Affordable
Feb 16, 2022

French Women Seem to Routinely Shop at These 7 Affordable Stores, so I Am Too

by Banna Girmay

There's no denying that French women have enviable style—even for the least envious of us. Perhaps most enviable is the security in knowing that your style will age well in photos, which stands in stark contrast to my current archives. Although French style is usually simple and streamlined, there's always a "je ne sais quoi" cool factor that makes us all perk up and pay attention. The good news is French women often shop at many of the same stores as the rest of us, so the look is within reach. If you really pay attention, you'll start to notice recurring themes within their style—namely trend-proof, elevated basics that define a capsule wardrobe.

You'll want to have your screenshot fingers and credit cards readied before you start scrolling down to check out the seven French looks that will gain you automatic chic points. I've added so many timeless pieces below including cozy jackets from COS and bright basics from Zara that you'll be able to wear over and over again. Happy shopping!

Affordable French stores 2022: COS

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Everything at COS looks so much more expensive than it actually is. French girls flock to this store for its timeless shapes and luxe fabrics that are on-trend but never trendy.

Shop COS picks:

COS Cropped Classic Bomber Jacket

Cropped Classic Bomber Jacket

You know when you know.

COS Relaxed Straight-Fit Jeans

Relaxed Straight-Fit Jeans

The perfect amount of slouch.

COS Voluminous Poplin Dress

Voluminous Poplin Dress

A lesson in how to look chic in the most nonchalant way.

COS Chainlink Earrings

Chainlink Earrings

Simple gold earrings are always a nice touch.

COS Pleated Wrap Midi Skirt

Pleated Wrap Midi Skirt

Thick pleats just do it for me.

Affordable French stores 2022: Mango

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Mango never misses. The European sensibility inherent in this Spanish brand translates when you wear it too. Shop here for everything from elevated basics to accessories and even quality shoes.

Shop Mango picks:

Mango Cut-Out Detail Dress

Cut-Out Detail Dress

We love when the cutouts are still tasteful.

Mango Embossed Hoop Earrings

Embossed Hoop Earrings

Oh wow, stanning over these.

Mango Belt Leather Jacket

Belt Leather Jacket

The belted leather jacket is a nice alternative to the leather blazers that have been popular lately.

Mango Square-Toe Moccasin

Square-Toe Moccasin

As a square-toe aficionado, these are elite.

Affordable French stores 2022: Reformation

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To me, Reformation feels like one big capsule wardrobe so you won't go wrong with any purchases from here. Seasonless dressing is only gaining more and more steam, so why not get comfortable because you're going to stay awhile.

Shop Reformation picks:

Reformation Marlowe Dress

My mind is buzzing with all the ways you can style this.

Reformation Lindy Top

This style top is so forward yet simple.

Reformation Daria Ecomove Active Dress

Daria Ecomove Active Dress

Active dresses are a great way to look pulled together and still be comfortable.

Reformation Mason Pant

Wear these on date night or to the office.

Affordable French stores 2022: Charles & Keith

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Charles & Keith has a treasure trove of options for the girls who want the latest cool-girl items at an affordable price point. Plus, from interesting new bags to loafers and heels, the quality will always be there.

Shop Charles & Keith picks:

Charles & Keith Gabine Leather Saddle Bag

Charles & Keith

Gabine Leather Saddle Bag

Easily looks over $300.

Charles & Keith Strappy Cleated Sole Sandals

Charles & Keith

Strappy Cleated Sole Sandals

A great spring/summer shoe for those of us who are currently living in Dr Martens.

Charles & Keith Padded Double Pocket Shoulder Bag

Charles & Keith

Padded Double Pocket Shoulder Bag

The smaller purse detaches! We love a 2-in-1.

Affordable French stores 2022: Zara

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@aude_julie

There's no denying Zara is the popular girl in the retail world, and French girls also agree. Go for timeless shapes and pops of color to maintain the capsule wardrobe, minimal approach that makes French girls always look so good.

Shop Zara picks:

Zara Side Zip Knit Sweater

Side Zip Knit Sweater

It doesn't get more chic than this.

Zara Twisted Earrings

Twisted Earrings

Don't underestimate Zara for its acessories.

Zara Plaid Cropped Jacket

Plaid Cropped Jacket

Cropped blazers are a trend I have my eyes on.

Affordable French stores 2022: ASOS

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@claire_most

ASOS serves as a one-stop shop when you want to indulge in a lot of different categories. Go here for activewear and sneakers in addition to the latest trends.

Shop ASOS picks:

Converse Chuck 70 Hi Canvas Sneakers

Chuck 70 Hi Canvas Sneakers

Chucks are making a huge comeback, and this orange pair has my heart.

Collusion Longline Coat

Try a leather trench this spring.

Simply Be Padded Jacket

Patterns are a rarity for French women, but this houndstooth print is a classic.

Topshop Oversized Utility Sweatpants

Oversized Utility Sweatpants

Cargo sweatpants? Say no more.

Accessorize Pack of 2 Hair Slides

Pack of 2 Hair Slides

I always go to ASOS for hair accessories, as it always has a lot of great options.

Affordable French stores 2022: H&M

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H&M is by far the most affordable of the bunch and always has simple pieces that will mix nicely with luxury items from your closet.

Shop H&M picks:

H&M Quilted Jacket

Looks so cozy.

H&M Dress Pants

I've been searching for pinstripe pants exactly like this for months.

H&M Collared Knit Dress

Collared Knit Dress

I would wear this to work every day.