Sorry, Flats—Black Heels Are Every French Girl’s Go-To For a Night Out

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We talk a lot about French girls and their ballet flats, but the shoes they wear out at night don’t get quite as much air time. No, they don’t have a cute rounded toe with a bow on top, but they are just as, if not more classic than any pair of ballet flats, and they’re guaranteed to do the job every single time you need something a touch more formal on your feet. I’m talking about black heels—the kind with an elegant pointed toe and long stiletto heel—and every French girl has a pair that she quietly swears by for parties, events, dinners, and more in Paris and beyond.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

WHO: Camille Rowe

Don’t believe me? Just see French-American model Camille Rowe’s look for the Bal D’Ete at the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs, a black-tie gala hosted by Sofia Coppola during Haute Couture Week. Rowe, who’s been dishing French-girl fashion inspiration for years, attended the event wearing a champagne-colored, long-sleeve gown made of sheer silk organza that featured all-over beaded embroidery. With it, she carried a tiny silk handbag and black scarf, finishing off the ensemble with a pair of timeless black, patent-leather pumps.

What’s great about this footwear is that it’s not groundbreaking. Not everything has to be as controversial as a jelly shoe or PVC wedge. You can—and should!—just have a beautiful pair of hard-working shoes. Clearly, French girls appreciate them. If you do too, keep scrolling. Shop the best black pumps of 2025 below.