The 4-5 piece French wardrobe

[salomelovesjohn]

Thanks for the article! I should have read it before spending so much money on evening shoes and clutches, which I never wear - still I find a beautiful clutch or pair of ridiculous heels practically irresitable.

[PinkHalo]

so true about the hosiery! Love the article!

[katebug]

There was an article interviewing Rachel Zoe in my Magazine, Madison (Australia) which I thought gave some really helpful lists of must-haves in every wardrobe. You know, staple pieces that should give you a solution for every outfit. It's nothing groundbreaking but I thought it was helpful

Five glamour essentials for under $50

1. Red lipstick
2. Black eyeliner
3. Great heels - the higher the better
4. Faux fur or shrug - try vintage
5. Metallic clutch


Jewellery Box Basics

-Diamond studs, real or fake
-A statement cocktail ring
-Wow earrings - big gold hoops can glam up any outfit
-A strand of pearls, real or the best fakes you can find
-A dressy watch is essential
-A simple chain for everyday wear. Ideally with a charm that is personally meaningful. It becomes a signature.
-A bracelet, be it a cuff or bangle
-A dressy necklace or pair of earrings. Make sure it's something with glimmer and makes you feel instantly dazzling.

Shoes

-Ballerina flats - they can work for evening or day and always look chic
-Metallic strappy heels - they look great with everything from jeans to a gown
-Plain knee-high boots - a winter must
-Black pumps - low on the upper and as high as you can handle the heel

Handbags

-A medium sized, simple shaped, leather style that marries fashion and function. It can go from day to night and is durable enough to travel. Have one in black and another in chocolate or caramel.
-A winter white bag
-An oversized tote bag. For wok and travel, it should be large enough to hold documents and personal stuff and go through airport check points.
-A black patent clutch - patent never dates.

[cosmogrl5]

^ Thanks for posting that! I am very pleased that I have 95% of those things already.

[salomelovesjohn]

^^
Thanks for posting! I also have most of those things, LOL.

Btw. I had an interesting experience at a party this weekend. I wasn't sure what I wanted to wear so I ended up wearing the same outfit that I wore to a wedding in September. I told my fiance that I thought I should wear something different and he insisted that none would remember my outfit, he didn't even remember it. Anyways I wore the outfit and had two women comment on how they liked parts of my outfit, didn't I wear it to X's wedding. The comments made me sort of uncomfortable, I mean I could have worn other things but this is my favorite current dress/shoes/clutch combo. Am I being too sensistive or is it a little odd that they had to point out they've seen me in those clothes?

[Nemova]

^I think they just said it to make small talk - not to single you out for wearing the same outfit twice.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by salomelovesjohn

^^
Thanks for posting! I also have most of those things, LOL.

Btw. I had an interesting experience at a party this weekend. I wasn't sure what I wanted to wear so I ended up wearing the same outfit that I wore to a wedding in September. I told my fiance that I thought I should wear something different and he insisted that none would remember my outfit, he didn't even remember it. Anyways I wore the outfit and had two women comment on how they liked parts of my outfit, didn't I wear it to X's wedding. The comments made me sort of uncomfortable, I mean I could have worn other things but this is my favorite current dress/shoes/clutch combo. Am I being too sensitive or is it a little odd that they had to point out they've seen me in those clothes?

without being there, impossible to interpret their motive and meaning. if they said, "oh, you're wearing that dress - it looks so beautiful on you - i meant to say so at X's wedding" that would have been a very graceful and honest way for it to come out. just a plain old observation that you've already worn it either reveals not-so-beautiful intentions OR they are mega klutzes, socially (entirely possible).
i would rather do right, fashion-wise, by wearing what i own and enjoying it, than worry about people who do faux pas with their manners.
you did good!

[salomelovesjohn]

The comments reminded me of something I once read about French women's style, that for an important event a French woman would wear something she already owned, while an American woman would tend to buy something new. With something you already own you know how it fits, moves, etc. So there are no unpleasant surprises, its easier to be comfortable and at ease in a dress or outfit that you've already worn and enjoyed in the past. I was thinking of this when I decided to save myself the stress of shopping and just repeat the outfit.

[fashionista-ta]

^ And good for you

[Ianastar]

I dont know if this has been discussed, or if I asked before.

If I have...please forgive.


