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 consistently among the most timeless and classic examples of wearing pieces repeatedly 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. You should 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.
Parisian Inspired Winter Capsule
Tops For Your French Inspired Wardrobe
Navy Sweater– A navy ribbed sweater from Madewell to wear with jeans or trousers. Classic and chic looking, this is a sweater you will have for years.
Sweater Jacket- Chic and classic this beautiful sweater jacket is perfect for layering in winter and can be carried into spring and even worn on warm days.
Stripe Sweater– French women all own at least one striped sweater in their wardrobe as it’s timeless, never goes out of style, and iconic.
Cashmere Sweater– An excellent cashmere sweater is perfect for layering and is one of those luxury items everyone needs in their closet; it’s incredibly warm and a classic piece every French woman owns.
White Button Down– A necessity in any closet because it’s incredibly versatile and provides maximum versatility.
Plaid Blazer– Perfect top layer to wear with a cashmere sweater or silk cami. You easily dress the blazer up with trousers or wear it casually with denim.
Navy Blazer– A chic and classic navy blazer is neutral enough to wear with black and blue denim. I love the gold button detail on this blazer from the French brand Sandro.
Blue Poplin Button-Down– A blue button-down is also a key and classic piece to have as part of your Parisian-inspired capsule.
Sweater Dress– For the days when you want to dress up a bit go with a sweater dress to keep you warm yet still stylish looking.
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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
Plaid Blazer– Chic and tailored; this plaid 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.
Chocolate Coat– For the days when you don’t want to wear black, a chocolate coat is always a classic and on-trend option. This wool wrap coat from GAP is a stylish option.
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Shoes For Your French-Inspired Wardrobe
Sneakers– The best way to look chic and casual at the same time is with a pair of sneakers. Go with this neutral pair of New Balance.
Slingbacks– Classic French girl shoes, the slingback can be worn in winter with jeans, a blazer, or a sweater.
Chelsea Boots– These Chelsea boots from Anthropologie 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 French brand Le Tanneur is a great option for a classic-looking bag for everyday use.
Leather Gloves– A chic and classy way to keep your hands warm while still being able to use your technology.
Suede Belt– Belts are big this season, go with a color like this one from Madewell which you can wear with almost anything.
Cashmere Blend Scarf– A beautiful scarf to keep you warm but also beautiful enough to wear daily.
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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.
French Inspired Capsule Collection Looks
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