French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (2024)

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French women seem to have a way of dressing that is so classy and put together, yet their style is effortless and carefree. They rely on their basics and they tend to rely on timeless styles rather than trends.

I have always been intrigued by French style, whether it is a great fitting pair of jeans, the classic and timeless striped tee (my most favorite) or a lovely pair of black ballet shoes. I created my first French Minimalist capsule wardrobe in 2016 and it is a season favorite of you all! See all the current and past season French Minimalist capsule wardrobes here!

What Is French Minimalist Style?

French minimalist style is simply classic and timeless styles in mostly solid, neutral colors. Such pieces are a white tee, striped tee, straight leg jeans with no distressing, ballet flats, casual sneakers, a black blazer and trench coat.

If you love the idea of French style, but you are on a budget, I have found several French Minimalist styles that are great quality and won’t break the bank. If you have these 10 basic essentials in your closet, you can turn them into 9 outfits! These 10 tops and bottoms are classic and timeless pieces that are always in style. They mix well with one another because of the neutral color tones and the simple designs. All the pieces shown, both clothes, shoes and accessories, are just a few pieces in the Simplified Style: Classic Casual Foundation Capsule Wardrobe, a complete year-round wardrobe for all seasons of the year!

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (1)

French Minimalist Style Mini Capsule Wardrobe

These 10 French style basics will make 9 outfits! You may already have these pieces in your closet. If you are missing any, use the convenient shopping links below to add them to your closet!

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (2)

TOPS:

white tee / love this white scoopneck tee (sign up for Boden’s newsletter for a discount on their site!)
striped tee
black tee / love this black scoopneck tee (sign up for Boden’s newsletter for a discount on their site!)

LAYERS:

black blazer (I have this one and LOVE it!)
trench coat (I also have this trench coat and LOVE it!)
ivory cardigan

BOTTOMS:

blue jeans
black wash jeans

SHOES:

white casual sneakers
black flats

SHOP THE POST:

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (3)

See More “French Style” posts here!

How to Expand This Mini Capsule Wardrobe

You can expand this mini capsule wardrobe by adding more pieces! You could add pieces like a white shirt, ivory blouse, black pants, gray pants, black midi skirt, beige loafers or black boots. You can also add your favorite accent color pieces from your closet like a blush color top, green pants, blue cardigan or brown loafers.

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (4)

Add Some Accessories

Add these accessories to your outfits for a chic and polished look!

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (5)

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (6)

image credit: @leiasfez

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (7)

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Mix And Match Pieces To Create Outfits

All these tops, bottoms, layers and shoes will mix and match creating several outfits.

OUTFIT 1

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (8)

OUTFIT 2

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (9)

OUTFIT 3

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (10)

OUTFIT 4

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (11)

OUTFIT 5

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (12)

OUTFIT 6

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (13)

OUTFIT 7

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (14)

OUTFIT 8

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (15)

OUTFIT 9

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (16)

See More “French Style” posts here!

A Bit Of Inspiration For Your Day:

“A new commandI give you: Love one another.As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

French Minimalist Style On A Budget: 10 Pieces, 9 Outfits - Classy Yet Trendy (2024)

FAQs

How do you dress French chic on a budget? ›

French minimalist style is simply classic and timeless styles in mostly solid, neutral colors. Such pieces are a white tee, striped tee, straight leg jeans with no distressing, ballet flats, casual sneakers, a black blazer and trench coat.

What is French minimalist? ›

French minimalism emphasizes quality over quantity, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural materials, and timeless elegance.

How to look chic like a French woman? ›

French Style Principles
  1. French Women Ignore Trends.
  2. Less is More.
  3. Wear Color and Pattern Sparingly.
  4. Practical Footwear is Chic.
  5. French Style Combines Casual and Elevated.

How to dress classy minimalist? ›

If you want your outfit to say minimal style, it's the details that will tell the story. Look for quality fabrics and construction, solid colors, tailored lines, neutral colors, wardrobe staples, modest cuts, bold color, timeless pieces, monochromatic or high contrast color palette, and neutrals with pops of color.

What is chic dress code in Paris? ›

The French are casual but also more dressed up compared to Americans. The best way to describe the way Parisians look is chic décontracté which translates to smart casual. They don't wear leggings or athleisure like Americans so leave those at home. They also lean more into neutrals.

What is French style makeup? ›

French makeup does not aim at attaining perfection, rather, give a neat, and polished look that is to disguise the use of makeup. Make use of a lightweight foundation or a tinted moisturizer that blends in with your skin to give the skin a refreshing look.

What is typical French skincare? ›

While the mantra is to keep the skin hydrated and safeguarded during the day, the evening routine is all about purification and repair. To maintain a clear complexion, French women favor either oil-based cleansers or micellar water to remove makeup, followed up by a gentle cleanser to wash away any residue.

What is French girl style? ›

There's vintage (they love a good designer find), there's raffia, there's delicate pattern (polka dots, To show the breadth of what French girl style really looks, we tapped some of the most stylish French women we know to share their go-to styling tips, and everything on their summer shopping list.

What is French girl hair? ›

Simply put, the French way is the messy way. French girls encourage volume and wear their hair in a relaxed fashion. The blow dry is tussled, never slick; the cut is longer and not severe, falling ragged on the ends.

How to age like a French woman? ›

7 Tips on Aging Gracefully from the Author of French Women Don't Get Facelifts
  1. Wear lighter makeup. I see way too many people let themselves go as they get older. ...
  2. Eat face-friendly foods. ...
  3. Wash your face. ...
  4. Get a magic haircut. ...
  5. Laugh and walk more. ...
  6. Hydrate. ...
  7. ZZZzzz.
Feb 23, 2021

How can I look casual but chic? ›

Opt for comfortable fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim. Choose clothing pieces that are easy to wear and allow for movement, such as flowy tops, midi dresses, or relaxed-fit trousers. Keep the accessories simple, but add some statement pieces to elevate the outfit, such as a bold necklace or a stylish handbag.

What color do minimalists wear? ›

Neutrals serve as the fundamental building blocks for any minimalist wardrobe. These shades offer an array of advantages that contribute to the minimalist aesthetic: Simplicity and Elegance: Neutrals such as white, beige, and gray contribute to a serene and understated atmosphere.

How many outfits should a minimalist have? ›

It typically comprises around 37 pieces, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. The key to building a successful capsule wardrobe is to choose items that can be easily layered and that work well together.

How to dress fashionably for cheap? ›

Summary: How to Dress Well on a Budget
  1. Avoid trends and fast-fashion.
  2. Invest in timeless pieces such as white shirts, brown brogues and navy tailoring.
  3. Buy clothes in the right size to ensure they fit well.
  4. Visit a tailor for alterations.
  5. Choose quality garments that are built to last (even if it means spending more)

How do you dress simple and chic? ›

Building a wardrobe of timeless and high-quality basics is essential for simple but stylish dressing. Invest in well-made pieces like a classic white button-down shirt, a pair of well-fitting jeans, a tailored blazer, and a little black dress. These versatile staples serve as the foundation for numerous chic outfits.

What is French chic decor? ›

Rarely flashy, French interiors often boast a sense of lavishness with hints of brilliance via jeweled accents, ornate filigree detailing, antique chandeliers and wall sconces.

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