It goes without saying that Parisians have great personal style. Unfussy, effortless, inherent, and most of all, thoroughly chic, we Americans have been trying to mimic their ultimately inimitable way of dressing for decades. So let these smart shoe shots, courtesy of Jak & Jil and my fried Phil the Street Peeper, just be a reminder of how to look cool without ever looking like you’re trying too hard. Not that we needed one!

Is it just me or do Parisian women seem to have the best lanky legs? Or maybe it’s just the intelligent way they choose to show them off – with a blousy skirt (which would verge on dowdy save the flirty length) and big, buckled boots that have a timelessly hip silhouette.

Socks and sandals. Several years ago, they would have conjured up visions of gym socks and Birkenstocks in any snob’s mind. Now, the glamorous and bold wearer of the YSL “Tribute!” Red patent leather stilettos have never looked so effortless. It doesn’t hurt that her feet are in very good company (note the studded sandals and sheer thigh-highs just down the row).

Clearly “Parisian ease” was at the top of Marie Claire editor Zanna Robert’s packing list. With purple suede pumps dressing up studded leather, boyish plaid, a mesh undershirt, and aviators, she nails it. A Chanel bag never hurts either.

We knew Balenciaga‘s punky cut-out boots were having a major moment. What hadn’t yet occurred to us was a pairing with candy pink ribbed socks! Very masculin/feminin – très magnifique!

Easy French style elements list: Céline cape. Check. Givenchy handbag. Check. Ruffled miniskirt and elegantly simple tee. Check, check. Perhaps best of all? Her sculpted wedge booties that add a real sensuality to the whole look, doing justice to her brilliant cape and bringing polish to her undone hair.