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How to Create ‘The French Wardrobe’

November 3, 2013 by Arash Mazinani 24 Comments

Do you open up your wardrobe and feel it lacks direction?

Are you buying a lot of clothes each season, then find they don’t complement your existing wardrobe?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to the questions above then the philosophy of the French wardrobe is something that will certainly help. I discovered the French wardrobe while going through some posts on Reddit in the style section. Time and time again it was referenced in the advice given to members so I decided to have a search for myself and see what all the hype was about (it was one of the most popular threads on that Reddit).

Put simply the French wardrobe is a philosophy on curating an amazing wardrobe.

What is ‘the French Wardrobe’?

It starts with solid basics that are the centrepiece to your wardrobe and style. These basics are essential to the philosophy. There are no hard and fast rules about what your basics have to consist of but underwear, socks, white tees and a white shirt are all good examples of what would fit into this category. You can have a read of the 5 essential pieces every woman should own to give you a few more ideas for your basics.

Each season you then expand your wardrobe by buying five pieces. No more!

What is included in my five pieces?

  • When selecting your items each season it’s essential that you go for the best quality and fabric you can afford.
  • Staple pieces aren’t included in your five items. So if your white tee is looking grubby you can go ahead and update it.
  • Large ticket accessories are classified as one of your five items.
  • Shoes are counted.
  • Anything else that hasn’t been mentioned is also counted as one of your items for the season.

What’s the point in following the French wardrobe?

I love the concept and it’s very similar to what I encourage with my own private clients. Long time readers of the blog will notice my posts also echo similar principles.

But the philosophy is about curating a wardrobe that is centred around  longevity, quality and aesthetics. It’s for those of you that feel your wardrobe is never complete. It’s an education in learning about what items are worth investing in that will actually complement the pieces you already own.

It’s for those that are dissatisfied with their wardrobe and want to nurture and grow it. It’s about having a strategy rather than just updating on a whim and ending up with lots of individual statements. Lots of individual pieces doesn’t make a consistent style and results in the ‘I have nothing to wear‘ occasions.

Having a strategy is really key if you want to dress well on a budget. You can be frugal and buy your perfect item and have the satisfaction you’ll only need to purchase it once. But remember it is a journey and although your taste may change, actually getting your wardrobe to match does take time.

I also want to add this is NOT about dressing like a Parisian. Remember it is a philosophy not a template for what to wear. But how to expand and cultivate an amazing wardrobe.

The final thing I’ll leave you with is a quote from the thread itself:

“One idea I’ve come across dictates buying things with the mindset, Could this be a heirloom item I could hand down to my son or daughter? Admittedly, not every piece can sustain that lifespan and not every person has the budget for it. I certainly don’t expect the coats I can buy on a college student budget to last beyond my life. But maybe something in-between will work for many—”Is this an item that the future me will be glad to inherit?”

 – Schiaparelli

Do you have a wardrobe philosophy, if so, what is it?

I love reading and replying to all my comments and will click-through to say ‘hello’ and visit you on your site. I usually end up working with those of you that do comment in some capacity, whether it be a guest post or Google hangout.

(photos: homesdirect365,mediacache,blackbookmag)

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Filed Under: Build a great wardrobe, Ladies, Ladies Style Tips Tagged With: classic pieces, the french wardrobe

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Comments

  1. Archana says

    November 3, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    I have finally found a perfect balance between both. I have at one point bought artsy pieces that didnt transition well into the person i grew into. I then got classics that i got really bored with. Now, i have struck a balance by learning to accessorize. And buying some key pieces that elevate my classic wardrobe, like that beautiful interesting skirt paired with basics that can make the outfit or the red shoes that make me feel sexy.

    And learning about quality has changed my craving for things. I know for sure that some clothes i see in stores will not last be beyond n washes. Avoid !

    And aging is such a big factor too i think. When i buy pieces, i know for sure that i will not be wearing them a few years from now. So i dont mind going cheap on them. I know that the body size will change too. So this helps me immensely when i am on the verge of getting carried away in ‘classic’ ‘investment’ pieces.

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 4, 2013 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks for your comments Archana. You raise some good points about body size and ageing. I guess it depends what your direction is in terms of style. Personally I love classic pieces that I know will grow with me and still be wearable when I’m older. But understand that not everyone, like yourself, enjoys having a wardrobe entirely made of classic items.

      Reply
  2. Suzanne says

    November 3, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    I definately love the idea of thinking could this item be a heirloom. It will make you think more about the quality and styling.

