Top 10 Affordable French Clothing Stores in Paris
Paris - city of love, lights, and of course, fashion. Who doesn’t instantly think of Paris when they think of style?
The influence the French capital has on international fashion is undeniable, but let’s face it, we don’t all have budgets that stretch enough to be constantly splurging on Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Céline.
So, what to do if we still want to look fabulous on a budget? Well, I’d love to share with you today the secret stores that can help anyone - including students and young professionals! - looking fabulous day in and day out. This list focuses more on the high-street, and less on boutique.
For further tips on shopping in Paris, be sure to check out my other posts:
1. NAF NAF
The spirit of NAF NAF is soft, dainty, fun, fierce, and ladylike.
This French fashion retailer has been in the game for over 45 years, and strives to make its clients proud to be female. True to their slogan (« Le Grand Méchant Look »), they claim being “feminine” is, in fact, an attitude and their clothes help people to discover that.
NAF NAF is the store I turn to any time I need lace, lace, and more lace. Their blouses are always well-made, and very pretty. Lot’s of their lace tops are see-through, but look absolutely brilliant paired with either a nude bodysuit or equally standout bra underneath.
They stock fabulously preppy and chic pieces appropriate for brunches and bridesmaids alike.
Although they are quite affordable, I highly recommend checking them out during the holidays for even better deals. In essence, for all your preppy and chic fashion needs, head over to NAF NAF ASAP. Grand Méchant Look, indeed!
A NAF NAF lace delight - the amount of frills gave me chills and countless thrills every time I popped in.
2. see U soon
Both my mum and I love the prêt-à-porter brand See U Soon.
This store, which has a few locations across Paris, specializes in classic and unique clothing that’ll help any fashionista feel polished. Many of their pieces have notable detailing, such as lovely draping or ruffles.
One thing I’ve always liked about See U Soon was their clothes abundance of patterns and colours. I really love a brand that strives to make pieces that are vibrant and bold!
If you’re planning on getting some lovely additions to your wardrobe in Paris, this store will definitely See YOU Soon!
Photo courtesy of See U Soon official Facebook.
Photo courtesy of See U Soon official Facebook.
3. Pimkie
As a university student in Paris, I loved Pimkie.
This French fashion brand stocked all of my sweaters that had been well-loved and well-travelled. The pieces here, while cheap and budget-friendly, are very trendy and cute. I like to think of it as a more European version of Forever 21 (RIP).
This store is excellent for students or young professional. It’s also fantastic for those who want to add a specific trendy piece to your closet without breaking the bank. Cute!
A faux-collared shirt from Pimkie that has been well-travelled.
4. Etam
Photo courtesy of Etam official Facebook page.
ETAM could be likened to the French version of Victoria’s Secret.
Flirty, chic, and budget-friendly, this store sells both over-and-undergarments. Bras, panties, and pyjamas are all for sale at this mega-store that does it all. You can get basic t-shirt bras and briefs, or find friskier strappy and lacy underthings.
However, on top of their lounge wear, ETAM also stocks a prêt-a-porter line that has impressed me. I often receive compliments on some of the sweaters, jackets, bralettes, and t-shirts I’ve picked up from here.
There are multiple stores all across Paris, so it’s quite easy to plan a trip to the store if you’re in the French capital.
Enjoy, whether you buy something that will peek through or not!
An excellent wool sweater from ETAM.. Budget-friendly, chic, cute, cheap, fashion and shopping in Paris, France.
An excellent faux-leather jacket from ETAM. Budget-friendly, chic, cute, cheap, style and shopping in Paris, France.
5. Camaïeu
Camaïeu is one of the popular french clothing stores that has a great variety of clothing to suit different styles.
This is one of the most cheap and budget-friendly brands mentioned on this list, and it’s a great place to go to if you’re pinning after a specific trend, or want to try out a specific style without breaking the bank.
