The Five-Piece French Wardrobe
I’ve been thinking about taking on the five piece French wardrobe challenge.
The hardest part of starting this style challenge is my wardrobe purge.
Although it seems like I always “have nothing to wear,” when it’s time to throw things out, everything seems worthy…
“I can lose three pounds and fit into this again”
“I need to give this skirt a second try, that wasn’t the right blouse”
“I didn’t even know I had this!”
Excuses like these are what stops us from throwing old stuff away. But it is time!
I love the concept of the five piece french wardrobe. I mean, who does not agree French women are always ridiculously stylish but at the same time effortless?
This is how French women do it:
Overview of the 5-Piece French Wardrobe
To them, buying clothes is not really a free for all shopping spree. Instead, they actually put thought into their purchase.
Every season, they find five wardrobe essentials for both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. That comes out to a total of 10 pieces per year.
This strategy is focused on quality rather than quantity. Specifically, pieces that will give you the most wear and that you will be able to combine repeatedly.
The rules for the five piece French wardrobe are simple:
- Quality over quantity
- Basics and underwear don’t count and are always allowed
- Accessories only count if they are pricier than usual
- Shoes definitely do count.
You have to first make sure you have a well rounded set of French wardrobe basics to combine your staple pieces with. Some of the basics are:
- White, black, and grey t-shirts (Sleeved & sleeveless)
- Black or brown leather belt (Or both as long as they are reasonably priced)
- Jewelry & Accessories (These will make your outfit look completely different, dressy or casual, you set the tone)
- Black Leggings and/or Faux leather leggings
- Nude tights (I always like having a few pair of these to combine with, shorts, skirts, or dresses)