Dispatch From Paris: Everyone's Forgoing Sandals to Wear These Far Chicer Shoes With Shorts
Shorts with sandals? Think again. French women have mastered how to look polished and elevated 100% of the time—yes, even in the dead of summer when the heat and humidity becomes a near-impossible feat. The key? I've noticed that the chicest people in Paris all seem to follow the same styling rule for giving their shorts that extra polish, and it comes down to their choice in shoes.
Sandals are fine, but if you take a stroll around Le Marais on any given afternoon and cast your eyes downward, you'll be met with a sea of ballet flats instead. It shouldn't be all that surprising considering flats are the staple in every Parisian's closet, but the combination somehow feels unexpected in the best way. So if you're looking to emulate the French this season and elevate all your shorts outfits, look no further than all the ways to style this chic combo.
Mesh flats take any pair of tried-and-true denim shorts and make them feel very "now".
Show Me Your Mumu
Joss Ruffle Top
Reformation
Sutton Low Rise 2.5" Slouchy Jean Shorts
H&M
Rhinestone-Embellished Ballet Flats
Classic ballet flats ensure these tailored shorts feels polished for day or night.
Good American
Asymmetric Top
ALL THE WAYS
X Emily Gemma Alia Shorts
Jamie Haller
Ballet Slippers
An oxford shirt with shorts and cap-toe ballet flats? I don't think it can get any more quintessentially French than this.
Amanda Uprichard
X Revolve Reeves Short
Tory Burch
Cap-Toe Ballet Flats
I'm so into the combination of delicate knit or ruffle-hem shorts with a sportier nylon jacket.
Jacquemus
Pallone Shell Bomber Jacket
EAVES
Naftali Polished Crepe Mini Shorts
While flip-flops would be my first instinct to throw on with a tank top and knit shorts, the ballet flats make the casual look feel much more intentional.