    It is very difficult to know if an item will last. Even if you spend much more money on it that no longer indicates quality. You need to know how to look at the seams, the lining, the fit and the fabric. Really there need to be a 10 point check list of all the things you need to to consider before buying what you “think” is a quality item.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 4, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      Most definitely, I loved that quote and that way of thinking as well. It’s true that price doesn’t always mean quality, but more often that not the more you pay the better the quality. A designer t shirt isn’t going to be much better than what you’d find on the high street. But paying more for tailoring will usually result in better quality.

      Reply
  3. FASHION TALES says

    November 6, 2013 at 5:11 pm

    This is interesting, didn’t know it was called, “The French Wardrobe,” although many of these ways of acquiring new pieces for me are like this, but I don’t nearly shop as much as I used to. Most of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe are either vintage finds, inherited, or pieces that I bought with the thought that I will wear them for a very long time, but not necessarily what I wear everyday. I think you can still have a nice quality wardrobe with also adding a few trendy or bold pieces too at a bargain. If I’ve ever felt a ‘I have nothing to wear’ occasion, I just dig in the closets and will surely find something … always! 🙂

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 9, 2013 at 9:58 am

      I was in the same boat until I found the thread on Reddit and was like “so that’s what they call it“. I think it’s good that you’re not a shopaholic. I think particularly the fashion blogging community tend to the biggest culprits as there is this pressure for more and more ‘haul’ posts and outfit of the day shots with never seen before clothes.

      Reply
  4. Clarke O'Gara says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    I love this concept. It’s almost an 80/20 approach to your wardrobe. What is the CORE of your wardrobe gonna be from season to season.

    I would say one of my fashion faux pas is everything I buy I want it to be the stand out item. I never buy basics. So when I go to my wardrobe and try to design an outfit I think, “Damn, this is LOUD!”

    Personally I will use this approach to think carefully about what my basics are going to be. Knowing that I have to take those basics from season to season will help me buy things that support, rather than compete, with my statement peices.

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 9, 2013 at 10:01 am

      I know we chatted a little about this and I agree it fits the 80/20 rule quite closely. I think what you described is the problem with so many people’s wardrobes. The biggest request I get when I work with people is for “something a bit different.” The problem is if you don’t have the basics to build an outfit around it then those items will add more confusion and cause you more problems when trying to find things to wear.

      Reply
  5. Devon says

    November 10, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Streamlining my wardrobe and being more careful about my purchase decisions over this past year has been well worth it! I’m a lot pickier when it comes to fabrics and garment quality now that I know I’ll only be buying a few things each year – no more disposable clothes –

    I’ve had to get over the fact that I’ll have a pretty short ‘cycle time’ on wearing the same pieces to work. Turns out, no one else really notices, it was all in my head. From hereon out, the French Wardrobe is the way to go.

    Dev

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 10, 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks Devon, glad you liked the post. I really love this philosophy and it’s great to hear you’re a real stickler now for fabric quality.

      Reply
  6. Heather Fonseca says

    November 11, 2013 at 3:57 am

    First of all it’s great to have you back! I enjoyed the guest posts but I love your writing too.

    As for the French Wardrobe, I wish I could do it. I have been more focused on buying good quality clothes recently and buying from consignment stores so I can afford better quality things, but I still love to shop, and I love to shop for fun things too. Yes, classic pieces like a great black trouser or blazer, well-cut knit blouses and good quality shoes are usually on my list, but it’s the fun stuff I fall in love with and those are also the things that keep my wardrobe fun and current. An ONLY 5 pieces a season? I don’t think I could do it!

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 13, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks Heather it’s certainly great to be back too.

      Remember you CAN shop for fun things every season, the trousers, blazers and well cut knits would be classed or could be classed as your staples. Leaving you 5 items each season to have fun with and try out trends or whatever else. I personally feel 5 is more than enough as extra items outside of your staples. But I also understand not everyone may feel the same way as me.

      Reply
  7. Rei Fujita says

    November 11, 2013 at 6:23 am

    This is great insight ! I never thought of needing a strategy or anything like that for my wardrobe before. I would usually just buy things on a whim regardless if I have other pieces to go with it or not ! I reluctantly answered “yes” to the question at the beginning of your post ! But one thing is that I definitely always watch for good quality !

    Reply
    • Arash Mazinani says

      November 13, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      That’s great to hear you’ve always looked for quality now it’s about getting a strategy for your wardrobe. I’m happy the post helped you and gave you some ideas for how you can take your wardrobe further.

      Reply

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