7 French Shoe & Accessory Brands to Inspire Your Wardrobe
French fashion has always been about more than just the clothes. Many of the country’s most beloved labels are celebrated not only for their chic ready-to-wear but also for the shoes and accessories that complete the look. From timeless ballerinas and loafers to playful boots and refined bags, these brands prove that Parisian style is truly head-to-toe.
If you are looking to curate a French-inspired wardrobe, these 7 brands offer the perfect finishing touches, footwear and accessories that instantly elevate any outfit!
Scroll down to discover the 7 French shoe and accessory brands to inspire your wardrobe, along with a few helpful notes on U.S. vs. European sizing to make shopping even easier!
1. Bocage
Bocage is a shoe designer founded in 1966 in Maine-et-Loire, where the brand’s spirit and style are still built each season. With its historic legacy and deep craftsmanship, Bocage has continuously evolved to create shoes that balance robustness, comfort, and timeless style. Their passion for quality leather, innovative design, and enduring shoes reflects a true French savoir-faire.
When I visited their boutique in Paris, I fell in love with so many of their designs, from chic ankle boots to feminine flats. And beyond shoes, I was delighted to discover their range of affordable, stylish bags that add that perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Bocage also offers select Made in France models, marked with a special logo so you know when you’re choosing pieces crafted entirely in France.
Why we love: Bocage represents freedom and creativity, two hallmarks of French style. Their shoes are crafted to last, without compromising on elegance, and their accessories prove that chic doesn’t have to mean extravagant.
2. Rivecour
Founded in Paris in 2016 by Édouard Aubin, Rivecour is luxury without the fuss. Their shoes are made in Portugal using traditional methods, with fine leathers like supple calfskin and soft suede, ensuring both elegance and comfort. Classical styles are refreshed each season with subtle twists and tones, always keeping a little edge within the timeless.
Rivecour also prides itself on its sense of service, inspired by Aubin’s upbringing in a luxurious guesthouse. The brand treats its customers like honored guests, adding thoughtful touches and even little surprises with each purchase. Their designs are often spotted on the streets of Paris: polished loafers, chic ankle boots, and understated sandals that slip seamlessly into a French woman’s everyday wardrobe.
Why we love: Sliding your foot into a Rivecour shoe feels like experiencing quiet luxury. Their designs embody effortless Parisian elegance, creating footwear that lasts and adapts seamlessly to modern life.
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3. Bobbies
Launched in 2010, Bobbies has become a favorite for both shoes and leather goods, designed in Paris and made in Portugal and Spain. Their aesthetic combines minimalist sophistication with playful vintage touches, capturing a spirit of free, assertive Parisian nonchalance. Alongside style, Bobbies maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, advocating for responsible fashion practices.
Why we love: Bobbies manages to be joyful and polished at once. Their collections bring a playful energy to timeless shapes, from boots to loafers to sneakers, and their bags echo the same effortless chic.
4. Jonak
Jonak’s story began in 1964 on Saint-Placide Street in Paris, where Marcel and Josette Nakam opened their first boutique. Rooted in Parisian culture and craftsmanship, Jonak has always blended creativity with fair pricing, evolving into an international family-run label with over 30 stores. Today, the next generation carries the brand forward with digital innovation and global reach while honoring its artisanal roots.
I personally own Jonak’s black round-toe loafers, which I bought in Paris two years ago. They’ve become one of my most-worn pairs, comfortable, versatile, and still in excellent condition despite frequent wear!
Why we love: Jonak has mastered the art of balancing craftsmanship, accessibility, and contemporary design. Their shoes, especially their loafers and boots, prove that Parisian chic can be both timeless and practical.
5. Carel
Founded in 1947 by Georges and Rosa Carel, this Parisian heritage brand became synonymous with youthful, liberated French style. From its first boutique near the Sorbonne, Carel introduced playful, colorful, and comfortable shoes designed for active women, from Mary Janes and ankle boots to the famous Kina and Marquis ballerinas. Over the decades, Carel has collaborated with designers and even dressed fashion icons, while continuing to innovate with bold colors and eco-conscious practices.
Why we love: Carel’s strappy Mary Janes are true icons. Beloved by fashion insiders, they feel both retro and modern, playful yet elegant, a perfect nod to French style’s enduring charm.
