After Living In Paris for 10 Years, I Can Confirm These 8 Shoes Are the 'It' Styles the French Actually Wear

"Before spending two weeks island-hopping in Greece with only a carry-on, I had to edit my packing list down to the bare essentials. The hardest part? Shoes. Like Carrie Bradshaw, I believe in the power of a great pair, so curating just a few that worked for ferries, dinners, and cobblestone streets felt like a challenge. But I pulled it off without repeating a single dinner look-and without dragging an overstuffed suitcase through narrow alleys or up too many marble stairs."

"This sophisticated, square-toed ballet flat at J.Crew takes pairs nicely with a casual ensemble like jeans and a t-shirt. For a dressier look, opt for wide-leg pants, a breezy, see-through silk top, and sculptural gold jewelry to add extra pop and match the metallic shade of your shoes. Mary Jane loafers An instant giveaway that you're an American? Boat shoes."

"They may serve a practical purpose in summer in New England, when you're heading from a sailboat straight into a restaurant in Newport, but you can find a style as comfortable for strolling all day through a city without looking like you're ready to board a boat. This Mary Jane-inspired G.H. Bass pair is a cross between a classic fisherman sandal look and timeless lug-sole loafers. The T-strap adds a touch of femininity and looks great with socks as well"

Packing for two weeks island-hopping in Greece with only a carry-on requires editing the list to bare essentials, with shoes posing the biggest challenge. Choosing a few versatile pairs that work for ferries, dinners, and cobblestone streets enables varied dinner looks without an overstuffed suitcase. Smart footwear choices favor comfort and local style, especially in Paris, where shoes can help one blend in or stand out as a tourist. Metallic square-toed ballet flats pair with casual or dressier outfits. Mary Jane-inspired loafers and lug-sole styles offer comfort and femininity, while boat shoes can read as overtly American.

Read at Travel + Leisure