French fashion brands: Affordable prêt-a-porter

If you are looking to emulate that world-famous Parisian woman style, you are going to love these affordable French fashion brands. While French fashion is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to achieve that coveted je ne sais quoi.

From budget-friendly finds to accessible prêt-à-porter collections, there’s a plethora of trendy and chic options out there. “Prêt-à-porter” in French means “ready-to-wear”, as opposed to the high-end luxury brands that are made to order.

The ready-to-wear brands I’ve picked below are well-known in France, with a large enough footprint to ship overseas to the US, UK, and more. So get ready to discover your new favorite affordable fashion gems with these wonderfully chic French brands. Allons-y!

1. Sézane

One of the newer French designer houses, Sézane has quickly become a beloved name in French fashion. Founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, Sézane has gained a reputation for its chic and accessible designs.

The brand focuses on sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring that their pieces are made with care and consideration for the environment. Sézane offers a range of stylish and versatile clothing, from timeless sweaters to feminine dresses, capturing the essence of modern Parisian style.

With an effortlessly cool aesthetic, Sézane has garnered a loyal following and has become a symbol of contemporary French fashion worldwide.

2. Rouje

Rouje is a up-and-coming player in the French fashion scene, founded in 2016 by Jeanne Damas, a Parisian It-girl and influencer. Inspired by vintage aesthetics and French-girl chic, Rouje offers feminine and effortless clothing with a touch of nostalgia.

The name “Rouje” is a play on word of the color ‘rouge‘ which means ‘red’ in French. The brand quickly gained a cult following, attracting fashion lovers with its romantic floral dresses, chic blouses, and timeless denim.

3. Sandro

Founded in 1984 by Evelyne Chetrite, Sandro has become a go-to brand for ready-to-wear Parisian style.

Known for its sleek designs and attention to detail, Sandro effortlessly blends feminine and masculine element. From tailored sweaters to delicate dresses, Sandro offers a range of versatile pieces.

4. Ba&sh

Ba&sh was founded in 2003 is all about creating affordable premium fashion brand. It’s style is modern and feminine pieces for the carefree woman.

The brand draws inspiration from travel, art, and music, resulting in designs that exude effortless elegance. Ba&sh offers a mix of romantic dresses, colorful prints, and relaxed tailoring for a sense of laid-back sophistication.

5. Maje

Maje was established in Paris in 1998 by Judith Milgrom, is synonymous with feminine and bohemian-inspired fashion.

The brand’s designs effortlessly blend romanticism with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll edge in solid colors drawing attention to the detail and intricate needlework. It is known for flowing silhouettes, reflecting a sense of effortless grace and charm.

6. Isabel Marant Étoile

Isabel Marant Étoile, launched by couturier Isabel Marant in 1999, brings a relaxed ready-to-wear vibe to French haute couture fashion.

The word “Etoile” means “star” in French. Isabel Marant Étoile is known for its casual-chic pieces with creating a style that resonates with the modern, independent woman.

7. Lacoste

Lacoste is a renowned fashion brand in France that has become synonymous with sporty elegance and timeless sophistication.

Founded in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste and his cofounder André Gillier, the brand originally gained recognition for its iconic polo shirts with the instantly recognizable crocodile logo.

Today Lacoste offers fusion of athletic inspiration and refinery with a range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. From classic polo shirts to tailored separates and outerwear, Lacoste’s designs exude a sense of effortless chic.

It has become a go-to choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed approach to fashion.

8. Zadig & Voltaire

Zadig & Voltaire was founded by Thierry Gillier in 1997, and embodies a rebellious and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Gillier has fashion in his blood, being the great-grandnephew of André Gillier, co-founder of Lacoste.

The brand Zadig & Voltaire’s designs are characterized by a fusion of casual and luxury elements. It has everything from a range of leather jackets to distressed denim, and graphic tees, all infused with a sense of effortless attitude and nonchalance.

