5 Affordable Wardrobe Investments French Women Are Making in 2025

By Christine Holder / December 30, 2024 / Family & Parenting / 2 minutes of reading

For another year in a row, French women are proving once again that looking effortlessly chic doesn’t require a trust fund—just a few smart choices and a well-curated wardrobe. Forget about splurging on the latest trends; it’s all about investing in those timeless staples that make you look like you’ve just stepped off a Parisian boulevard (with minimal effort, of course). The best part? None of these wardrobe wonders will cost you a fortune—every item is under $200, coming from brands like Zara, Mango, and H&M.

Oui, you read that right. Whether you’re channeling your inner French muse or simply aiming for that “I just threw this on” vibe, these five investment pieces French women swear by will keep you looking polished without shelling out thousands of dollars on a single outfit. If you’re looking to upgrade your style in 2025, scroll below to discover the best affordable pieces French women are buying.

Tried-and-True Jeans

Woman wearing white shirt, blue jeans, brown trench coat and brown leather bag, walking on the streets of Paris.

How to style: Jeans + striped sweater + leather shoes

Levi's 501 Jeans

Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Levi’s

Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Z1975 Denim Straight Cut Jeans With a High Waist

Zara

Z1975 Denim Straight Cut Jeans With a High Waist

Baggy High Jeans

Z1975 Denim Straight Cut Jeans With a High Waist

Zara

Z1975 Denim Straight Cut Jeans With a High Waist

Well-Made Sweaters

Woman standing in front of white wall, wearing black satin skirt, black boots, white t-shirt and grey sweater.

How to style: White T-shirt + cashmere sweater + satin skirt + pointed-toe boots

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Oversized Curved-Hem Sweater

H&M

Oversized Curved-Hem Sweater

Basic Soft Knit Sweater

Zara

Basic Soft Knit Sweater

Stripe Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater

Nordstrom

Stripe Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Caslon

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Elegant Leather Shoes

Woman wearing black jeans and burgundy leather slingback heels.

How to style: Leather shoes + jeans + an oversize blazer

Pointed-Toe Heeled Shoes - Women | Mango Usa

Mango

Pointed-Toe Heeled Shoes

Flat Leather Slingback Shoes

Zara

Flat Leather Slingback Shoes

Jones Black Leather

STEVEMADDEN

Jones Black Leather

Faux Patent Leather Penny Loafers

Zara

Faux Patent Leather Penny Loafers

Trustee Pump

Jeffrey Campbell

Trustee Pump

Timeless Coats

Woman wearing white shirt, blue jeans, brown trench coat and brown leather bag, walking on the streets of Paris.

How to style: A classic coat + white tee + jeans + wayfarer sunglasses

Soft Oversized Coat

Coat With Shoulder Pads

H&M

Coat With Shoulder Pads

Faux Suede Trench Coat

Zara

Faux Suede Trench Coat

Melrose Sweater Jacket

Show Me Your Mumu

Melrose Sweater Jacket

Classic Trench Coat With Belt - Women | Mango Usa

Mango

Classic Trench Coat With Belt

Minimalist Bags

Woman wearing corduroy pants, white shirt, navy coat and brown leather bag.

How to style: Navy coat + coduroy pants + black belt + leather bag

Oblong Shoulder Bag

Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag

Gap

Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag

Madewell, The Essential Bucket Tote

Madewell

The Essential Bucket Tote

Shoulder Bag

Voyager Leather Belted Trapeze Tote Bag

Charles & Keith

Voyager Leather Belted Trapeze Tote Bag

About The Author

Christine Holder

Christine Holder is a writer at AZ News, where she covers politics, health, business, and finance. She has been with the publication for three years. Prior to that, she worked as a writer for several other publications in Arizona. Christine is also a huge fan of dogs and spends much of her free time volunteering at local animal shelters.