The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #1

[Evy]

^Hmm, I see what you mean. You can simply adapt these lists to your own taste. Like buying skinny jeans if you don't like straight-leg jeans, etc.

I find those lists quite interesting. Take something like a pencil skirt: I don' t have one and never thought of bying one but I'll start working soon and realised a black pencil skirt could be useful.

 

[Evy]

Another article from the Telegraph.co.uk

How to build a capsule wardrobe

Knowing your style and sticking to it is the key to easy dressing, says the creative director of Jigsaw...

A capsule wardrobe is nothing more than a collection of clothes that work well together, but can be worn in different ways to service multiple occasions. It really takes the pain out of deciding what to wear. There's nothing more boring than having to start from scratch every day.


First, get rid of anything that doesn't fit well or that you haven't worn in ages. Then make a list of the things that you need, or need to replace. Try to be more calculated when you go shopping. Clothing crises are often born of not having a balanced choice. We all get attracted to one or two things and keep repeat buying – I have an entire wardrobe of coats and jackets. When I'm shopping I have to remind myself to walk away from the coat rail.


The basis to any capsule wardrobe should be classic items that transcend fashion trends. They are the garments that you should invest in wisely. Look for the most flattering cut and the best-quality fabrics and brands. Once you find these pieces they will quickly become your wardrobe favourites as they'll work with everything and will last for seasons.


They're a bit of a cliché, but in my opinion the essentials are: a pair of tailored trousers, great-fitting jeans that can look good with heels and flats, a man's white shirt, some good-quality cashmere, T-shirts for layering, a classic trench coat, a black coat, a well-cut blazer, a killer dress, practical boots and impossibly high heels.


Having said that, not everyone's capsule wardrobe will be the same. It's really about finding versatile pieces that work for you. Try to make sure your wardrobe defines your style and is what you feel good in. If you love wearing dresses and cardigans, then have five different dresses and cardigans, but invest in scarves and accessories to vary your look.


After that you need to add a few must-have items – those pieces that you cannot walk away from. The icing on the cake is a one-of-a-kind piece that is unique to you – vintage finds, customised pieces or family heirlooms.


When you're shopping look for things that work with your style and what you already have, as well as pieces you will wear in multiple ways. My biggest regrets are always the things I buy on impulse that don't really reflect my style or work for only one occasion. They always end up at the back of my wardrobe or the charity shop.


Splash out on the pieces that you know you cannot live without. Walk away from the ones you're ambivalent about. If you are still thinking about something the next day, make a beeline back to the shop.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ The part I thought was a bit questionable was about how building a capsule wardrobe isn't difficult

I guess it depends how lucky you are, or how well you've figured out where to shop ... but it can be really hard, and part of the hard part is the discipline. Not compromising, buying what you need most, not giving up, getting the fit right, making the tailor do it over ...

Like Ida, I'm not crazy about rules ... I have no LBD and never have had. Any color can work ... red or purple can be one of your basic colors if you want it to be

 

[Evy]

I agree this is pretty difficult... I have to try and figure out what I need. Maybe I don't need anything except a few tees and some new black court shoes. My problem is that I must have maybe 10 black tees but I don't like any of them anymore.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Why don't you like them?

 

[The_Ida]

I think the most difficult thing is figuring out what your basic pieces are. IMO they don't have to be classic - skinny jeans aren't classic, but I can't do without them.

 

[fashionista-ta]

luisaviaroma

^ Perhaps something that really is universal is black pants. A good pair is a real workhorse

I'm sure I've mentioned before the wool gabardine pair I had for 10 years that finally wore out (the hem started to fray). They had gotten shiny from wear (which is not a good thing of course ), but I seriously got compliments on the shine all the time In any case, I loved them & wasn't going to give them up until I had to. They were on sale ... I'm sure some of the best money I ever spent.

Speaking of on sale, just ordered this ...

 

[Melisande]

I think the most difficult thing is figuring out what your basic pieces are. IMO they don't have to be classic - skinny jeans aren't classic, but I can't do without them.

Yes. That's the difficulty...those generic lists don't work. Where did I read that the more you know yourself, the less you need? The pieces don't have to be classic, just versatile.