9. See by Chloé

See by Chloé is the youthful and romantic line of the iconic French brand Chloé. Launched in 2001, See by Chloé captures a more relaxed and playful aesthetic, while still maintaining the brand’s feminine and romantic DNA.

It is known for its prints and delicate details, along with a range of purses and shoes.

10. The Kooples

The Kooples was founded by the 3 Elicha brothers in Paris in 2008 and offers a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll and romantic aesthetics.

The brand is renowned for its flowy dresses, sharp tailoring, and statement accessories. The Kooples embraces a rebellious spirit, blending masculine and feminine elements to create a distinctive style that exudes confidence.

11. Loulou Studio

Loulou Studio was founded by Chloé Harrouche, a fashion consultant turned digital influencer in 2019 in Paris.

The brand’s designs focus on elevated basics, from cashmere sweaters to tailored blazers, as well as dresses for any occasion. Loulou Studio aims to offer a curated selection of essentials for a refined simplicity.

12. The Frankie Shop

The Frankie Shop is an affordable French brand that first opened in New York in 2014. Founded by Parisian-born Gaelle Drevet, The Frankie Shop is known for its curated selection of wardrobe staples with a modern twist.

It has gained a global following for its minimalist tailored blazers to oversized shirts, their designs effortlessly blend androgynous style with a touch of femininity. The brand emphasizes clean lines and a neutral color palette.

13. Rosaé Paris

Rosaé Paris was founded in 2019 by Claire Teixeira to celebrates a modern and romantic aesthetic.

The brand offers a range of versatile pieces, from delicate blouses to flowing jackets, all adorned with subtle details and neutral colors.

Rosaé Paris emphasizes sourcing its fabrics from ecological sources as well as making most of its pieces in Europe, in order to reduce its impact on the environment.

14. Saint James

One of the older French brands on the list, Saint James has a history dating back to 1889. It is renowned for its iconic Breton striped shirts.

The brand has become synonymous with nautical-inspired fashion, and many of the brand’s designs are still made in the same atelier near Mont Saint Michel in France. Saint James offers a range of striped tops, knitwear, and outerwear in that classic French style.

15. Jonak

Jonak is a French footwear brand that has been creating stylish and contemporary shoes since 1964. Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Marcel and Josette Nakam, it offer a diverse range of footwear for women.

From elegant heels and flats to trendy boots and sneakers, Jonak’s collections try to cater to both comfort and durability. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated pair of heels or a casual pair of ankle boots, Jonak is a go-to brand for chic and fashionable footwear.

☞ READ MORE: French Lingerie: The Rules to feeling fabulous

16. Kookai

Kookai is a popular fashion brand in France that has been setting trends since its establishment in 1983. They focus on contemporary and feminine designs, with wide range of clothing and accessories for women.

From chic dresses to stylish beachwear in vibrant colors, Kookai’s collections exude a playful and youthful aesthetic.

17. Comptoirs des Cotonniers

Comptoirs des Cotonniers is a French fashion brand that was founded in 1995 in the area around Toulouse. The brand is known for its emphasis on clean lines, quality fabrics, and timeless designs.

Comptoirs des Cotonniers offers a range of elevated basics, tailored outerwear, and effortlessly chic dresses with a focus on versatility and wearability. The brand’s collections can effortlessly transition from day to night for a versatile and stylish wardrobe.

18. Musier Paris

Musier Paris is a newer brand founded in 2018 by Anne-Laure Mais. It is a brand that embodies Parisian chic with a modern and alluring twist.

Musier Paris offers a curated collection of feminine dresses, tailored blazers, and effortless separates. The brand’s designs exude elegance and sophistication, capturing the essence of Parisian je ne sais quoi.

19. Claudie Pierlot

Claudie Pierlot is a fashion brand that is known for exuding timeless French elegance.

Established in 1984, the brand is known for its feminine and sophisticated designs, featuring tailored clothes and silhouettes with a modern twist. They also have accessories like purses and bags that go from daytime to evening.