6. Repetto
Repetto was born in 1947 in Paris when Rose Repetto, inspired by her son Roland Petit’s passion for dance, created her first ballet slippers near the Opéra. What began in a small workshop quickly grew into a maison defined by grace, movement, and timeless elegance. By the 1950s, Repetto’s ballerinas had already become icons, most famously the “Cendrillon” pair dedicated to Brigitte Bardot, immortalized in the film And God Created Woman.
Over the decades, Repetto’s shoes have been embraced by artists and style legends alike, from Jane Birkin to Lili Rose Deep, who adopted the Zizi richelieu created for dancer Zizi Jeanmaire. The brand’s savoir-faire, particularly its unique “cousu retourné” construction technique, continues to be carried out in its atelier in Saint-Médard d’Excideuil.
Today, Repetto bridges its dance heritage with contemporary fashion. Collaborations with houses like Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, and most recently Jacquemus, have reinforced its place at the intersection of tradition and modernity. Beyond ballet flats and loafers, the maison now offers customizable designs, fragrances, and a global network of boutiques.
Why we love: Repetto embodies French femininity in motion. Their ballerinas and loafers are graceful yet practical, refined yet playful, true icons that carry Parisian chic from the dance studio to the city streets.
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Behind Pied de Biche lies a story of friendship and a clear vision: to create top-of-the-range shoes at accessible prices. Since its founding in 2015, the brand has stayed true to that philosophy, building its identity around craftsmanship, transparency, and timeless design.
Most of their shoes are crafted in Portugal by skilled artisans, using carefully selected leathers imported from Northern Italy. Each design is revisited season after season, blending classic silhouettes with subtle originality, whether it’s through refined details, unique colorways, or the thoughtful play of materials. The result is footwear that feels indispensable yet modern, elegant yet casual.
Transparency is woven into everything they do. From their Rochelais office, Pied de Biche oversees every step of production, from shaping and cutting to assembly and quality control, ensuring each pair meets their high standards. Their commitment to progress is just as strong, often spending up to two years perfecting a prototype before bringing it to life.
Why we love: Pied de Biche offers timeless shoes made with impeccable care, always with a touch of originality. Their loafers, boots, and sneakers embody the kind of understated French chic that feels both versatile and enduring.
A Note on Shoe Sizing: European vs. U.S.
French sizing might feel intimidating at first, but it is much easier than it seems. Most brands use European (EU) sizing, and the conversion is straightforward: a U.S. 6 is usually an EU 36, a 7 is a 37, an 8 is a 38, a 9 is a 39, a 10 is a 40, and an 11 is a 41. With that said, always double check sizing with each brand, since fit can vary from one label or style to another!
A few simple tips can make the process stress-free:
Trust the brand’s chart. Every label cuts shoes a little differently, so their own guide is your best reference.
Think about style. Ballet flats tend to run snug, while loafers and boots usually soften and stretch with wear.
If you are a half size. European sizing is typically listed in whole numbers, so you may need to round up or down depending on the style. For pointed-toe or narrow shoes, going up usually feels more comfortable, while open styles like sandals can sometimes work when you size down.
Measure if you’re unsure.
Length: Stand with your heel against a wall and place a sheet of paper under your foot. Mark your longest toe, measure heel to toe in centimeters, and compare with the brand’s chart.
Width: Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your foot (across the ball). Use this to check fit, especially if you have wider feet, and consider sizing up or choosing roomier styles if needed.
With these tips, French sizing does not have to be intimidating! Once you find your fit, you can feel confident knowing your shoes are as comfortable as they are chic!
Final Thoughts: French Style, Head-to-Toe
From Carel’s iconic Mary Janes to Repetto’s graceful ballerinas, Jonak’s timeless loafers, Bocage’s heritage craftsmanship, Rivecour’s quiet luxury, Bobbies’ playful Parisian edge, and Pied de Biche’s modern classics, these seven brands show that shoes and accessories are at the heart of French style. They are not just additions to an outfit, they are what complete it!
The beauty of French fashion lies in its ability to elevate the everyday. One thoughtfully chosen pair of shoes or a bag can change the way you feel, bringing instant confidence and charm. These brands remind us that style is about the details, and that accessories are where French style truly shines!
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