Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead.

Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead.

      If I mentioned that I haven’t had a pedicure in nearly a year, would you judge me? Although I’ve kept up with my manicure appointments, a combination of small talk fatigue and my toddler injuring my big toe in multiple places twice in six months has made it all too easy to skip those hour-long pedicure sessions. Fortunately for me, the most stylish French fashion circles seem to have joined me in this trend. Whether they too have had their toes crushed by an overly enthusiastic one-year-old or have simply grown tired of sandals being the go-to summer option, it appears the trendsetters of Paris have collectively decided that toes are officially out. I mean in terms of style. However, they are definitely still in when it comes to footwear. If you’re looking to shake up your shoe collection and choose something a bit less conventional than sandals this summer, keep reading to discover the seven trends we’ve observed dominating the chicest wardrobes in Paris right now.

      **7 French Girl-Approved Sandal Alternatives for 2026**

      1. **Mesh Flats**

      **Style notes:** If you've been keeping an eye on the runways, your favorite influencers, or our trend pages recently, you’ll notice that red is particularly trendy right now. But that’s not the only style in play, as mesh flats are emerging as one of the most sought-after looks this summer. Whether tight sheer mesh that hugs the foot or a more open fishnet weave, this subtly revealing look is no longer just for high fashion enthusiasts, as it has been in previous seasons, and has now become a staple on the streets of Paris.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Alaïa** Leather-Trimmed Fishnet Ballet Flats in Red

      A timeless piece for a reason.

      - **Christopher Esber** Minette Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats

      Party-ready without the heel.

      - **Reformation** Britt Ballet Flat

      The high rise of this pair is fantastic.

      - **MM6 Maison Margiela** Logo-Printed Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats

      The contrast between the delicate bow and oversized elastic strap is delightful.

      2. **Soft-Girl Sneakers**

      **Style notes:** If sneakers are more your style than sandals, pay attention. This season, the chic option is that you don't have to trade your favorite sneakers for an open-toe style. However, you may want to refresh your trainer aesthetic. This trend emphasizes a softer vibe—both in feel and appearance—focused on pastel shades, slim silhouettes, delicate ruching, and laces.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Jacquemus** Moon Shoe Jacquemus + Nike

      Soft in both texture and shade.

      - **Chloé** Kick Suede and Leather Sneakers

      Pastel yellow with pink accents is a classic combo.

      - **Reformation** Terra Scrunch Sneaker

      A shiny sneaker that’s hard to resist.

      - **NIKE** Air Rift Mesh Split-Toe Sneakers

      These will create mixed opinions, which might add to their charm.

      3. **Ruched Loafers**

      **Style notes:** The fashion world used to be divided between loafer enthusiasts and those who weren't, but now the lines have blurred as more people, myself included, appreciate their appeal. Previously seen as a bit too formal and preppy for many, they have softened in both material and reputation, looking fabulous with wide-leg trousers or sporty mini shorts. The right sock pairing is crucial, and for summer 2026, that’s bright red or blue.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **Reformation** Francine Ruched Loafer

      The ideal summer adaptation of the trend.

      - **Saint Laurent** Le Loafer Logo-Embellished Leather Penny Loafers

      This color will transition through all seasons.

      - **& Other Stories** Leather Penny Loafers

      This deep brown appears far more luxurious than its price.

      4. **Pointed Slingbacks**

      **Style notes:** It’s not just about comfort, right? For those who enjoy a bit of sartorial challenge, the most popular heel on the streets of Paris is the pointed slingback. Ideal for almost any occasion that doesn't require extensive walking, Parisians especially love to style them with casual t-shirts.

      **Shop the Trend:**

      - **M&S** Buckle Ankle Strap Stiletto Heel Court Shoes

      These multiple buckles feel very Parisian.

      - **ROGER VIVIER** Belle Vivier 45 Animal-Print Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps

      I adore the heavy ruching of this slingback.

      - **Toteme** Classic Croco-Embossed Slingbacks

      Croc-embossing combined with a low heel truly enhances the look.

      5. **Round-Toe Fishermans**

      **Style notes:** Fisherman sandals

Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead. Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead.

Other articles

Armchairs Are the Most Neglected Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Enhance Your Space Armchairs Are the Most Neglected Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Enhance Your Space Take it easy. Armchairs Are the Most Neglected Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Enhance Your Space Armchairs Are the Most Neglected Furniture in Your Home—5 Styles to Enhance Your Space Take it easy. I've Been Persuaded to Replace My French Manicure with This More Luxurious-Looking Option. I've Been Persuaded to Replace My French Manicure with This More Luxurious-Looking Option. Milky satellites. Boho Dresses Are Making a Comeback—5 Stylish Ways to Rock Them This Summer Boho Dresses Are Making a Comeback—5 Stylish Ways to Rock Them This Summer Crochet mini dresses, chiffon materials, and natural tones are how fashion enthusiasts are styling boho dresses this summer. Boho Dresses Are Back in Style—5 Stylish Ways to Style Them This Summer Boho Dresses Are Back in Style—5 Stylish Ways to Style Them This Summer Crochet mini dresses, chiffon materials, and natural tones are the trends that fashion insiders are embracing for boho dresses this summer. I've Been Persuaded to Abandon My French Manicure for This More Luxurious-Looking Option. I've Been Persuaded to Abandon My French Manicure for This More Luxurious-Looking Option. Milky satellites.

Apologies, Sandals—this summer, French It Girls are opting for these timeless footwear trends instead.

Take this as your cue to forego your pedicure. Our favorite French styles are advocating for abandoning open-toed shoes in favor of these 7 popular footwear trends.