20. Petite Mendigote

Petite Mendigote was established in 2003 by Sybille Roger Vasselin. The name “Mendigote” means beggar in Old French, and is meant showcase the brand’s Parisian bohemian style at very affordable prices.

It is known for its playful prints, flowing fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes. Petite Mendigote also offers a range of whimsical dresses and vibrant accessories.

21. A.M.V.

A.M.V. stands for American Vintage, which despite its name, is a French brand. It was founded by Michaël Azoulay in Marseille in 2005.

American Vintage is known for its soft and comfortable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and feminine color palette. The brand offers a range of basics, such as t-shirts, knitwear, and easy-to-wear dresses.

22. Roseanna

Roseanna was launched by Anne-Fleur Broudehoux and Roxane Thiéry in 2007, as a contraction of their two names. It has since been taken over by new investors, but continues to serve its longstanding fans. .

It offers a fusion of bright colorful prints and timeless fabrics. Roseanna’s designs evoke a sense of wanderlust and romanticism.

23. Soeur Paris

Soeur Paris was founded by sisters Domitille and Angélique Brion in 2008. The name “soeur” means “sisters” in French.

The brand offers a range of clean-cut dresses and timeless separates. Soeur’s designs capture a sense of nostalgia and femininity, which still reasonate with the modern woman.

24. Vanessa Bruno

Vanessa Bruno is a women’s clothing brand known its flowery designs and relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.

Since launching her brand in 1996, Bruno has also become renowned for her signature tote bags and effortless silhouettes. Vanessa Bruno’s designs embody a sense of effortless French style, combining luscious fabrics and a touch of boho-chic.

25. Marie Marot

Marie Marot is a French women’s shirt brand celebrated for their minimalist and androgynous approach to fashion.

Known for her collection of tailored shirts, Marot blends classic menswear-inspired elements with feminine detailing. Their designs exude a sense of understated sophistication in a wide variety of colors.

26. Atelier Camille

Atelier Camille was founded in 2011 by Camille Seydoux, a member of the most prominent families in France.

The brand offers a whimsical and romantic take on French fashion. The brand showcases a range of feminine dresses, delicate blouses, and dreamy prints. They also do bridal dresses for French-style weddings, at very affordable prices.

27. Éric Bompard

Éric Bompard is a French brand renowned for its luxurious cashmere sweaters and other creations. They offer a wide range of cashmere sweaters, cardigans, and accessories that are timeless, elevating any outfit with a touch of luxury.

28. MaisonCléo

MaisonCléo is a mother-daughter brand founded by Marie Dewet and her mother Cléo in 2017. It is aimed at the Gen Z crowd, taking a sustainable and limited-edition approach that has attracted a large following.

MaisonCléo offers handmade clothing with a focus on transparent production. The company tries to use only leftovers fabrics from French Couture Houses to keep its fashion sustainable.

29. Balzac Paris

Balzac Paris is a French brand that was founded by Chrysoline de Gastines, Victorien, her husband and Charles Fourmaux, their brother-in-law.

It celebrates feminine and romantic designs with a range of effortless dresses, versatile separates, and delicate prints. Balzac Paris tries to maintain sustainable approach, using organic and recycled materials in their collections.

30. Maison Labiche

Maison Labiche is a Parisian brand known for large range of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing.

Established in 2011, the brand offers a range of elevated t-shirts, sweatshirts, and shirts. Maison Labiche’s designs showcase a mix of casual and chic elements, adding a touch of personality to everyday essentials.

31. Tara Jarmon

Tara Jarmon is a prêt-à-porter brand that is known for its colorful clothing that immediately catches the eye. It was founded in 1986 by Canadian-born Tara Jarmon living in Paris, along with her entrepreneur husband.

From jackets to dresses, everything is designed with an impeccable eye for color, fabric and design.

32. Sessùn

Sessùn was founded by Emma François in 1995 and draws its inspiration from travel, cultures, and vintage aesthetics. The brand offers a range of earthy and flowing designs with dresses and sweaters. It also offers non-traditional bridal wear.