Not Loafers, Not Ballet Flats—The “Dated” Flat Shoe Trend French Women Actually Wear All the Time

By wazup on September 14, 2025 Comments Closed / 167 views

Having long-rejected the discomfort that comes from wearing heels all day and night, I’m always on the lookout for flat-shoe trends that feel just as elegant and polished. My wardrobe is already well stocked with ballet flats and loafers but just recently I’ve come across a new flat-shoe trend that keeps cropping up in the wardrobes of the most stylish French women.

Sleek, refined and innately smart, T-bar flats are closing in on me this season. Conjuring memories of the school shoes I once wore every day, this season’s iterations feel distinctly grown-up, although I must admit that the “back-to-school” energy makes them perfect for September styling.

Influencer @tamaramory wears black t-bar flats with a beige skirt and brown knit.

Not a far cry from fashion’s favourite Mary Janes, the T-bar flat is defined by its extra strand of leather that creates the T-shape across the foot. While T-bar shoes may have slipped under the radar in recent years, I first spotted their return in the form of summer sandals and heeled versions earlier this year—a warm-up act, if you will, for the closed-toe style coming to the fore right now.

Influencer @vikilefevre wears a white jacket with a white skirt and white t-bar flats.

Of course, it’s no surprise the French have already claimed them as a staple. Their mix of comfort, elegance and quiet sophistication feels quintessentially Parisian—and more than reason enough for me to add them to my own rotation.

This autumn, I’ll be styling mine with everything from pleated skirts to easy, slouchy jeans. Scroll on to shop the T-bar flats to know about this season.