5PFW - 5 Piece French Wardrobe

[LPR200]

Yes, exactly, you are making the rules and the colors need to be right for you! You often read that for a capsule /minimalist wardrobe you need white t-shirts, black pants, a black leather jacket and so on. Turns out I nearly never enjoy wearing black or white (I have one white and one black summer dress each, and then some funeral clothes, hoping I don't really need them), and donated / sold all other black and white clothing and I never regretted it. For me pastel pink is more of a neutral than white
Tomorrow I'm going to take some time and switch over my wardrobe from summer to fall (I have not much space and need to put off-season clothes into storage), summer is definitely over by now.

I think pink can be a neutral and can be much more flattering than white depending on your coloring and style.
The capsules always say "trench coat" but those never flatter me or feel comfortable, no matter how hard I try. This year I snagged a longer Patagonia coat at NAS. It's comfortable and flattering and functional. I now have officially given up on the trench coat!

 

[mellecyn]

I bet our closets do look similar! I do have some olive and camel which are neutrals for me. I'll take using burgundy as a neutral! I think millenial pink is a neutral, in the vein of camel...it's kind of a nude color.

Silk t shirts...the closest I have to that are some Joie v-necks which I do tend to wear a lot in black and navy.

I love love love cobalt blue, but I find other than a clic H bracelet I wore, I never wore it or carried my cobalt J crew mini purse. My daughter loves yellow and wears it a lot so I think that's why it's crept into my closet.

This thread is very inspiring!

I agree with your choice of colors! I also love Olive as I´m an autumn in my color palette (olive skin and hazel eyes, dark brown hair), and you can pair it with similar earthy tones, or contrasting red /yellow...
Burgundy is also something I used to own, not anymore. And that muted pink was also surpringly easy to pair!
I´ve always loved cobalt blue, oh yes as accessory! just not as clothes for me it doesnt suit me...

 

[Mairaculi]

So...
I just came back from my favorite second hand boutique. I didn't even plan to go there, we went out for coffee and walked by it, I just wanted to look at the window displays but my boyfriend suggested we go in since it was relatively empty.
I found a great puffer jacket, that will count as a basic because it will replace my jacket from last year. I usually love my wool coats but some winters it gets too cold for them. So a puffer / down jacket is more of a practical than fashionable item for me. But my current piece is in a khaki color, that's ok-ish but I don't love it a lot on me. So this new one is very similar, but in a dark grey, works so much better for me!
Then I also found a simple 100% cashmere wool hat in a beautiful dusty berry color (fits exactly my color scheme) by Stefanel in impeccable condition. And they wanted only 1,90€ for it (=cheapest price for hats, I guess the person labelling the items overlooked the brand & material or was in a rush). I usually can withstand temptations quite well, but this was just too good of a deal to not get it. Yes, it's an impulse buy, but I know that color, material and shape work for me. And if I don't end up wearing it I can just bring it back to them as a donation.
So that makes my forth item out of the 5 pieces for this season, and the first month is not even over we'll see how it goes from here...

 

[jade]

Since I am focused refreshing my basics this season. Which was my goal for the year anyway. Especially being trapped at home, I realized I have absolutely way too many black staples and not enough other colors. So I am on the no black allowed train for this year.

This feels like a good game plan for next year spring/summer! I need to get ahead of the heat with the climate change. And I'll be over my summer clothes. I never did find the right shorts to add this year.

 

[mellecyn]

Bringing back this thread. A friend asked me to help with wardrobe, less but better and what to do with style...so of course I recommend the French wardrobe or simply the capsule wardrobe principles.
I have made my list of 5 items for the new season.
But I get so frustrated when I know what I want but can’t find it in « stores »!!!! Found a similar style but the color is wrong.
Cant get it tailored made because the cost is insane. Etsy has a few independent people working on their own patterns to your choice of fabric and measurements.ok price I could even pay double to get my own, but here it’s 10 times more!!
Been going through vestiaire collective and other second hand shops but the luck that the right thing shows up at the right time in the right size....

 

[Hera_the_Purse]

For anyone who might be interested, here are some thoughts and things I learned so far, that might help understand the concept better and see it's advantages
- Quality over quantity:
I naturally started gravitating towards more timeless & high quality items - once I limited how many things I bought instead of having just a monetary budget. I enjoy my items way more now!

- Works well with a sustainability mindset:
A lot of high quality items can last a long time and be repaired, also good quality pieces by popular brands can often be acquired second-hand (and easily resold if they don't work out as planned) - I try to buy 4 of my 5 pieces preowned or ethically & sustainably made (it's a journey of course, I don't always succeed).

- Responsible fashion is fun:
I enjoy selecting my items and purchasing them. I learned strict minimalism regarding my wardrobe is not for me, how I dress myself still needs to be fun, restricting myself too much (“buy nothing“, “only so many items“, “everything needs to go together“, “have a strict color palette/only neutrals“, “no special occasion pieces“)) didn't make me happy at all. But having a curated wardrobe with things I love, while adding a few thoughtfully selected new(-to-me) pieces every now and then, is such a great solution!

