5 Basics Later, You're Practically French

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(Image credit: @ANNELAUREMAIS)

Whether you love or hate the fashion world’s interest in everything Français, you have to admit that French style is somewhat fascinating. Combine that with the trend of reducing your closet and you’ve got one compelling concept: the five-piece French wardrobe. Although the movement gained a lot of traction in 2014, we thought we’d revisit the concept, as it feels especially current in the time of capsule and uniform wardrobes, and we thought you may find this interesting.

The guidelines are fairly simple. First, make sure you have quality basics across all categories of apparel and eliminate clothing from your wardrobe that you don’t wear, love, and love to wear. Buy new basics to fill any gaps, and remember quality over quantity. Second, limit your new purchases to five nonbasic items per season (once in spring/summer and once in fall/winter) that add a bit of personality and make your wardrobe feel current and fresh.

If you’re wondering why it’s called a French wardrobe, from what we could gather, the idea originated from a "French Style” thread on The Fashion Spot that discusses how the French wardrobe philosophy focuses on the concept of curating the direction of your wardrobe.

As for its life-changing promises, the five-piece French wardrobe is said to help you cultivate a wardrobe that feels true to your aesthetic and stands the test of passing fads and seasons. The result is less money spent on items you don’t really need, less frustrating time spent trying to figure out what to wear, and a newfound feeling of deep satisfaction with your wardrobe.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Think of a capsule wardrobe as a mini wardrobe made up exclusively of pieces that are versatile and your personal favorite. Think of the pieces you always reach for in your closet and would shudder at the thought of ever ditching, and start there. These well-loved items along with several key functional staples make up your foundation. Essentially, the purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to create a collection where everything can be worn together in varying combinations. Your capsule is made from these favorite items you already own, plus a limited number of new items you can add to your closet for the season. The idea is that you can create all the outfits you could need for that season from this capsule wardrobe alone—no other items needed. 

Step 1: Make Sure You Have the Below Quality Basics

Below is a list of basics to help guide your five-piece-French-wardrobe endeavor. We found that we might add or take away some things from this list, and you might too. Consider it a jumping-off point for finding what’s right for your wardrobe. As for what counts as a basic, the blogger behind AfterDrk listed out these helpful guidelines:

A basic is something that…

1. I can wear over and over and over again until it falls apart.

2. Goes with everything I already own.

3. I pretty much can’t live without it.

4. Is the glue that helps me keep the rest of my wardrobe together.

5. Is made of a good material that will last for a very long time.

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(Image credit: Who What Wear)

Go on to shop every item you’ll need to complete the five-piece French wardrobe.

Jackets

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(Image credit: @ANNELAUREMAIS)

Suit Blazer

Trench Coat

Seasonal Coat

Leather Jacket

Tops

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(Image credit: @leiasfez)

White Button-Down

Silk Blouse

Cashmere Sweater

Tee

Tank

Blazer

Black Dress

Bottoms

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(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

Black Skirt

Trouser Jeans

Skinny Jeans

Leather Pants

Black Pants

Loose Jeans

Black Shorts

Accessories

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

Leather Bag

Silk Scarf

Clutch

Diamond Studs

Gold Watch

Everyday Ring

Shoes

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Summer Sandals

Sneakers

Classic Flats

Heels

Ankle Boots

Step 2: Each Season, Add 5 Trend-Driven Pieces to Your Closet

After you have your closet narrowed down to essential basics, thoughtfully consider which five pieces you want to add to your closet each season. Below is what we would buy for this season.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Cuff Bracelet

Drop-Waist Dress

Linen Pants

Vest

Maxi Skirt

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated. Next, check out more staples to consider.

Editor in Chief

Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content at WhoWhatWear.com as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior to Who What Wear, Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.