In today’s post, I’m going to share with you 30 chic pieces that belong in every timeless Parisian Wardrobe Capsule.
These are exactly the pieces that most Parisian women wear to always look polished and stylish.
Let’s dive right in.
Parisian Wardrobe Capsule: 20 Pieces Every Parisian Women Swears By
2 Basic T-Shirts
Basic t-shirts are must-haves in your capsule wardrobe.
At the very least owning one white and one black t-shirt is integral to any wardrobe.
And when it comes to high-quality basic t-shirts, it’s not that easy to find good ones.
Among thousands that I have tried so far, I have always come back to the heavyweight t-shirts from COS*, because for me they simply have by far the best quality.
100% cotton and a pleasantly thick fabric have never disappointed me personally – no matter how you combine or style the shirts, they always keep their shape, and don’t wrinkle or shrink. These T-shirts last for years and then still look like the first day!
Ladies, a recommendation from my heart from someone who has already tried everything in that direction.
Don’t walk, run, girls!!!
3 Button-Down Shirts
Next, we’ll talk about shirts – button-down shirts to be exact.
There I would recommend having three: One white, one black, and one blue, as these three colors are simply the easiest to combine and at the same time are timeless classics that go with pretty much everything.
Either go for silk or cotton/poplin as an everyday shirt.
Linen shirts can be combined in a variety of styles during the summer vacation and have the advantage of not letting you sweat so quickly. But they wrinkle very quickly and so you can’t easily get that ironed smooth. Thus, outfits with linen shirts often look unkempt and not well done. So in everyday life, I’d rather keep my hands off linen.
2-3 Tops
When it comes to basic tank tops, a well-organized closet should have 2-3 of them: White, black, and potentially also one very similar to what you also go for like a beige color or grey.
1 Trench Coat
A trench coat is another must-have piece in any closet because it goes with any outfit and enhances every look at the same time.
Due to its classic chic style, a timeless trench coat always looks elegant and super easy to combine.
In addition, it’s suitable for the transition to autumn or even on colder summer days or evenings when you want to have something over a top or a shirt. Because this chic coat is not only elegant but also light and is therefore perfect for the summer or transition to autumn because it’s guaranteed not to make you sweat.
Of course, the absolute classics here are those of Burberry*, who first designed the light coats, but nowadays there are also many high-quality trench coats from other brands, which are often cheaper. So if you are on a budget, you should try one from COS*, Arket, Mango*, or Massimo Dutti. From the quality, they are usually just as good – but only half the price of the Burberry* ones.
2 Blazers
In an elegant, timeless capsule wardrobe, of course, no blazer should be missing.
The chic jackets look very good over any outfit and immediately make you look a lot more confident, self-assured, and elegant.
We have often written about the topic of blazers and those who have been following our blog for a while know that it is one of the most difficult things to find a high-quality blazer that doesn’t cost a lot of money.
Because even if it’s summer, a certain amount (the higher the better) of wool in the fabric mix is essential for the fit of the blazer. As soon as there is a bit too much polyester or other synthetic fabrics in it, the blazer loses its shape and wrinkles just by looking at it – anything but elegant!
A wool blazer doesn’t always have to be very warm and unsuitable for summer. Because nowadays it is very difficult to find a blazer with a high wool content anyway, so you don’t have to worry about sweating in it. Besides, as I said, wool is only crucial for the fit.
3 Sweaters
In summer, sweaters also count as outerwear, as they look best tied around the shoulders. Just put on a basic shirt (top or t-shirt) and tie a sweater around your shoulders so you can wear it when it gets colder.
This is an effortless look that always adds something and looks casually elegant. At the same time, it provides a good portion of coolness, which is very pleasant to wear especially in everyday life, and which incidentally reminds you of the charm of golfers.
Feel free to try it out.
When it comes to the color choice of your sweaters, you should also go for neutral earth tones to achieve a coherent look – so black, beige, and color of your choice like white, gray, or brown.
In the summer, you can of course also choose a more contrasting color, which then acts as an eye-catcher for your outfit, since you wear the sweater only as a kind of accessory tied around the shoulders.
For the beginning of your capsule wardrobe journey and the transition to fall/winter, I’d recommend you to start with the more classic, neutral colors like black, beige, and white because you have so many more outfit possibilities with these colors tones.
1 Black Dress
Another item that every closet needs is at least one black dress. It would be best if you have a longer and a shorter one here that you can swap depending on the occasion.
Moreover, if you choose to have two dresses, it’d be good to choose a fancier one and a casual one to match them to the occasion.
