French Inspired Capsule Wardrobe: Over 72 Outfits
French women are known for their style, sophistication, sexiness, and confidence. No wonder they are the envied by many women throughout the world.
As I've traveled the globe, I have become more enamored with people who have a signature style. It’s something I've been working on for myself over the years. And through all my observation, the rumors are true...the simplicity and elegance of Parisian style can't be beat.
If you are looking to up your style and want to take some style tips from the French, this example French capsule wardrobe is the perfect place to start.
What Makes Up a Capsule Wardrobe Module
A capsule wardrobe module is made up of only 6 pieces. From these 6 pieces you are able to create 12 outfits. The genius with the module vs. a full capsule wardrobe is that it is that everything mixes and matches. Plus it’s easier for those of us that have a hard time sticking to one style, to create and stick with.
A module is made up of
1 outer layer
3 tops
2 bottoms
If you combine 2 modules together (that coordinate), you will have 12 pieces of clothing from which you can make over 72 outfits!
Starting with these images of French fashion for inspiration, let me show you how this is done with two French inspired capsule wardrobe modules.
Example French Capsule Wardrobe Module 1:
The best module capsule wardrobes stick to basic pieces which is what we have here.
Outer layer: Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is an awesome staple to have in your closet. if you are against wearing leather or are working with a tight budget, the faux leather available these days is a great option (like the one below). However, if you have the money to spend, a real leather jacket is a great investment as it will last for a very long time. This one from Cole Haan is a great deal right now too! I recommend sticking with black as it is classic and goes with everything.
Three Tops: Striped, T-Shirt, Classic Button Up
The next part of our capsule wardrobe module are the 3 tops. We’re sticking with French classics here so we have a striped top, a t-shirt, and a white button up.
Top 1: Nautical Stripes
This striped sweater would fit so well into a French inspired capsule wardrobe. It is a bit pricey though so this elbow sleeve striped t-shirt is a good alternative.
Top 2: Quality T-Shirt
A good quality t-shirt should be in everyone’s closet. They are the perfect way to throw in a little interest with a fancier piece like a skirt or nice pants and of course they are super comfortable.
Top 3: Classic White Button Up
I believe it was Tim Gunn who once said that every woman should have a white button up shirt and the French agree.
Two Bottoms: Black and Dark Denim
The final piece of our French capsule wardrobe module are the bottoms. For this first module, I picked black cigarette pants with a straight leg that sit at the ankle and a pair of straight legged dark denim jeans.
Bottom 1: Cigarette Pants
I love these black pants because they are very versatile. They can be dressed up for work or are perfect for a night out. And with just a bit of stretch they are as comfortable on as they are cute.
Bottom 2: Dark Denim
Dark denim jeans should be a staple in everyone’s closet. And remember it's about quality vs. quantity. I have lived in my DL 1961 jeans this past year as I only have 2 pairs of pants in my closet right now and they have held up beautifully.
With these 6 pieces you will be able to create the following 12 outfits.
French Capsule Wardrobe Module 2:
Lets take a look at the second French inspired capsule wardrobe module so we can continue this mix and match awesomeness.
Outer Layer: Trench Coat
The other staple outerwear item you will always see a French woman wearing is a trench coat. I love the idea of this coat in beige as it will still coordinate well with everything in your closet, while bringing in a new dimension.
Three Tops: Gray Boatneck, Black Blouse, and Denim Button Up
The next part of our capsule wardrobe module are the 3 tops. We’re sticking with more French classics here so this time we have a gray boatneck sweater, black blouse, and a denim button up.
Top 1: Gray Boatneck
This gray boatneck sweater is great because the material is thin. This allows you to wear this in a layered look or in the spring and fall when the weather can change drastically from morning to night.
Top 2: Black Shirt
This black shirt is another great option. Black clothing is chic, sexy, and sliming so I see no problem having several different pieces in your closet. The top below has some nice detailing on the side giving it a little more interest.
Top 3: Chambray Button Up
Another staple for your closet is a good quality chambray button up. This can be a little oversized as long as it is paired with a skinny pant or skirt.
Two Bottoms: White Denim and Black Dress
The final piece of our second French capsule wardrobe module are the bottoms. For this module, I selected skinny white jeans and changed it up with a little black dress.
Bottom 1: White Denim
White denim are great not only in summer, but year round. These slim pants look great with heels or flats and can be dressed up with the right accessories.
Bottom 2: Little Black Dress
Every woman should have a little black dress in her closet. I tried to pick one that would work well for day and night outings.
With the 6 pieces in module two you will be able to create the following 14 outfits!
Essential French Inspired Accessories
The last piece that we have not discussed yet are accessories. These include shoes, scarves, jewelry, belts, and handbags.
For shoes, I recommend 2 - 3 shoes that coordinate with all of the outfits of course.
Shoes: Ballet Flats
The first pair of shoes you need in your closet are flats. These are great for daytime wear and when you want to keep your outfit looking more casual, yet polished. If you are looking for a sling back, these are a great option.
Shoes: Black Heels
The second shoe every woman needs in her closet is a pair of black heels. Keep these simple and classic as they go with everything. Every time I wear my black heels I feel a bit like Wonder Woman.
Shoes: Street Shoe
The last pair of shoes to round these capsule wardrobe modules out would be a pair of street shoes. These are not running shoes! Instead they are low profile sneakers for your really casual days.
Accessory Two: Scarves
The second accessory French women wear very well is a scarf. I am still working on these myself so I will take inspiration from these images and not from my real life (yet!)
Accessory Three: Jewelry
I feel like a broken record, but for the French less is more and quality is better than quantity. This is good news for me as I am not a big jewelry person. The two pieces below - a simple bar necklace and small hoop earrings are perfect staples to any capsule wardrobe.
Accessory Four: Belt
The fourth accessory you need is a quality black belt. While we have been working on fit and will not need a belt to hold up our pants, a belt helps your outfits look more put together when you are wearing your shirts tucked in.
Accessory Five: Handbag
And finally, to top it all off, you will need a good handbag. If you are on a tight budget, a good quality handbag can be purchased at a second hand store. And yes, a nice leather bag is expensive, but, finding one bag, instead of many will actually help you spend less in the long run.
The Final Item for Your Capsule Wardrobe
Don’t forget to bring the confidence! Now that you have a whole host of chic, beautiful outfits, make sure you wear your new found confidence like an accessory. It will make all of your outfits look that much better.
Even though I have seen it first hand, I am always amazed at how many outfits can be made from so few pieces of clothing. With just these 12 articles, you can wear a different outfit everyday for over 2 months.
Have you tried a capsule wardrobe before or are you interested? Leave a comment below and let me know if you love them or hate them.
Cheers!
