Bonjour friends! Jane here, your favorite Parisian fashionista.
I’m back with another post about one of my all-time favorite brands – Lemaire.
Their minimalist, androgynous aesthetic just speaks to my French soul.
But I know their pieces can be a little pricey for some budgets.
Not to worry mes amies!
I’ve rounded up my top brands with that same effortless Lemaire vibe, without the sticker shock.
So brew yourself a café au lait and let’s get started!
COS
COS is like the more affordable, Scandinavian minimalist cousin of Lemaire. Their pieces focus on quality fabrics, clean silhouettes, and timeless design.
I especially love their oversized shirts, wide-leg pants, and knits.
Some of my favorite pieces are the belted linen midi dress with side splits that’s perfect for summer, the silky taupe turtleneck that looks so chic layered under everything, and their wide-leg culottes in that gorgeous olive green.
The fabrics are substantial and luxe feeling, like that dreamy modal and cashmere blend sweater I live in all winter.
And their prices are generally $100-300, compared to $400-1200 at Lemaire. COS also has a very Scandi vibe with their minimalist brick-and-mortar stores and creamy neutral color palette. It’s like Lemaire’s chic Parisian style with a Stockholm twist.
Acne Studios
This Swedish brand perfectly balances Lemaire’s minimalism with a touch of downtown edge. Their suits and knitwear are sublime.
Some standouts are their classic black blazers that are shaped to drape perfectly on the body, their ribbed cashmere turtlenecks in dreamy neutrals, and their raw denim jeans with the perfect tapered leg.
Acne also has some quirkier pieces like oversized logo sweaters and asymmetric dresses that aren’t really Lemaire’s vibe but add some personality.
And their accessories like the block heel boots and structured handbags are divine. Pro tip: check out their annual archives sale for major deals! I snagged a black leather jacket for 80% off retail last year.
Totême
Another Scandi brand, Totême has mastered minimalist staples with a focus on premium materials and fits.
Their tonal color palette and focus on layering is très Lemaire. Some of my faves are their cashmere crewneck sweaters that come in a spectrum of neutrals, their straight leg jeans that are somehow both slouchy and chic, and their silk slip dresses that are so effortless.
I also love their loungewear pieces like the long cashmere cardigan that still feels elevated with its clean lines.
And their ribbed knit bodysuits are perfect for layering under everything. With prices averaging $300-500 per piece, they are more affordable than Lemaire while still feeling luxe.
A.P.C.
This French brand is known for their perfect basics with a laidback Parisian vibe. Their denim and breezy button-downs are wardrobe essentials.
A.P.C. nails quintessential Parisian style but with a slightly more casual, cool girl feel versus Lemaire’s refined elegance.
Their high-waisted skinny jeans come in a rainbow of colors while still fitting like a glove. Their striped tees and Breton sweaters never go out of style.
And they offer business casual essentials like tailored wool trousers and silk blouses for the chic Parisian working woman. Their pieces range $200-500, providing that effortless French style for less.
Nanushka
This Budapest-based brand has mastered effortless silhouettes and neutral hues. I especially adore their vegan leather pieces.
Nanushka has that minimalist, neutral palette vibe but with an Eastern European twist. Their designs feature clean lines and silky fabrics like satin and suede.
Some favorites are their vegan leather button-up midi skirt that looks impossibly chic, their ribbed knit bodysuits and dresses with a bit of stretch for comfort, and their oversized blazers that balance structure and softness.
They also have fun pops of color like kelly green and bright orange that inject personality into any look. With most pieces around $400-600, Nanushka provides the Lemaire aesthetic for a bit less.
MM6 Maison Margiela
Martin Margiela’s diffusion line brings quirky-cool to minimalist fashion. Their oversized proportions and clever details add a touch of personality.
MM6 has those sublime neutral tones and quality fabrics Lemaire is known for. But they add playful touches like contrast stitching, mismatched buttons, and subversive logos to elevate basic pieces. Their oversized blazers with extra wide shoulders exude Parisian cool.
Flowy satin midi skirts and draped knits channel Lemaire’s effortless vibe. And the dainty jewelry with cheeky motifs shows they don’t take fashion too seriously. With prices $300-800 for most pieces, you can get that artful spin on minimalism for less.
