We talk a lot about French women and their ballet flats, but the shoes they wear out at night don’t get quite as much airtime. No, they don’t have a cute rounded toe with a bow on top, but they are just as classic as 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 woman 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’Été 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-coloured long-sleeve gown made of sheer silk organza that featured allover beaded embroidery. 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 style is that it’s not groundbreaking. Not everything has to be as controversial as jelly sandals or PVC wedges. You can—and should!—just have a beautiful pair of hardworking shoes. Clearly, French women appreciate them. If you do too, keep scrolling. Shop the best black heels of 2025 below.
Shop Classic Black Heels:
As classic a shoe as you’ll ever see.
STUART WEITZMAN
Stuart Sculpt Leather-Trimmed Suede Slingback Pumps
If you usually live in flats, these micro kitten heels will be more aligned to you than stilettos.
So chic—the satin fabrication also feels very French to me!
Marks & Spencer
Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes
These heels also come in a chic ecru colour.
Toteme
Naplack Stiletto Slingbacks Black
The addition of straps doesn’t take away from how timeless these heels are.
Topshop
Dorota Kitten Heel Pointed Mule in Black
I love the unusual-shaped heel on this Topshop pair.
ROGER VIVIER
Nagoya 55 Embellished Leather Slingback Pumps
These will look so cute worn with crop trousers and shorter hemlines so you can see the buckle detail.
ZARA
Leather Slingback Shoes 50th Anniversary
A shoe that will never, ever date.
FERRAGAMO
Traci Embellished Suede Pumps
The gold T-bar might feel fancy, but this shoe is just as classic as the rest of my edit.
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