According to Karl Lagerfeld, a black dress not only suits every woman, but the strong color also has the advantage of radiating sovereignty, elegance, and mystery.
Accordingly, a black dress that you love is a perfect balance and a really nice piece for fancy dinners or an event.
2 Blue Jeans
With a classic pair of jeans, you definitely need one lighter and one darker.
Here I would go with the ones from Levis* and choose the standard 501 models* because they are the most timeless and also very easy to combine.
In addition, I personally prefer thicker denim, because with more elastane (i.e. stretch content) the jeans wear out faster, which means that in the end you have less of your jeans and may have to buy them again.
So make sure from the beginning to buy high-quality jeans that you can wear for years.
1 Cream Jeans & 1 Black Jeans
Also, white or cream jeans and black are absolute must-haves that you can pair with anything.
I personally wear in the summer namely most rather timeless, brighter outfits, which is why I wear most white jeans with a white or blue button-down shirt.
Towards fall or winter, I usually replace my beloved white jeans from Mango* with my black ones also from Mango to create more contrasting, darker outfits for this season.
2 Straight Leg Pants
You can never go wrong with black as well as beige (pleated) pants.
These pants are already more elegant and chic in nature than the jeans but are at least as easy to combine. They have the advantage of turning any outfit into a chic business outfit in no time.
But they are also great for everyday wear because the pants are usually very light and comfortable.
I’d additionally recommend the “straight leg” cut here – just like with the jeans – because they fall most casually and at the same time most elegantly.
Too tight pants, as well as skinny jeans, are in my opinion difficult to combine and are also not the most comfortable pants.
Straight-leg fit pants will slim your leg and showcase it at the same time, giving your body a beautifully feminine silhouette.
2 Shorts & 1 Skirt
With the shorts, I would keep it minimalistic, just like with the long jeans and pants – that is, with colors that you like to wear the most and can combine the easiest.
Since we wear shorts only on warmer days and usually wear lighter outfits there, I would recommend you to choose lighter colors for the shorts here as well, such as white or beige jeans or pants.
Whether you prefer to wear jeans or regular pants is also up to you here. I would advise you here for the beginning but to fabric shorts because they are lighter and are better suited for the summer.
For a skirt, I would recommend a longer midi skirt, because they are very elegant and you can easily combine them with a basic t-shirt or top to achieve the perfect look.
1 Striped Sweater
Yes, even away from the world-famous Parisian style, striped sweaters have long been an integral part of our closets.
No wonder, after all, the pattern, also known as “Breton stripes” suits everyone and is just the right mix of elegant and playful. That makes it easy for us to bring the charming French flair into our own four walls, or rather onto our own skin – ingenious, isn’t it?
Shop the best Striped Sweater here:
Crafted from a soft blend of wool and cotton, this timeless striped sweater is the perfect layering piece for cooler days. It comes in white and has a roll neck.
- Side slits
- Raglan sleeves
- Certified by the Responsible Wool Standard, to protect the welfare of the sheep and their environment
64% RWS Wool, 36% Cotton
$135
1 Black Leather Pants
With a pair of black leather pants, you will not only feel immensely elegant they will also stretch your leg, giving you a dreamy figure, and their minimalist nature makes them one of the long-time classics of Parisian style.
1 The Black Tights
It reminds me of the numerous admonitions from mommy when we as children wore too little and could catch a cold outside. Mom swore by the tights – but made of thick wool.
You can rely on the black tights just as much as on the thick woolen tights from Mammi – I promise!
However, they are a lot more stylish and no closet of fashion-conscious Parisian women can be imagined without them.
Multiple-use it always provides an eye-catcher and looks super minimalist chic no matter what outfit.
A Pair of Classic White Sneakers
Of course, no Parisian-style outfit is complete without the appropriate shoes. French women know one motto above all: comfort!
Because uncomfortable shoes harm the posture, the gait, and the charisma. So we prefer comfortable and yet stylish classics.
A pair of Minimalist Ankle Boots
When it’s not sneaker weather, it’s clearly time for chic ankle boots on the streets of Paris.
And here, of course, the French women rely on minimalist elegance simple models in black, gray, or brown, preferably in suede (look).
Under flowing trousers, there is apparently nothing more beautiful for the French than wearing ankle boots with a pointed toe, which stretch the leg even more and thus give you that extra portion of self-confidence.
A Pair of Slingbacks à la Chanel
But of course, in Paris is not always rainy weather, and certainly not always the mood for classic shoes.