- Adapt the concept to your life:
As with any concept, it's here to make things better or easier for you, so if you already have a well curated wardrobe then 5 pieces is a bit much and you choose to limit it to 2-3, do it. Or maybe you are just starting out and want to only use it for certain categories like maybe shoes or bags?

- Don't feel pressured to shop:
This one is super simple but important. You don't need to buy 5 pieces (or whatever number you choose), that number is only the top limit, if you choose to not shop for a season or just buy one or two items, that is even better! Only buy if you really, really love the item and you'll see yourself putting it to good use for many seasons to come.

I wish everybody shopped like you

 

[Mairaculi]

Bringing back this thread. A friend asked me to help with wardrobe, less but better and what to do with style...so of course I recommend the French wardrobe or simply the capsule wardrobe principles.
I have made my list of 5 items for the new season.
But I get so frustrated when I know what I want but can’t find it in « stores »!!!! Found a similar style but the color is wrong.
Cant get it tailored made because the cost is insane. Etsy has a few independent people working on their own patterns to your choice of fabric and measurements.ok price I could even pay double to get my own, but here it’s 10 times more!!
Been going through vestiaire collective and other second hand shops but the luck that the right thing shows up at the right time in the right size....

Thanks for bringing back the thread! I thought about reviving it & showing my Fall/Winter purchases and sharing my wishlist for spring/summer, but have been putting it off.
I get the frustration of not finding the ideal items. I sew a bit every now and then as a hobby so especially with second-hand clothing I do my own alterations. I can definitely recommend when shopping quality second-hand items to not only look at your size but also a few sizes up, that increases the options by a lot, and then having the item taken in by a local tailor. This is not that expensive, at least in here in Germany it isn't, and definitely cheaper overall than having the item custom-made from scratch.

 

[sententia_25]

Bringing back this thread. A friend asked me to help with wardrobe, less but better and what to do with style...so of course I recommend the French wardrobe or simply the capsule wardrobe principles.
I have made my list of 5 items for the new season.
But I get so frustrated when I know what I want but can’t find it in « stores »!!!! Found a similar style but the color is wrong.
Cant get it tailored made because the cost is insane. Etsy has a few independent people working on their own patterns to your choice of fabric and measurements.ok price I could even pay double to get my own, but here it’s 10 times more!!
Been going through vestiaire collective and other second hand shops but the luck that the right thing shows up at the right time in the right size....

I just found this thread recently and I've enjoyed all of these posts. I also do the French wardrobe method to help plan out/limit my 'want/long-term' wishlist purchases although impulse purchases still happen. I'm pretty good with replacement/foundation purchases, I usually have a clear idea what I want. I've also re-discovered Etsy to find items that I can't find within my parameters via secondhand or regular shops. Recently bought a pair of solid gold hoop drop pearl earrings from a seller in the EU-so hard to find without spending a fortune, so glad to have found a Dutch lady who started her tiny shop in the last year on Etsy. I've also wanted a dark green/khaki wrap wool or cashmere wrap coat for years but it is usually: out of my price range, not the right cut, no lining(!) , weird pocket placement, or all of the above. I've found a potential Etsy shop who might be able make what I want this fall.

 

[RueMonge]

Bringing back this thread. A friend asked me to help with wardrobe, less but better and what to do with style...so of course I recommend the French wardrobe or simply the capsule wardrobe principles.
I have made my list of 5 items for the new season.
But I get so frustrated when I know what I want but can’t find it in « stores »!!!! Found a similar style but the color is wrong.
Cant get it tailored made because the cost is insane. Etsy has a few independent people working on their own patterns to your choice of fabric and measurements.ok price I could even pay double to get my own, but here it’s 10 times more!!
Been going through vestiaire collective and other second hand shops but the luck that the right thing shows up at the right time in the right size....

I’d be interested to hear about your friends wardrobe and style and what you think will help her

 

[Mairaculi]

I just found this thread recently and I've enjoyed all of these posts. I also do the French wardrobe method to help plan out/limit my 'want/long-term' wishlist purchases although impulse purchases still happen. I'm pretty good with replacement/foundation purchases, I usually have a clear idea what I want. I've also re-discovered Etsy to find items that I can't find within my parameters via secondhand or regular shops. Recently bought a pair of solid gold hoop drop pearl earrings from a seller in the EU-so hard to find without spending a fortune, so glad to have found a Dutch lady who started her tiny shop in the last year on Etsy. I've also wanted a dark green/khaki wrap wool or cashmere wrap coat for years but it is usually: out of my price range, not the right cut, no lining(!) , weird pocket placement, or all of the above. I've found a potential Etsy shop who might be able make what I want this fall.

