Master French Chic on a Budget: A Style Guide
- The Betty Edit
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Ah, French women. They always look so effortlessly chic, like they just rolled out of bed, threw on a striped shirt, and somehow ended up on the cover of Vogue. I have tried my whole life to look as put together as they do, but sadly fail most of the time (athleisure doesn't help with that aesthetic). But here’s the secret: French style isn’t about spending a fortune—it’s about investing in timeless pieces, mastering the art of simplicity, and looking like you didn’t try too hard (even if you totally did). Let’s break down how to achieve that coveted French girl style on a budget, complete with style tips to help you nail that je ne sais quoi.
French women are all about quality over quantity. Their closets are curated, not cluttered. They focus on versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create endless outfits. The goal? To look polished, put-together, and perfectly undone—all while spending wisely. Oh, and don't forget that classic trenchcoat to top it all off!
Style Tips for French Chic on a Budget
Invest in Timeless Staples French women swear by classic pieces that never go out of style. Think: a tailored or oversized blazer, a crisp white button-down, a striped Breton top, and a pair of well-fitting jeans. These are the building blocks of a French-inspired wardrobe.
Shop Secondhand and Vintage Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale platforms (like Poshmark or ThredUp) are goldmines for finding high-quality, French-approved pieces at a fraction of the cost. Look for silk blouses, trench coats, and leather accessories.
Embrace Neutral Tones The French palette is all about neutrals: black, white, beige, navy, and gray. These colors are not only chic but also incredibly versatile, making it easy to create cohesive outfits.
Accessorize Strategically A silk scarf, a structured handbag, or a pair of classic hoop earrings can elevate even the simplest outfit. French women know that accessories are the secret to looking expensive without spending a fortune.
Focus on Fit No matter how budget-friendly your clothes are, they should fit like they were made for you. Tailoring is key—whether it’s hemming your jeans or taking in a blazer, a perfect fit makes all the difference. I just had a pair of jeans tailored to fit me perfectly and I realized I should have been doing that ages ago. Tailoring is a great investment for anything you know you're going to hold onto for awhile.
Master the Art of Layering French women are pros at layering. Think: a white t-shirt under a slip dress, a cardigan over a button-down, or a scarf draped over a trench coat. It’s practical, stylish, and oh-so-French.
Keep Your Shoes Simple French women love classic footwear: ballet flats, ankle boots, and loafers are all go-tos. They’re comfortable, versatile, and always in style.
Less Makeup, More Confidence French beauty is all about looking natural. A swipe of red lipstick, a touch of mascara, and a good skincare routine are all you need to channel that French-girl glow.
Now on to the good stuff - French girl style that's affordable! This post may include affiliate links in which we earn a commission. All opinions expressed are always my own and any commissions earned are of no cost to you.
Grab your Breton stripe, throw on a red lip, and strut out the door like the effortlessly stylish gal you are. After all, French style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it. Next up - I'm on the endless quest to find the perfect red lipstick. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
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