French Inspired Winter Wardrobe Capsule
French Inspired Winter Wardrobe Capsule
Knowing how to dress for Winter among the layers and layers of clothes can be difficult. Having a French-inspired winter Wardrobe capsule can be helpful because you can focus on specific items of clothing to mix and match.
The French are always among the most timeless and classic examples of wearing pieces over and over and looking chic. I looked to them when putting together this French-inspired winter wardrobe capsule.
We all have those dreaded days when it’s too cold and dark outside and you don’t even want to think about getting dressed. The easiest thing is to throw on a pair of joggers and sweatshirts and be done but don’t let that way of thinking determine how you dress for Winter.
You can be just as chic in the Winter as you can in other months. I happen to think it’s easier to be more classic and timeless with Winter fashion than with Summer.
A capsule collection can help you with this because these are pieces you can wear year after year. No more wondering what to wear every day and getting frustrated with your closet.
The following French-inspired winter wardrobe pieces are meant to be versatile and able to mix easily with other pieces in your closet. You’ll find all neutrals with a variety of price points. Sometimes, it’s better to invest in a quality item that will last for years, than to buy a cheaper version that only lasts a season.
What’s A French Inspired Winter Wardrobe Capsule
A winter wardrobe capsule is all about creating mix-and-match outfits out of a certain number of items you have in your wardrobe. The thought behind this is it helps you to be more intentional about what you wear versus continuing to buy new clothes over and over. You start with a foundation of great basics and build out your outfits from there.
Some people will say you can only have a certain number of items but I don’t believe in that. I believe you should just have a closet full of quality pieces you love.
Start with a good foundation of basics and you will always have something to wear. The trick is just knowing how to mix and match them. When you have fewer items it forces you to get creative with what you’re wearing.
You know the old saying about 80% of your customers come from 20% of your business, well it’s the same for your closet.
You probably only wear 20% of what you have 80% of the time. Think about those items you tend to reach for over and over.
What Should You Have In Your French Inspired Winter Wardrobe Capsule
Again, I don’t think there should be a specific set limit of items you should have in your closet. Just make sure they are items of high quality that will last and ones you love. People tend to think a capsule collection is all about rules and that they can be quite boring.
Completely, not true. You can always dress up your outfits with great shoes, a beautiful handbag, or a stylish coat. Basic never has to be boring.
You also have to think about your lifestyle and where you live. Someone in a cold state is going to have a completely different wardrobe than someone who lives in a hot state all year.
Here’s a reference of items I’ve put together for my French-inspired winter wardrobe which can hopefully give you some inspiration for your winter wardrobe capsule.
Tops For Your French Inspired Wardrobe
Navy Sweater– A navy roll-neck sweater from J.Crew to wear with jeans or trousers. Classic and chic looking, this is a sweater you will have for years.
Cashmere Sweater– A great cashmere sweater is perfect for layering and is one of those luxury items everyone needs in their closet, it’s incredibly warm.
Navy Cardigan– This gorgeous navy cardigan with gold button detailing can easily be dressed up or down and worn with a silk cami or by itself.
Turtleneck– Easy to layer under coats and blazers and helps to keep you warm. A great option is to have it in multiple basic colors like black and camel.
Tweed Jacket– (less expensive option) A tweed jacket is always a classic choice for any season. You can layer it with a turtleneck, sweater, or cami. It’s polished and elevated and will instantly give you that French aesthetic.
White Button Down– A necessity in any closet because it’s incredibly versatile and can go with anything.
Blue Poplin Button-Down– (less expensive option) A blue button-down is also a key and classic piece to have as part of your Parisian-inspired capsule.
Silk Camis– Favorite camis to layer with under blazers, cardigans, and sweaters.
Navy Sweater Dress– A very chic winter look is a sweater dress with knee-high boots and a long coat.
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Bottoms For Your French Inspired Capsule
Straight Leg Denim– Straight leg denim is one of the classic denim styles because you can wear them with any kind of shoe basically and they look great on everyone.
Flare Jeans– Another classic denim style to help elongate legs are these skinny flare jeans from J.Crew.
Black Pants– A staple for work or business meetings, you can wear black pants with blazers, sweaters, turtlenecks, and even a tee. On the weekend you can casually wear black pants with boots and a sweater.
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Coats For Your French Inspired Wardrobe
Donegal Blazer– Chic and tailored, this single-breasted wool blazer can be worn casually or dressy.
Navy Blazer– Always timeless and classic, a navy blazer can instantly elevate any outfit. Wear it with the white or blue poplin button-downs or cashmere sweater underneath.
Black Wool Coat– When it gets colder a black wool coat is a great option to have that goes with everything.
Camel Coat– For the days when you don’t want to wear black, a camel coat is always a classic option. This wool wrap coat from MANGO is a stylish option.
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Shoes For Your French Inspired Wardrobe
Sneakers– (less expensive option) The best way to look chic and casual at the same time is with a pair of white sneakers. Go with this chic pair from Sézane or try this option from
Slingbacks– Classic French girl shoes, the slingback can be worn in winter with jeans, a blazer, or a sweater.
Knee-High Boots– These knee-high boots from Madewell can be worn all season with dresses and skirts and straight-leg denim.
Ankle Boots– A classic pair of everyday black boots is what everyone needs to last through Fall and into Winter.
Loafers– Chic and timeless, a pair of loafers can easily be worn in winter along with socks or tights.
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Accessories For Your French Inspired Wardrobe
Brown Leather Bag– A great leather bag is timeless and will go with everything in your closet. Spend the investment here and it will last you a lifetime.
Black Leather Bag– This bag from MANGO is a great option for a classic-looking bag at an affordable price point.
Wool Hat– A chic and classy way to keep your head warm, go with a wool hat for the winter season.
Wool Scarf– Everyone needs a classic wool scarf for the winter season to keep them warm. This one from Nordstrom is not only wool but silk as well.
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Where To Buy Winter Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
Always try to choose quality over quantity, which also applies to your winter wardrobe. Hold out for a piece you love versus just buying a piece because you feel you need it. This is the whole idea of a capsule wardrobe.
I would rather pay more for a piece of clothing I know I can wear for years versus paying less for something I have to rebuy every year. With that being said, not everyone can afford to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. So, invest when and where you can.
Here are a few of my favorite retailers for purchasing a French-inspired winter wardrobe. Some are investment places and some are more affordable. I also put together a few ideas for outfits using the pieces above.
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