Jacquemus
While a bit more playful than Lemaire, Jacquemus still nails that chic French aesthetic. Their tiny bags are works of art. Jacquemus has the color palette of creamy neutrals punctuated with brights that is very Lemaire.
But they add whimsical silhouettes like their signature micro bags and voluminous dresses to liven things up.
Some of my faves are their draped cardigans with a touch of slouch, their linen sundresses and wide-brim hats that are made for la Côte d’Azur, and of course, their micro Le Chiquito bags that barely fit a credit card but instantly elevate any outfit.
With prices generally $500-1000, Jacquemus provides that artistic French fashion for a bit less than Lemaire.
Renli Su
This emerging Chinese brand focuses on luxe materials and thoughtful details. The quality and craftsmanship rival Lemaire.
Renli Su offers that same elegance and focus on quality construction as Lemaire. Their pieces combine silk and linen for the most sublime textures. Flowy trousers, sculptural outerwear, and sumptuous knits in muted tones speak to the Lemaire vibe.
And thoughtful touches like contrast stitching, braided ties, and unexpected cutouts keep things interesting.
Think a belted linen jumpsuit with billowy legs, a double-breasted coatigan in heathered grey wool, or a ribbed cashmere midi skirt. The prices range $400-800 making this a more accessible alternative to Lemaire.
Sézane
This Parisian brand offers feminine French style at attainable prices. I’m obsessed with their easy day dresses and timeless coats.
Sézane is like Lemaire’s more casual, free-spirited little sister. Their pieces capture that insouciant Parisian vibe but with a boho twist. I adore their midi dresses in flowy silhouettes and vintage floral prints.
Their knit cardigans and lightweight button-downs are perfect transitional pieces. And they offer chic basics like high-waisted denim, silk camis, and textured knits for effortless layering. With most pieces under $300, Sézane lets you channel chic Parisian style on a budget.
Jil Sander
The OG minimalist fashion house. Jil Sander is known for their meticulous tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and purity of form.
Jil Sander paved the way for Lemaire’s architectural, minimalist aesthetic. Their sharp tailoring, precision craftsmanship, and luxe materials create closet staples. We’re talking impeccably cut wool trousers, cozy cashmere knits in neutral hues, and longline blazers with strong shoulders.
Their pieces speak to quiet elegance and have a sculptural quality that feels very modern. Of course, their prices are luxury level like Lemaire. But you can sometimes score pieces on sale in the $500-1000 range.
Uniqlo
Okay, hear me out. Uniqlo’s collaborations with celeb designers like Jil Sander and Christophe Lemaire offer minimalist luxury for under $100.
Fast fashion and minimalism don’t usually go hand in hand. But Uniqlo’s designer collabs have created genuinely chic staples I wear constantly. Their +J collection with Jil Sander focused on structured separates in luxe fabrics like cashmere, leather, and silk.
And their collaboration with Lemaire himself brought his pared-back aesthetic to basics like tees, knits, and trousers. The quality and attention to detail punch way above Uniqlo’s usual price point. At $50-100 per piece, these collabs make minimalist style truly accessible.
Celine
Under Hedi Slimane, Celine adopted a pared-back Lemaire-esque vibe. Think impeccable tailoring, 70s flair, and muted color palettes.
Hedi took Celine in a very minimalist direction while still nodding to the free-spirited 70s vibe that was an early Celine signature. The result is understated elegance with a touch of retro flair. Pieces like wide-leg trousers, silk button-downs, and waist-accentuating blazers nail that Lemaire aesthetic.
But 70s details like rounded collars, fluid sleeves, and smocking add a laidback touch. Of course, Celine comes with luxury price tags. But if you score sale pieces, you can get that pared-back look for $1000-2000.
Staud
This LA-based brand offers minimalist staples with playful twists. Their shirting and knits are divine. Staud mixes Lemaire’s pared-back elegance with a sunny LA vibe.
Their pieces feature clean lines, muted palettes, and luxe fabrics like silk and cashmere. But they add cheeky cutouts, bold colors, and fun silhouettes to liven things up.
Some faves are their barely-there crochet tops, fluid silk dresses with thigh-high slits, and their collared blouses with playful ruffle details. With most pieces $300-500, you can get that SoCal take on minimalism for less.
The Row
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s luxury label perfectly encapsulates relaxed Parisian elegance. Their oversized shapes and creams are TDF.
