In fashion, nostalgia always finds its way back into our closets, and right now, Isabel Marant is leading the charge. Once the ultimate cool-girl designer of the 1990s and early 2000s, Marant’s signature style has reemerged in full force, proving that the Parisian sense of casual glamour never truly goes out of style.

The Isabel Marant Renaissance

Joy Montgomery of British Vogue recently described the phenomenon best, noting the return of “the ruffled miniskirts, the drop-waist dresses, the utilitarian separates, the boho blouses and, of course, the (in)famous Beckett wedge sneaker, which has seen a huge 1,580 per cent spike in searches on eBay year on year.” The verdict? Isabel Marant has once again infiltrated wardrobes across the globe.

Part of the resurgence is cultural: with fashion’s current obsession with “quiet luxury” and nostalgic revivals, Marant’s mix of bohemian ease and Parisian tailoring feels especially relevant. Unlike fleeting TikTok micro-trends, her pieces—though statement-making—are rooted in wearability, giving them longevity in a way that resonates with a more conscious generation of shoppers.

Why the Cool-Girl Formula Still Works

While her designs are undeniably covetable, they’re also undeniably costly, often retailing in the hundreds, well beyond the budgets of most students and young professionals. The good news? You don’t need a designer price tag to capture her effortlessly chic Parisian aesthetic.

Marant’s enduring appeal lies in the fact that her “cool-girl” formula hasn’t changed much over the decades. It’s always been about balancing a sense of effortlessness with just enough structure to avoid looking sloppy. Her clothes whisper confidence rather than scream for attention.

The Marant Silhouette: Relaxed Yet Refined

At the heart of Marant’s style is a silhouette that feels both unstructured and timeless. Think billowy blouses paired with ruffled skirts in spring, oversized knits tossed over casual trousers in fall, and the easy elegance of a slouchy tee styled with boots year-round.

It’s all about balance: pairing structured elements like tailored blazers or sharply cut coats with relaxed, fluid pieces to create a look that exudes sophistication without trying too hard. This duality, masculine versus feminine, structured versus undone, is quintessentially Parisian and explains why Marant has remained such an enduring influence.

The Palette: Minimalist With a Twist

Marant gravitates towards a neutral palette of beige, cream, navy, brown, black, which makes her clothes endlessly versatile. These classic hues provide a minimalist base, but the magic lies in how you accessorize: cinch a monochrome look with a wide belt, add a suede crossbody, or finish with a bold boot.

Unlike strict minimalism, Marant’s palette invites texture. A suede jacket in camel, a velvet skirt in midnight blue, or a fringed bag in chocolate brown transforms neutrals into something dimensional and tactile.

The Details: Structure and Movement

What makes Marant’s designs so alluring isn’t just color, it’s cut. Layered skirts with asymmetric hems, tops that drape unexpectedly, jackets that sit just a little slouchy: details that bring femininity and character to every look.

For an accessible take, seek out pieces with unique tailoring, ruffles, pleats, embroidery, or unexpected draping, that feel considered without being fussy. It’s the kind of design detail that elevates an outfit instantly, even when the piece itself comes from a high-street brand.

The Parisian Layer: Effortless Depth

Layering is key to mastering Marant’s vibe. A tailored blazer over a floaty blouse, a trenchcoat over denim, or even a poncho casually tossed on, add richness and movement to an outfit.

Fringe, too, plays a starring role in her world: boots with fringe, crossbody bags with fringe, jackets with fringe, yes, all of it. It’s a touch of bohemian freedom anchored by Parisian polish. The trick is to layer with intention so that the look feels spontaneous but never chaotic.

Where to Shop the Look (Without Splurging)

The best part? You don’t need to spend four figures to channel Marant.

Zara has nailed trend-driven dupes this season, with plenty of flowy blouses, suede accessories, and ruffled skirts at a fraction of the price.
Free People, with its established bohemian DNA, is another go-to for flowy tops and earthy layers.
& Other Stories often mirrors Marant’s relaxed tailoring with Parisian undertones, making it a great mid-range alternative.

For those who want the real thing without the retail markup, secondhand is your best friend. Platforms like The RealReal, eBay, and Depop are brimming with pre-loved Isabel Marant pieces—sometimes for a steal. And never underestimate your local thrift store or charity shop; every so often, a true gem hides between the racks.

Here we see Pippa Ashworth wearing a white, embroidered, crochet dress purchased from Mango with a suede tote from Zara. The neutral palette, along with the texture and depth brought by the crochet design and the leather bag, perfectly showcases Marant’s style in a casual and timeless way, but most importantly, without the Marant price tag. Pippa also paired this outfit with a pair of brown Frye boots that have also been replicated by Amazon or Steve Madden.

Why It Matters

Isabel Marant’s resurgence isn’t just about fashion recycling old trends; it’s about the cyclical nature of style and our collective craving for authenticity. In an era of hyper-fast microtrends, Marant’s pieces offer something timeless: they can be worn for years without losing relevance.

The takeaway: Isabel Marant’s revival isn’t just a fashion moment, it’s a movement. With the right silhouettes, palettes, and layering tricks, anyone can channel her Parisian chic without emptying their bank account. After all, true style has never been about the price tag, it’s about the attitude.

Isabel Marant’s Revival: How to Capture Parisian Chic Without the Designer Price Tag