My favourite things at Camaïeu were their brightly-coloured basics, classic jewellery, and fun prints.
It’s a good store to round-out the pieces already in your wardrobe with some fun additions!
6. S•DEER
You’ll be saying “Oh deer, how I love this store” when you walk into S •Deer!
S·DEER states its inspiration for its clothing from nature, classical Eastern and Western culture, and art. Their clothing always left me in awe when I walked in, due to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of their pieces.
Each item is a work of art, and the bran uses techniques from sculpture and painting to transform their garments. They focus heavily on structure, texture, and aesthetics to achieve a very bold and innovative look.
I highly recommend S•Deer for fashion-forward folks who want that standout piece in their wardrobe. The pieces I picked up from here always get comments, and heads-turning!
Photo courtesy of S Deer official Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of S Deer official Facebook page
7. Kookai
Kookaï is cool, there is no other word to describe it.
Well-made pieces with pretty detailing, along with staple wardrobe pieces are all for sale at this lovely store with multiple locations across Paris.
This store creates beautiful, affordable pieces for the modern woman (or anyone) who wants to enjoy looking great but having enough money for drinks later. Love it!
Photo courtesy of Kookaï official Facebook page
8. & Other Stories
& Other Stories is a varied store that sells it’s female clientele accessories, beauty products, stationery, and prêt-à-porter looks.
The brand, an off-shoot of H&M, has design ateliers in Paris, Los Angeles, and Stockholm. Each of their “designed” lines features creative pieces with a certain flair representative of the country in which it was conceptualized. My personal favourite? Paris, of course.
Many of the pieces at this store are soft, structural, conceptual, and classic. While on the pricier end of affordable, these items are often well-made and will last a long-time with proper care.
Create your own Parisian story when you pop in, and pick up a piece that speaks to you!
Photo courtesy of & Other Stories official Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of & Other Stories official Facebook page.
9. Sud express
Why did I include Sud Express on this list? I’ll tell you: Sweaters, sweaters, sweaters.
Sud Express, while not “cheap”, is very reasonably priced for the quality of their well-made and warm sweaters (from experience, this is very covetable in damp European apartments).
Named for the overnight passenger train connecting Lisbon with Hendaye (the French commune on the Franco-Spanish border), Sud Express has a unique style with a European flair, which aims to embody freedom and love of travel through its collections. The creator of the brand adores contemporary art and nature, and chose a five-point star as its symbol since they are “unique and dazzling” like women. Talk about a concept!
Overall, Sud Express has long-lasting pieces that make for cozy and colourful additions to any French-inspired wardrobe!
Photo courtesy of Sud Express official Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Sud Express official Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Sud Express official Facebook page.
10. Monki
Top and ring from Monki, a cheap and trendy clothing store in Paris.
Monki states that it offers “great French fashion” at a “competitive” price, and this description could not be more accurate.
This fast-fashion retailer is definitely among the affordable french clothing brands in Paris, that offer up some of the most on-trend pieces at an unbeatable price.
Do you want a corduroy suit? They have it. Neon green bodysuit? Of course. Velvet headbands? Uh huh. Yellow plaid skirt? Say no more.
If you’re searching for the cheap-n-trendy, Monki has you covered. With many locations across Paris, it’s easy to pop into one to see if any of their pieces speak to you.
Top from Monki
Honourable mentions
I’d also like to point out Bershka, Stradivarius, and Pull & Bear which, while not French, were places I frequented. Both have trendy, well-priced finds for the masculine or feminine styled consumer! It reminds me of Zara or a slightly more European-flavoured H&M.
Pants from Bershka
Skirt from Pull & Bear
A blue top from Stradivarius added some flair to this photo on… some street?
Pants from Pull & Bear, T-shirt from Stradivarius
Bralette and jeans from Bershka
Hope you scored yourself some new affordable French shops to check out while in Paris and France. Leave me a comment if you have any other suggestions to add to the list!
Thanks for reading my list, lovely!
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