The Row has mastered easy luxury in that refined Lemaire way. Their pieces focus on sublime fabrics and proportions in a creamy neutral palette. Flowy trousers, slouchy blazers, and cozy knits are all elevated basics.
And they pay attention to the smallest details like contrast topstitching and custom hardware. Of course, their prices are sky high like Lemaire. But some pieces hit sale racks around $1000-2000 if you’re willing to splurge.
Raey
This UK brand focuses on timeless, investment-worthy pieces for the modern minimalist wardrobe. Raey offers minimalism made for everyday. Their designs combine clean lines with lived-in details like frayed hems and soft textures.
Some staples are their relaxed trench coats, silky camisoles perfect for layering, and slouchy wide-leg jeans with raw edges. The vibe is unfussy yet still refined. And with prices averaging $400-600 for most pieces, Raey provides that Lemaire aesthetic for real life.
Wales Bonner
Grace Wales Bonner’s eponymous brand brings 70s flair to minimalist dressing. Her impeccable tailoring and focus on luxe fabrics is sublime. Wales Bonner mixes Lemaire’s pared-back aesthetic with vibrant 70s influences.
Her pieces feature clean lines, muted palettes, and exquisite fabrics like silk shirting and jacquard knits. But touches like pussy bow blouses, bell sleeves, and bold stripes add retro flair.
Some standouts are her perfectly tailored trousers with crisp pleats, ethereal dresses in silk chiffon, and knit polos with vintage vibes. As a newer luxury brand, her prices are similar to Lemaire’s. But you may be able to snag some pieces on sale in the $700-1200 range.
Margaret Howell
Margaret Howell’s eponymous brand focuses on relaxed, menswear-inspired pieces with a British sensibility. The fabrics, muted color palette, and easy silhouettes have that Lemaire vibe.
Signature pieces include their chore coats, Oxford button-downs, and wide-leg trousers. I love the oversized cotton poplin shirts, done in stripes and solids, that pair perfectly with everything.
Their cropped, loose-fitting jeans have a vintage feel I adore. And their knitwear comes in sublime textures like linen, cashmere, and marled wool.
The brand also has a focus on classic menswear that Lemaire embodies, like relaxed blazers, crisp shirting, and accessories like leather belts and satchels. Their recent collections play with proportion, oversizing classic pieces, that feels very modern.
Howell was one of the pioneers of minimalism and modern basics, launching in the 70s, before brands like Lemaire existed. And with prices averaging $400-600, her iconic designs are more accessible than ever.
Agnona
Agnona is known for luxury Italian craftsmanship with an unfussy, minimalist elegance. Their understated cashmeres, silk blouses, and luxe knits exude refinement. Agnona shares that sculptural sensibility and focus on fine fabrics found at Lemaire.
Their cashmere, especially in neutral, tonal shades, is divinely soft and lightweight. Pieces drape beautifully on the body. I love their ribbed cashmere turtlenecks, wide-leg culottes, and silk dresses for their simple silhouettes.
Their double-faced wool coats provide warmth without bulk. And small details like mother of pearl buttons and delicate stitching elevate basics.
Agnona’s quality and craftsmanship is world-class, with pieces handmade in Italy. So their prices are similar to Lemaire, $1000-3000 for most designs. But for exquisite minimalism that will last, Agnona is unmatched.
Lemlem
Model Liya Kebede launched Lemlem to preserve traditional African weaving techniques through modern fashion.
The handwoven cottons, silky caftans, and relaxed shapes share Lemaire’s minimalist aesthetic. Lemaire actually designed capsules for Lemlem focusing on neutrals and easy silhouettes. The brand carries on their refined vibe.
I love their airy cotton dresses, ruched caftans, and handwoven shawls. The pieces are perfect lightweight layers, and many use hand-dyed stripes or geometrics for subtle pattern. Lemlem also works with local artisans across Africa to produce accessories like raffia bags and beaded sandals.
Prices range $200-600 for most pieces, providing ethical, artisanal fashion at a reasonable cost. The brand proves minimalism works beautifully with handcrafted techniques passed down for generations.
Nili Lotan
Nili Lotan creates everyday luxury essentials with a restrained, French-inspired aesthetic. Her focus on premium materials and thoughtful construction mirrors Lemaire.
