What we’re not going to do is pretend like everyone can afford a $7,000 Chanel bag. Actually, forget the bag. Chanel’s ready-to-wear is also only ready to be worn by the upper echelon. I know we may be getting persuaded by the influencers broadcasting their Chanel unboxings on the internet, but let this be a reminder that it’s completely okay (and normal) not to be a part of that crowd.

I belong to a group of consumers who treat designer splurges as a once-in-a-few-years kind of ordeal. It’s a special occasion that I spend years working towards, and once I own the item I plan on cherishing it for a lifetime. While a big portion of that is due to my financial standing, another large chunk of it comes from the fact that I like to marinate over big purchases. I want to wait out the trend and make sure it’s something I’d want even when nobody else does. And the longer I spend thinking, obsessing, leaving behind, and coming back to an item, the more it feels like it’s becoming a part of me.

Chanel was never a designer I particularly gravitated towards. My taste leans closer to the Italian designers. Pieces I’m proud of include a Max Mara blazer, Bottega Veneta bag, and Fendi earrings. But Matthieu Blazy has converted me into a fan. Even so, it’s too early for me to fill my closet with Chanel blazers and shoes. There are, however, plenty of French designers who create a somewhat similar aesthetic at more affordable price points. Not to be mistaken with “cheap,” though. These are high-quality brands at more reasonable prices that don’t skimp on quality or style. Some may still feel like an investment, but ones that feel more appropriate when considering cost-per-wear.

Chanel may be considered the epitome of French fashion, but plenty of other French fashion brands adhere to a similar style code. If you want everyday clothes that feel like Chanel, then I recommend shopping from the following brands.