Five easy, affordable ways to channel old-school Parisian glamour, without spending a fortune.

On August 28, thousands of guests will gather for Montréal’s 16th Dîner en Blanc, arriving dressed head-to-toe in white before making their way to a secret location for one of the city’s most anticipated summer evenings. This year, the inspiration is Belle Époque Paris—think elegant soirées, artistic performances, music and a little old-world glamour.

What better place to stage a turning century belle époque dîner party than Montreal with it’s old stone Parisian architecture!

The best part? You don’t need a couture budget to get the look.

The official dress code is all white, with white, silver and gold accessories permitted. Ivory, off-white and beige are not considered white enough, so check those labels before you leave the house.

Here are five easy ways to channel Belle Époque Paris without breaking the bank.

1. Start with a simple white dress

Lace banddana (easy to make) long pearls (can be fake), a long silky white dress is a good belle époque parisian fashion can’t-fail. You can also wear cothes from the 20’s but try to stay away from 30’s fashion which looks entirely different.

You don’t need something overly elaborate. A white midi or maxi dress can instantly create the elegant, romantic silhouette you’re after.

Look for details that feel slightly vintage: lace, ruffles, puff sleeves, a flowing skirt, a fitted waist or delicate texture. Then keep the rest simple.

If you already have a white dress in your closet, start there. Don’t buy a whole new outfit just because there’s a theme. The trick is styling your basics differently.

2. Make thrift stores your secret weapon

A simple white suit can be found anywhere. Add a vintage suitcase and/or hat and the look is DONE. If you absolutely can’t find white dress pants, you can sneak in a classic pair of white jeans and you will be seated most of the night.

This is where the theme gets fun.

Before heading to the mall, check your local thrift stores for white blazers, lace tops, flowing skirts, vintage handbags, pearl jewellery, scarves and structured jackets.

You don’t need a vintage-looking head-to-toe outfit. One interesting piece can transform something very basic.

Try a white slip dress with a thrifted blazer. Pair wide-leg white trousers with a romantic blouse. Or take a simple white dress and add a vintage-inspired necklace and hair accessory.

The Belle Époque was an era of dressing up, so don’t be afraid of a little drama.

3. Think texture, not just “more stuff”

Evend grandma may have an old lace tablecloth or curtain that you can upcycle as a skirt!

An all-white outfit can look surprisingly sophisticated when you mix textures.

Try lace with linen, cotton with satin, crochet with crisp tailoring or a textured skirt with a smooth top. This creates dimension without requiring a complicated outfit.

A simple white tank paired with a flowing white skirt can become the foundation of your look. Add a white blazer or lightweight layer and suddenly you’ve got something that feels much more soirée-ready.

For a last-minute basic, an affordable retailer like Ardene can be a lifesaver. A simple white tube top, camisole or fitted tee can rescue an outfit without requiring a whole new wardrobe.

4. Get your Belle Époque accessories at thrift stores or marketplace.

Can’t find vintage clothes? Montreal has tons of vintage jewelry and just 1 statement piece will do the job. In a pinch, The Dollarstore, often has fake pearl necklaces and brassy broaches in an emergency.

You read that right: the dollar store can be your secret styling department.

Don’t overlook the accessories aisle. Depending on the season, you can often find inexpensive white hair bows, pearl-style necklaces, headbands, gloves, ribbons, costume jewellery and other little details that can make a basic outfit feel much more elaborate.

You can even get creative. A simple white ribbon can become a hair bow. A strand of faux pearls can instantly make a basic dress feel more Parisian. A white headband can give you that slightly theatrical, vintage-inspired finish.

The key is choosing one or two statement accessories rather than piling everything on. Belle Époque inspiration should feel elegant—not like you emptied the entire craft aisle onto your outfit.

And because Dîner en Blanc specifically allows white, silver and gold accessories, you have room to add a little sparkle while staying within the dress code.

5. Have an affordable emergency plan, like a TEMU cape!

Long white capes were all the rage in the belle époque!

Sometimes the outfit you’ve been planning for weeks just doesn’t work. Generally, we abhor fast-fashion, especially cheap warehouses… however, necessity is the mother of invesntion and if u need something loud and fabulous to a basic white outfit, a TEMU cape will run you $39 and make quite a statement as you walk through the tables.

Maybe the top is too sheer. Maybe you spill something before leaving. Maybe you realize your “white” skirt is actually ivory.

That’s when a basic affordable retailer becomes your best friend.

Keep a simple white tank, camisole, tube top or button-down as a backup. It can also be useful for layering if the evening gets cooler.

And don’t forget the practical side of the night. Guests meet at designated departure points and travel together to the secret location, so you’ll want shoes and an outfit you can actually move around in. Dîner en Blanc also takes place rain or shine, with the organizers recommending a white or transparent raincoat, poncho or umbrella if necessary.

The secret to getting the look

Think Parisian soirée, not period costume.

You don’t need to recreate 1890s fashion. Instead, take the romantic elements of Belle Époque dressing which is feminine silhouettes for all – beautiful textures, elegant accessories and a little theatricality then,  reinterpret them in a way that feels like you.

Start with something white you already own. Add a thrift-store find. Borrow a piece from a friend. Pick up a $5 accessory at the dollar store. Grab an affordable white basic from Ardene if you’re in a last-minute panic or order some fast-fashion on TEMU. (We get it, not everyone has time to run around the city thrifting..)

That’s the beauty of the look: it’s about the styling, not the price tag.

And when thousands of people dressed in white arrive at a secret Montréal location together, the collective effect is going to be far more spectacular than anything hanging on a designer rack. Tickets are almost all sold out Hurry!!! Secure your spots.

Voilà: Belle Époque, Montréal edition. Previously in fashion…