Signature pieces include slouchy trousers, silk slip dresses, and shirting. The brand executes basics impeccably. Their cotton tees come in an array of muted hues, soft to the touch. The silk camisoles pair seamlessly with high-waisted denim. And their wool outerwear provides warmth without bulk.
Nili Lotan also incorporates tactile textures like raw edges, gauzy cotton, and nubby knits for subtle depth.
Pieces range $300-1000, providing that quiet luxury perfected by Lemaire, but for a bit less. The brand proves you don’t need bold logos or loud trends to create covetable fashion.
AMI Paris
AMI Paris has perfected a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi with their unfussy take on French style. The laidback tailoring, muted palette, and focus on fit are very Lemaire.
Founder Alexandre Mattiussi worked under Marc Jacobs, Dior, and Givenchy honing his craft before launching his label. AMI offers wardrobe essentials for the stylish Parisian.
Their trousers come in on-trend silhouettes from wide-leg to tapered, made for everyday wear. Their shirts and knits provide easy layering pieces with artful draping and details.
And their structured jackets and coats offer relaxed polish.
AMI also delivers staples with subtle twists – think a crewneck sweater reimagined with sculptural sleeves. Most designs are $300-800, delivering covetable French style for less. For that insouciant Parisian vibe, AMI is très magnifique.
S.E.H Kelly
British brand S.E.H Kelly focuses on modern updates of traditional workwear using humble fabrics and easy silhouettes. Their pared-back pieces in muted tones deliver a touch of English countryside chic reminiscent of Lemaire. S.E.H Kelly puts utilitarian staples through a minimalist lens – think chore coats, camp shirts, moleskin jackets.
Their trench coats come in waxed cotton, leather, and melton wool for seasonal wear. I love the patchwork denim pieces made from salvaged materials that feel special. Their wide-leg fatigues and cropped painter pants provide relaxed alternatives to traditional trousers.
And they offer modern shirting in stripes, checks, and solids ideal for layering. Beyond the clothing, their small leather goods like belts, dog collars, and satchels embody functional luxury. With most pieces ranging $300-600, S.E.H Kelly provides unfussy English style made to last.
Asceno
Asceno creates everyday luxuries for the modern minimalist wardrobe. Their focus on premium natural fabrics, versatile silhouettes, and attention to detail mirrors Lemaire’s ethos. Known for their silk and cashmere pieces, Asceno perfects pared-back basics.
Their silk shirts come in crisp poplins and fluid satins, suited for any occasion.
The cashmere sweaters are feather-light yet cozy for year-round wear. And their knitwear incorporates technical fabrics like lightweight merino and breathable cotton blends.
Beyond neutral staples, Asceno delivers subtle femininity through details like smocking, lace trims, and draped cowl necks. Most designs are $300-600, blending everyday ease with indulgent fabrics.
Ann Demeulemeester
Ann Demeulemeester creates moody, avant-garde fashion focused on drape and asymmetry. But her emphasis on black, reliance on expert tailoring, and exploration of proportion bring Lemaire to mind. Both designers share an artistic outlook on minimalism.
Ann Demeulemeester’s all-black palette allows the construction and fabrics to shine. Pieces play with volume, shape, and unexpected details. Think floor-grazing button-downs, cocoon-like knits, and blazers with exaggerated shoulders. Leather, felt, and jersey add alluring textures. With prices from $400 for basics to $3000+ for statement designs, her avant-garde style rivals Lemaire’s creations.
For those drawn to the cerebral, conceptual side of Lemaire, Ann Demeulemeester delivers darkly romantic minimalism made to inspire.
Willow
Founded by designer Kyungah Ham, Willow focuses on modern essentials with an artist’s eye.
Their emphasis on fit, fabric, and shape channels the Lemaire vibe through a sculptural lens. Willow delivers wardrobe building blocks – think t-shirts, button-downs, trousers – elevated by considerate design.
Their cotton shirts come pre-washed for a vintage feel. Wide-leg denim and cargo pants provide modern alternatives to jeans.
And their hoodies feature asymmetric zippers, shoulder cutouts, and other unexpected details. Willow also experiments with fabrication like bonding jersey and satin for depth. With pieces $300-800, their artistic basics invite you to rethink your everyday uniform.
