I have an observation...
There’s a common misconception that living beautifully—dressing impeccably, dining well, and surrounding yourself with elegance—requires extravagant spending. This is especially true in the United States. To be chic one must be consistently consuming. But the more I learn about the French the more I realize that our perception of them isn't exactly true.
Nowhere is this myth more persistent than when it comes to France, and especially Paris. Many assume that the French achieve their refined lifestyle by indulging in luxury at every turn. But in reality, the French have mastered something far more valuable: the art of being both fancy and frugal—living with intention, investing in quality over quantity, and knowing when simplicity is the most luxurious choice of all. That is their je ne sais quou.
As someone who adores Paris and has spent time observing the way the French approach everyday elegance, I’ve come to realize that their lifestyle isn’t about excess—it’s about selectivity. It’s about choosing well, making thoughtful trade-offs, and knowing that true luxury isn’t about how much you spend, but how deeply you enjoy what you have. Here’s how the French embody the Fancy and Frugal philosophy and how you can, too.
Fewer, Better Things
One of the most defining traits of French style—whether in fashion, home decor, or beauty—is quality over quantity. Instead of chasing trends or accumulating clutter, the French focus on timeless essentials that are well-made, versatile, and effortlessly chic.
I remember walking through the boutiques in the Marais district and noticing how Parisians shop. Unlike the “haul culture” that’s common in the U.S., they don’t buy in excess. Instead, they might purchase one perfect sweater that fits impeccably and lasts for years rather than five fast-fashion pieces that fall apart in a season. Their wardrobes are built on a few high-quality staples—a classic trench coat, well-tailored trousers, and a pair of leather shoes—rather than an ever-rotating closet full of impulse buys. They may update one piece for the season but generally try to find ways to use what they already have in new ways.
This philosophy extends beyond fashion. French homes aren’t filled with disposable furniture or trendy decor; they’re curated with a mix of antiques, secondhand finds, and timeless pieces that tell a story. The result? Spaces that feel lived-in, elegant, and effortlessly sophisticated—without excessive spending.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Adopt the French mindset by curating your wardrobe and home with intentionality. Instead of buying frequently, invest in fewer pieces that are versatile, well-made, and truly bring you joy.
Pleasure—Without Overindulgence
Biting into your first flaky croissant or baguette in a french boulangerie will be the moment you realize that the French know what indulgence means. How do many of them stay so swelt when the butter is so abundant?
The French approach to food, beauty, and even leisure is rooted in moderation and enjoyment rather than restriction or excess. Unlike in many cultures where “fancy” is associated with lavish meals and over-the-top indulgences, the French embrace simple pleasures done exceptionally well.
Take dining, for example. A Parisian meal isn’t about an extravagant spread—it’s about quality ingredients prepared with care. A fresh baguette, a wedge of cheese, and a glass of good wine can feel just as luxurious as a Michelin-starred meal when enjoyed with intention. There’s no rush, no mindless eating—just pure appreciation.
The same goes for beauty. French women aren’t constantly chasing new products or trends; instead, they rely on a pared-down, high-quality skincare routine that enhances their natural beauty. A good moisturizer, a signature fragrance, and a touch of red lipstick are all they need to feel elegant.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Instead of chasing excess, refine your rituals. Enjoy a well-made meal, simplify your beauty routine, and seek pleasure in small, meaningful ways.
Find Hidden Gems
If there’s one thing the French do exceptionally well, it’s discovering beauty in unexpected places. From flea markets to vintage boutiques, they have an eye for quality and an appreciation for treasures, physical and emotional, that many overlook.
One of my favorite experiences in Paris was wandering through a tiny flea market tucked down a path into a brick covered courtyard. This little market closed for 2 (maybe 3) hours in the afternoon just as we arrived. All of the items laid out on the tables but all the vendors were sitting on a nearby terrace chatting over a glass of wine. The owner of the cafe in his apron was chatting with what seemed liked old friends and acquaintences. The French understand that elegance isn’t about buying everything new—it’s about curating pieces with character. This applies to items they own as well as the moments they experience.