BUT...would be the essential wardrobe for a French MALE?

[fashionista-ta]

Originally Posted by PinkHalo

so true about the hosiery! Love the article!

Just wanted to comment re hose ... I have found the best thing to do is buy mid-range tights. I personally like DKNY or Donna Karan opaque tights--they last for years. In the summer I go bare-legged. I find sheers are just a PITA and I have given up on them. Maybe for a wedding or funeral I'd go buy some

I will say I've never understood why anyone would buy Wolfords. I kinda figure maybe it's 'cause I've never tried them? But they'd have to be really good to beat Donna ...

[Guessgirl96]

I had a pair of hanes that were almost as good as my wolford, I wish I remembered which they were. I have cats so my tights dont last more than a season but I get them on ebay for a little less.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by Ianastar

I dont know if this has been discussed, or if I asked before.

If I have...please forgive.


BUT...would be the essential wardrobe for a French MALE?

i would feel more competent to help if i had figured out the essential pieces for myself first but i have come to the conclusion that a set formula for "essential" pieces doesn't necessarily work if you also want to have your own style - that is, one cannot say that every woman should have a cocktail dress if she prefers trousers, men's shoes and a fitted blazer with no top beneath, which is, imo, equally suitable for some boring shmoozing event, or actually, altogether preferable.
now that said, if i were a guy, my style would probably consist of jeans and cords, blazers and t-shirts, and some great hats. and ankle boots.
since guys do not have the headache that comes with variety (a zillion shoe style choices, a million variations on skirts, dresses, pants, etc., a billion different types of tops - wrap top, camisole, blouse, shirt, sweater, etc. - in a trillion fabrics, weights and patterns), i kind of assumed that once you've distilled your own personal style, you aren't too tempted to collect a whole lot of cut-rate fillers, and a small, efficient wardrobe is all but guaranteed.

[cosmogrl5]

Originally Posted by fashionista-ta

Just wanted to comment re hose ... I have found the best thing to do is buy mid-range tights. I personally like DKNY or Donna Karan opaque tights--they last for years. In the summer I go bare-legged. I find sheers are just a PITA and I have given up on them. Maybe for a wedding or funeral I'd go buy some

I will say I've never understood why anyone would buy Wolfords. I kinda figure maybe it's 'cause I've never tried them? But they'd have to be really good to beat Donna ...

Just a tip, I buy my DKNY tights (and CK too) at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. They are a steal!

[salomelovesjohn]

I also love DKNY tights, but I haven't bought Wolford tights, so I can't comment on the quality difference (if there is one).

As for a man's wardrobe, I can offer up some ideas based on my fiance's recent forays into fashion. I would consider this a pretty conservative wardrobe. Lifestyle is also a consideration.

First, I would consider your coloring and complexion. Certain colors looks better on certain complexions. For instance, I think people with darker skin can wear bright colors and look great, colors that would often (not always) wash out those with paler skin. Someone with a lighter complexion might look great in something like camel or grey.

If you're living in a colder environment a quality winter coat is essential, maybe a short and a long coat. The coat doesn't have to be black, camel is an option. A cashmere or cashmere blend coat is nice, or a camel coat.

Nice dark wash jeans. Personally I don't like skinny jeans on men, I prefer a more classic cut, but to each his own. (Skinny jeans are a younger look). Some button down shirts, some brands I like are Thomas Pink and Armani, expensive but very nice. (Not sure what your buget is). British and Italian designers seem to have better cuts if you're slim and the British especially will have more fun prints/colors. Ties if you need them. I think its nice to have a classic Hermes or Ferragamo tie. Nice leather shoes in black or brown depending on your color scheme, maybe both. Some basic cashmere sweaters and scarves. Leather gloves. A cashmere skull cap for when its cold. Dress pants, maybe a light wool blend so they can be more year round. A classic suit or suits, a dark color if you have one.

Something velvet (ok this is my addition) - a jacket or pants. And combat boots (again me).

For warmer weather linen or linen blend shorts, shirts, and pants in browns, whites, and black. I love linen clothes in summer on men. Nice leather sandels (and a pedicure if needed, LOL). Nice sunglasses, maybe a classic aviator look. Nice tee shirts.

The nice thing about men's clothes is that they are more timeless then women's, but you can still get good deals.