Welcome! And please share any recommendations for Etsy shops that you have! I'm trying to get more into fine jewelry, especially gold jewelry, and recently spend some time browsing Etsy, too. Though, I don't plan on buying something now, it was just for inspiration. My mum gave my a gift card from a local jeweler in my hometown for my birthday last year. But every time I visited they were either on vacation or in lockdown...

 

[sententia_25]

Welcome! And please share any recommendations for Etsy shops that you have! I'm trying to get more into fine jewelry, especially gold jewelry, and recently spend some time browsing Etsy, too. Though, I don't plan on buying something now, it was just for inspiration. My mum gave my a gift card from a local jeweler in my hometown for my birthday last year. But every time I visited they were either on vacation or in lockdown...

Ooh yay! A fellow gold lover. Do you prefer yellow or white gold? I'm personally a yellow gold gal.So the shops I've been eyeing for purchases are:
The listing for my new earrings
If you like rings . This seller also has a website and can do custom orders.
A smaller shop that is also Polish like the second link but a little bit more rustic in style
A bigger Greece based shop that is more classic in style
thalassajewelry : I like her for more classic Ancient Greek era type jewelry like her disc earrings and pendants.
I received these earrings as an anniversary present in 2019: A little bit classic, a little bit more feminine
Dutch seller who specializes in rings: This shop is run by a lady with a more bohemian style in jewelry

I saw that you are in Germany, I'm not sure how robust this option is there but here in France, I've been getting into what auction houses sell as well. Fine jewelry that is already made doesn't really have great resale value unless the gems are really rare or the gold count is high or the metal is platinum.Currently on the hunt for a citrine ring with a yellow gold band and I think I might buy one and then have the band slightly modified. Haven't decided what kind of shape of stone I want just yet.

 

[mellecyn]

I just found this thread recently and I've enjoyed all of these posts. I also do the French wardrobe method to help plan out/limit my 'want/long-term' wishlist purchases although impulse purchases still happen. I'm pretty good with replacement/foundation purchases, I usually have a clear idea what I want. I've also re-discovered Etsy to find items that I can't find within my parameters via secondhand or regular shops. Recently bought a pair of solid gold hoop drop pearl earrings from a seller in the EU-so hard to find without spending a fortune, so glad to have found a Dutch lady who started her tiny shop in the last year on Etsy. I've also wanted a dark green/khaki wrap wool or cashmere wrap coat for years but it is usually: out of my price range, not the right cut, no lining(!) , weird pocket placement, or all of the above. I've found a potential Etsy shop who might be able make what I want this fall.

Yes Etsy is a goldmine! So much unique vintage stuff! Or vintage style.
Funny story I found some sellers doing a dress that Dita Van Teese wore. I took that exact picture print out to a tailor while traveling in China 10 years ago.

 

[mellecyn]

Ooh yay! A fellow gold lover. Do you prefer yellow or white gold? I'm personally a yellow gold gal.So the shops I've been eyeing for purchases are:
The listing for my new earrings
If you like rings . This seller also has a website and can do custom orders.
A smaller shop that is also Polish like the second link but a little bit more rustic in style
A bigger Greece based shop that is more classic in style
thalassajewelry : I like her for more classic Ancient Greek era type jewelry like her disc earrings and pendants.
I received these earrings as an anniversary present in 2019: A little bit classic, a little bit more feminine
Dutch seller who specializes in rings: This shop is run by a lady with a more bohemian style in jewelry

I saw that you are in Germany, I'm not sure how robust this option is there but here in France, I've been getting into what auction houses sell as well. Fine jewelry that is already made doesn't have really great resale value unless the gems are really rare or the gold count is high or the metal is platinum.Currently on the hunt for a citrine ring with a yellow gold band and I think I might buy one and then have the band slightly modified. Haven't decided what kind of shape of stone I want just yet.

So kind to give all the links!

 

[sententia_25]

Yes Etsy is a goldmine! So much unique vintage stuff! Or vintage style.
Funny story I found some sellers doing a dress that Dita Van Teese wore. I took that exact picture print out to a tailor while traveling in China 10 years ago.

Yes l love Etsy, I've fallen off the wagon in recent years thanks to my new love affair with Vinted but when it comes to really unique stuff, it can't be beat. My problem is that a lot of the stuff that I like is outside the EU or in the US where I'm from and I have no desire to deal with EU/French customs. So I try to buy within the EU if possible for my shopping or I order stuff in the US before a visit to see family that I can pick up while I'm there.

 

[mellecyn]

I’d be interested to hear about your friends wardrobe and style and what you think will help her

Well he’s American (I’m French) and the only brief I got was do you know a system that would simplify my divergent styles and something more sustainable.
I sadly don’t have any real books and blogs to refer. But I suggested minimalism, a capsule wardrobe, the project 333 for men. And Everlane is a good simple American brand.