The French build relationships with their closest fromagerie, market, and patiserie. They keep these hidden gems to themselves. Cherishing the beauty of exclusivity and having a bit of a secret. These special places likely aren't the most trendy or extravagent but the most nourishing to their aesthetics and soul.
This mindset extends beyond shopping. When dining out, the French often opt for hidden neighborhood bistros over touristy fine-dining spots. Instead of luxury hotels, they might stay in charming boutique guesthouses or well-located Airbnbs that offer an equally refined experience for a fraction of the price. It's less about the cost and more about the way the experience feels. That is what satisfies their craving for l'art de vivre.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Seek beauty in unexpected places. Explore vintage shops, local markets, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that feel luxurious without the luxury price tag.
Joie de Vivre
At its core, the French lifestyle is about embracing joy in everyday moments. It’s not about waiting for a special occasion to light the candles, wear the silk blouse, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. The French integrate beauty into their daily lives, making even the simplest moments feel special. They revel in splurging on things that bring more joy into their every day lives. Joy however the individual sees best.
Rather than constantly striving for “more,” they savor what they already have. They take time for long walks, enjoy their morning coffee at a café instead of rushing with a to-go cup, and prioritize leisure as a form of luxury. This way of life isn’t about spending more—it’s about living more fully with what you have.
Fancy & Frugal Tip: Don’t save things for “special occasions.” Incorporate elegance into your everyday life by slowing down, savoring simple pleasures, and making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
It's About How You Live
The French have long understood that elegance isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how intentionally you live. By prioritizing quality, embracing simplicity, and finding joy in everyday moments, they embody the perfect balance of Fancy and Frugal.
No matter where you are in the world, you can adopt this philosophy in your own life. Start by being more intentional with your choices—whether it’s what you wear, what you eat, or how you spend your time. With the right mindset, you’ll find that luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about appreciation.
8 Fancy and Frugal Ways to Live Like The French:
Just a few tips for implementing into your every day life!
Curate your wardrobe with timeless, high-quality pieces instead of chasing fast fashion.
Take a pause each time you consider a wardrobe purchase. Does it compliment your entire collection?
Choose simple, well-prepared meals
Splurge on one special ingredient but make the rest of the meal fresh and complimentary in flavor instead of focusing on it's complexity or elegance.
Invest in skincare over excessive makeup
By focusing your energy on skincare instead of covering it with makeup will help you age gracefully and reduce the cost of covering up imperfections.
Curate your home.
Take a moment and look around your spaces. Do you love everything you have? If not, considering donating and finding your preferences at your local flea market or thrift store.
Make everyday rituals feel luxurious
Stop saving things for special occassions. Use your best dishes, wear your favorite perfume, and create rituals that make you a more balanced person.
Savor what you have.
Take a close at your relationship with consumption. Be grateful for what you have and address your relationship with scarcity and the fear of missing out.
Curate Your
Fancy and Frugal Life
The French are experts at curating their lives with care and intention, ensuring that everything they invest in—whether it’s clothing, decor, experiences, or relationships—aligns with their values and enhances their quality of life. Rather than accumulating more, they refine, edit, and prioritize what truly matters, allowing them to create a lifestyle that feels both elevated and effortless.
This principle is evident in how they spend their time. The French don’t overfill their schedules with obligations that don’t serve them. Instead, they make space for meaningful experiences—long meals with friends, afternoons at the museum, or quiet moments in a beautiful café. Their approach to socializing is rooted in quality over quantity, valuing deep, thoughtful conversations over constant busyness.
This philosophy extends to their surroundings as well. French homes aren’t cluttered with unnecessary items; they are thoughtfully curated with pieces that tell a story. Whether it’s a well-loved antique from a flea market or a piece of art collected over time, every object has a place and a purpose. They aren’t afraid to let go of what no longer fits their aesthetic or lifestyle, making room only for things that bring true joy and function.
The same applies to fashion. Rather than chasing trends, they refine their personal style over time, choosing pieces that flatter them and seamlessly integrate into their wardrobes. They thrift, they invest, they edit—and as a result, they exude an effortless elegance that never feels forced.