The (in-)famous French five pieces wardrobe

 

I’m sure most of you have already read about this, it’s a concept about shopping more deliberately to build up a wardrobe you can properly “work” with – opposed to buying whatever catches your eye or is called “trendy” and later finding yourself unable to pair things. To be more precise: According to this idea a woman should invest in five quality pieces each season, besides basics which she may stock-up whenever needed. On the internet there are several lists that state which basics one must have in his/her wardrobe and what she (he) he may additionally buy. This idea was called “French” wardrobe because French women are said to buy less trendy stuff, but like to spend their money on quality, timeless pieces.

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When I first read about this a couple of years ago I found the whole thing pretty stupid, to be honest. On the one hand it’s so stereotype: EVERY French woman only buys 5 quality pieces each season, has the perfect wardrobe, a brilliant classical style blalbalba….. I’m not a fan of nationality based clichés and frankly speaking have witnessed that there aren’t only perfect stereotype women in the streets in France. Moreover h&m etc could hardy survive in a country like that, in France they do.

And finally I don’t like the idea that there are a few things, like different types of shoes, a blazer, white blouse etc every woman MUST have in her wardrobe. That doesn’t go well with my approach towards what I have in my closet, which is mostly things that make feel good, may it be heels or hoody – each in its own way. And I know a lot of girls who don’t wear blazer and blouse for fun or who can’t walk at all in even slightly heeled shoes and they are still very attractive women.

But lately my opinion has slowly changed. I found myself spending far too much money on clothes in some months, sometimes even losing the overview on my expenses which I find terrifying! And my closet is seriously overcrowded. Moreover fashion is not my only costly hobby. I love travelling and photography like nothing else, want to attend concerts and visit exhibitions, read books and occasionally go out.

And after all, I think that the idea of wearing lots of black/white/grey basics occasionally topped up with a more striking key piece matches well with my own style.

Therefore I decided to create my own “basic” must-haves and lists for each season without fully forbidding myself to do spontaneous shopping. I believe that simply having in mind what you’re actually saving money for, might be a help. Will upload it soon, first I’m fighting with ployvore – it’s my first time.