7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Wear Jeans in 2026

If there’s one thing fashionistas in the UK and France can agree on, it’s the importance of having a good pair of jeans. Easy to style, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, you’ll find one-of-a-kind denim trousers in the capsule wardrobes of British and Gallic style wearers alike. And this shared love brings a common problem: choosing which shoes look best with jeans.
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Now, of course, I already know that there are tons of basic shoe styles that go well with every pair of jeans. But as a born-and-bred London girl, I’m not ashamed to say that the French fashion set is always my first port of call for jean-and-shoe pairings that look fresh, sophisticated and on-trend. And on my recent trip to Paris, I discovered seven key shoe trends that Gallic girls will wear with their denim this year. And luckily for you, I’ve collected them below.
From luxurious suede flats to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover seven chic shoe trends for French women wearing jeans in 2026.
7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Wear Jeans in 2026
1. Strapless Kitten Heels
Style Notes: French girls love the 90s trend, and with the recent resurgence of backless loafers, flats and trainers, it was only natural that kitten heels were the next step. They look chic, help keep denim hemlines off the ground, and the low heel height ensures everyday comfort.
Buy a pair:
AGOLDE
’90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale 50 mules covered in suede
Boden
Straight Leg Pocket Jeans
The front pockets give these a real retro vibe.
I can’t believe these are from the high-street.
2. Slingback flats
Style Notes: We already know that French girls love ballet flats, but to feel young in 2026, they choose to replicate the slingback. Adding a touch of elegance to your denim outfits, this combo is perfect if you want to wear your black wash jeans to the office.
Buy a pair:
Whistles
Authentic Barrel Leg Jean
Barrel jeans add a cool touch to a basic jeans-and-a-tee outfit.
free people
Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
These come in three different lengths.
Ralph Lauren
Londyn Suede Slingback Flat
The suede finish will help add some texture to your outfit.
3. Suede Loafers
Style Notes: Loafers are as popular across the pond as they are here in the UK. However, if they’re looking for a flat shoe that’s a little more elevated than classic leather, French girls are turning to suede iterations that are versatile but bring a polished edge to their denim outfits.
Buy a pair:
ZARA
Trf High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans
Black denim always looks good.
YSL
Le Loafer Supple in Suede
These are at the top of my luxury wish list.
Kaite
Danielle Straight-Leg Denim Jeans
And Other Stories
Penny Loafers
These will go with everything.
4. Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Ankle boots of any kind look great with jeans, but choosing a pair with a pointy toe brings a definite feel to your outfit. I’m obsessed with the modified western style that Franny is wearing with the indigo wide leg jeans on top.
Buy a pair:
These are the best sellers for a very good reason.
A revolution
Dominique Ankle Boot
Mint Velvet
Wide Fit Jeans
This tailored pair is perfect for the office,
Jimmy Choo
Cece Ankle Boot 60
Chocolate brown suede? Yes, please!
5. Ballet Mesh Flats
Style Notes: French brand Alaïa’s mesh flats have quickly become a favorite among the fashion crowd since their release in 2022, and since then, there have been plenty of options to choose from in both the luxury market and the high street. They are comfortable, easy to wear, and both look and feel cool during the warmer months.
Buy a pair:
MANGO
Matilda Medium-Rise Straight-Fit Jeans
These come in UK sizes 4 to 26.
Alaia
Fishnet ballet flats
THE FRAME
Stack High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
This simple wash of denim will be yours for all the warmer months,
Coconut by Matisse Marta
Mesh Ballet Flats
An easy way to add color to your jeans.
6. Chunky Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: If flat shoes are your thing but you still want to keep the hemlines off the ground, chunky Chelsea boots should be your first port of call. They come French girl-approved, and of course, in true Gallic fashion, they love to pair them with bootcuts and flared jeans alike.
Buy a pair:
The day of the week
Nova Low Rise Slim Bootcut Leg Jeans
Don’t sleep in weekday denim.
Every wardrobe needs a variety of boots.
FIX
Mid Rise Slim Flare Jeans
Flared jeans don’t sound like much.
ASOS DESIGN
Austin Chunky Chelsea Boots
Such an expensive hue.
7. Junior Coaches
Style Notes: Gone are the days of big, bold trainers, and fashionistas are turning to smaller, lower styles. They are versatile, look put together and lend themselves best to formal event wear.
Buy a pair:
I don’t usually wear ripped jeans, but these convince me…
And Other Stories
Suede-Information Trainers
Simple, versatile and easy to style.
ZARA
Trf Ripped Baggy Rolled Jeans
Just the right amount of slouch.
prada
Wrap Re-Nylon and suede sneakers
These also come in ivory, brown, navy and peach.