Ta-ta, I adore that bag!

 

[maiden voyage]

^ The part I thought was a bit questionable was about how building a capsule wardrobe isn't difficult

I guess it depends how lucky you are, or how well you've figured out where to shop ... but it can be really hard, and part of the hard part is the discipline. Not compromising, buying what you need most, not giving up, getting the fit right, making the tailor do it over ...

just what i needed to hear....
you are awesome, ta-ta.

i swear, that as i get pickier, it gets harder. i have come away empty-handed from the last few shopping outings... and all in all, i've returned more than i've bought this season. and my 'style' is extremely casual, so i'm not looking for anything too exotic or unusual.

so somehow it's very heartening to read those words...

 

[classicalbang]

It definitely requires more self-control to be a particular shopper rather than one who grabs everything in sight. However, your hard work pays off in the long run. By acquiring a wardrobe in which you love every piece, dressing up becomes fun and effortless. And who doesn't want that?

 

[fashionista-ta]

Thanks, Melisande and maiden voyage

 

[Belowen]

I am putting off planning for spring/summer (it's currently winter here) for as long as possible because I love winter clothes too much Sigh, it must be done...

 

[thesiren]

^^^
i'm the same. i would say 75% of my wardrobe is FW appropriate.

i'm gutting my closet soon. hopefully this week. i just need to move old stuff out that is doing nothing but taking up space.

for summer i'm living in a pair of cropped harem pants, full length black jersey jodhpurs, black tanks layered with filmy see-thru tanks, see by chloe jelly gladiators or silver tory burch gladiators. i accessorize with chunky jewelry and call it a day. it's so refreshing, easy to wear and still feels like "me" despite my hatred of summer clothes. for more dressed up occasions, i wear the same thing, but with dark grey haider ackermann or black leather georgina goodman pumps. this should get me through the rest of the summer.

 

[jaydotcee]

that sounds like a great "uniform" thesiren. I really like the sounds of that silhouette.

I'm not really looking for much for the summer. I'd really like to get a straw hat and a pair of sunnies and I think I already have everything else from previous years. I tend to spend so much money on summer clothes only to find out that I rarely get to pull them out, being up north in Canada. I'm also in school for the summer in a town where fashion really doesn't seem to be a concern. Normally in the city I would be a lot more concerned but with the economy and all its probably for the best

For the fall, I really am looking to get a nice pair of leather boots that will last me for years. I'm looking at frye boots but I don't know which styles will suit me the best. Does anyone know much about frye boots? I'm looking at the Veronica Slouch, Carson or Campus. I found a good deal online but I should probably go try them on first. They're really hard to find in Toronto though! Also, I'm looking for a nice fitting pair of skinny jeans since mine are pretty worn out.

 

[Belowen]

I still need to get a couple of things to finish off my autumn/winter wardrobe...

mulberry daria satchel
cashmere scarf
cashmere sweater
tall black flat leather boots (on lay by)
zoe wittner "fernando" flat shoes in black leather

& so far on my "spring/summer" wishlist...

3.1 phillip lim beryl shoulder bag
ray ban aviators
lanvin coloured ballet flats
peep toe flats

 

[The_Ida]

I LOVE sweaters. I might get this in other colours too. I can just feel it becoming my new uniform...even though it'll be scorching hot the next few weeks

I can wear it with tights, jeans, bare legs, whatever. And I just love the combination of big sweaters and flat ankle boots for fall.

 

[Grill]

^ Great look The Ida! I have a total knitwear obsession too!

 

[The_Ida]

^My mom is on the case, knitting socks for me like there's no tomorrow B)

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Very nice sweaterdress, Ida, love the shape

I'm thinking of perhaps getting another blouse for summer. I really have only two lightweight blouses ...

I'm having my dogs' pictures taken, and the photographer has informed me that I need to wear dark colors, and nothing can be cropped--long sleeves, long jeans. So this may require some shopping ...

 

[preppygoesrock]

i would go with lanvin skinny trosers in gray or black
oscar dela renta white ruffled shirt
burberry navy trench
chanel cream bag. 2.55
classic lblack patent ouboutin pumps

more items.....
dior cocktail dresses...
lanvin shift drsses in black
chanel suits