Bringing French Style Into Everyday Life – Red Shoes

I love style. I love it so much I did a whole course on it. 

And it probably comes as no surprise that I especially love French style. After all, it was our visits to France that got me interested in developing my own style in the first place.

There’s something so simple yet elegant about the outfits that stylish French women put together.  And every time we visit, I’m always looking to see what they’re wearing.

Of course, it probably goes without saying that I see many exceptional individual outfits. And I usually see some sort of trend. And it was no different on this trip.

The style element I saw time and time again recently was red shoes. Yes, we saw some oxblood and burgundy – it was autumn after all. But mostly we saw bright red shoes. Flats, high-heeled pumps and boots – we saw shoes in all shapes and sizes. And all in show-stopping shades of red.

Now, because I know I’ll be sharing any trends I see with you here on Distant Francophile, I have a rule about what I can class as a trend. Scott and I have to spot the potential trend at least three times each, and in a variety of locations. Well, we each saw so many pairs of red shoes we actually lost count. And we sighted them in Paris as well as in Clermont-Ferrand, Carcassonne and Rouen.

But the clincher for me on this particular French style trend was when Alisa, my friend and guest on The Franco-Files, mentioned in passing that she’d been seeing red shoes everywhere in Paris. She even sent me a photo of a French window display as proof!

Now, you might be thinking that bright red would be difficult to incorporate into an outfit. But in fact, it is incredibly easy to add some French style to your day in the form of red shoes. Here are three ideas to get you started.

Bringing French Style Into Everyday Life – Red Shoes

Idea One

Red looks sensational with neutrals like khaki, camel, grey and black. And there is nothing easier than putting together an all neutral outfit (think all grey or all khaki) and finishing it off with a pair of red shoes. Don’t forget to addyour favourite red lipstick for an extra French touch.

Idea Two

There’s a reason the colours red, white and blue feature on the flags of so many countries. The colours just look so good together. Use this as inspiration and team a crisp white shirt with your best blue denim jeans and your red shoes. 

Idea Three

Take your red shoes into the office. Paired with a suit – black or navy perhaps – red can add an unexpected splash of French style and personality to your corporate outfit. 

And remember Pinterest is a great resource if you are looking for even more ideas. Simply search ‘red shoes outfit’ and you’ll find a stack of inspiration.

Are you a fan of red shoes? Have you noticed them recently on French streets? Or have you perhaps picked up on another element of French style? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And until next time – au revoir.

Photo credit – window shot: Alisa Bearov Landrum.

Please note: This is an unsolicited post and no compensation of any kind has been received from the brands featured in this piece.