason.
Party shoes minus the heel. Tick tick tick.
We love the high rise of this pair.
The gentle pleating really elevates these.
The contrast between the delicate bow and oversized elastic strap is so good.
2. Soft-Girl Sneakers
Style notes: If you're more of a sneaker girlie than a sandal one then listen up. Officially the chicer option this season, you'll be pleased to know you needn't swap your favourite kicks for a toes-out situation in 2026. You might, however, want to switch up your trainer aesthetic. A whole lot softer - both tangibly and visually - this trend is all about pastel hues, slimline silhouettes, ruching and delicate laces.
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As soft in texture as they are in colour.
The pink accents across the pastel yellow is a classic combination.
Who knew a sheen-y sneaker could be so tempting?
I'm obsessed with double-laced trainers right now. And I hate the word 'obsessed'.
These will divide opinion, but maybe that's half their allure?
3. Ruched Loafers
Style notes: Up until now, the fashion world has been strictly divided in two: loafer-wearers and non-loafer wearers. Now, however, the lines are a little more blurred, with many finally falling for the allure; myself included. While they once felt a little stuffy and preppy for my, and many others', aesthetic, they've softened in both fabric and reputation, and now look just as great with a wide-leg trouser as they do a sporty mini short. The key is to find the right sock, and for summer 2026 that's a red or bright blue.
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It doesn't get much more classic.
The perfect summer take on the trend.
Slimline and fuss-free, these look great with a wide-legged trouser.
This hue will take you through every season.
This deep brown looks so much more expensive than its price tag.
4. Pointed Slingbacks
Style notes: It's not all about comfort, right? For those who are also a bit of a glutton for punishment when it comes to sartorial choices, the hottest heel on the streets of Paris right now comes in the form of a pointed slingback. Perfect for just about any plans you have that don't involve too much walking, Parisians particularly love them paired with a super casual t-shirt look.
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These multi-strapped buckles feel extra Parisian.
Low-key and timeless.
I love the heavy-ruching of this slingback.
Croc-embossing and a low heel really elevate the look.
Mesh? Slingback? Two trends in one.
5. Round-Toe Fishermans
Style notes: Fisherman sandals have been attempting to breach the mainstream over the last few summers, but it seems it took until 2026 for the French fashion set to finally agree to give it their seal of approval. Wear with sleek midis or a neutral colour palette and you avoid tipping the trend too far into childhood nostalgia, keeping it firmly in the contemporary space.
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Like your 90s jelly shoes, but so much better.
A timeless classic that surpasses trends.
Back with the ruching. We'll never get bored of it.
Bursting with nostalgia.
These have been a big-hitter for the brand over the last few summers.
6. Closed-Toe Wedges
Style notes: A truly nostalgic take on the wedge heel, this closed-toe iteration is the fashion girl alternative to the more widely-spotted espadrille wedge. Worn most often with super chic capris or skirts with sexy lace detailing, they work best when paired with these more fun, statement fashion pieces in order to avoid things leaning too far into corporate wear.
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A classic wedged court shoe.
A backless wedge is a more contemporary take.
This nostalgic silhouette is particularly loved by Parisians.
Another day, another red accessory we're falling for.
This heel is a work of art.
7. Sporty Ballerinas
Style notes: If you're torn between the soft-girl sneakers and ballet flats, we're pleased to let you know that there's something of a hybrid making its way into many of the world's most impeccably curated wardrobes via the sporty ballerina pump. Incorporating the silhouette of a traditional trainer but with an open upper and traditionally feminine finer details (think ribbon laces, gold hardware and metallic leathers), it's a great way to add a little fashion edge to an otherwise simple look.
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The Puma Speedcats are iconic for a reason (and Dua Lipa loves them).
I'm so into these metallic iterations.
A super chic, super comfortable every day option.
Mesh, ballet, sneaker... I've lost count of the number of trends this pair ticks off.
The chic metallic crossover and cut-out to the side make this pair undoubtedly the best value for money.
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