And then, of course, it may be a shoe that is equally well suited for special occasions, as well as for everyday life.
Mid-heeled slingbacks with moderate to low heels and soft straps are not only ideal for the office, but you can also dance in them for a few hours.
And at the same time, the shoes always have that certain something of stylish elegance and a feminine touch.
A Classic Leather Bag
If you think of the classically chic Parisian style and its bags, you probably immediately have the idol par excellence in mind – the Chanel Timeless Bag or an Hermès Kelly/Birkin Bag.
If you invest in such a model, you usually wear it for a lifetime and in most cases, these luxury bags are considered a real investment.
Of course, it does not always have to be a luxury beauty because high-quality, timeless leather bags are also available at lower prices.
A Perfect Sunglasses
What the perfect jeans are for our legs, the right sunglasses are for our face.
Here it is also worthwhile to try out a few: Which shape suits me? And what do I feel really comfortable with?
Once you’ve discovered the perfect model for you, it’s a fashion accessory and sun protection in one.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A Capsule Wardrobe consists of a few indispensable and classic pieces of clothing that are always recombined so that you can put together a variety of different outfits with just a few pieces.
Moreover, the timeless garments complement each other, which is why they are mostly in neutral colors.
This makes putting together outfits a lot easier and, most importantly, faster.
But of course, it’s not about wearing only boring, monotonous pieces that you don’t like: Rather, it’s about limiting yours exclusively to clothes you love and feel comfortable wearing.
And trust me, once you set up a capsule wardrobe, you’ll never want to go back – because the benefits just outweigh the negatives so much.
For example, I love my closet now, even though I’ve never really been able to keep it tidy. That’s over now because the number of pieces is just so manageable. I’m also much less inclined to buy new pieces because I have the certainty of already owning such similar pieces – a boon for my wallet. 😉
Is a Capsule Wardrobe Worth it?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it!
There are many valuable benefits of a capsule wardrobe, but one of the main benefits is for sure that you’ll wear only your favorite clothes because you’ll get rid of everything you don’t like or feel comfortable in.
Besides, deciding what to wear will be faster and easier, which means that you will have less stress regarding your outfits. Trust me, this makes a huge difference in your everyday life!
For example, it has helped me to always be classically dressed. This might sound a little silly, but I used to have a hard time sticking to a fancy dress code when I was still sitting at home in sweatpants and comfy sweaters, knowing I was about to have to slip into my uncomfortable blouse. However, since having a capsule wardrobe for all seasons, I’m always styled in the best way – with less effort.
It also helps you save money by buying fewer clothes and being more conscious of the clothes you already own or buy new. It also helps to organize and tidy up your closet – and keep it tidy, too 😉
Besides these practical benefits, it can also boost your confidence as you find your personal style and figure out what suits you best and what you feel most comfortable in.
7 Benefits Why You Should Have a Capsule Wardrobe:
1. You’ll Always be Well Dressed
By not having to think about what to wear in the morning when you’re half asleep or stressed, you’re less likely to wear an outfit that’s too casual or one that might be inappropriate.
In a nutshell, it means you’re less mistake-prone. As a result, you’ll always be dressed appropriately and always be well styled.
2. You Save Money
Self-explanatory, right?
By relying on a select range of clothes you love, you don’t have to chase short-term trends or constantly buy new clothes. After all, the pieces you’d love to have, have you already – at least similar ones.
I know there are always new pieces coming on the market and even some that intrigue us, but trust me, once you own a great variety of pieces, you’ll keep thinking to yourself, “Those pants are so nice, but luckily I have similar ones like that already!”
It’ll lighten the load on your wallet, and maybe in a few months you’ll be able to use that money to make a little – or even a big – dream come true? A romantic trip, for example?
3. You Increase Your Confidence
By focusing on the clothes you love and weeding out the ones you never wore anyway or don’t like, you’ll go through life with more confidence.
After all, the famous quote, “I’m nicer when I like my outfit,” applies here.
4. You Save Time
That should have become clear now, I think: You’ll save a lot of time if you don’t have to ask yourself the same question over and over again in the morning about what you want to wear today.
Now you can simply choose from your variation of clothes, which all look good in different combinations. So you can just blindly grab a pair of pants and a top – they almost always go together.
5. You Have Less Stress
So a capsule wardrobe means less stress in your life overall.
You don’t have to fret that the clothes don’t fit you or that you don’t look good in combination.
There is also less maintenance and repair required because you have fewer garments. You’re also more likely to choose garments that are easy to care for, and they’re easier to pack when you travel or move.
6. It’s Environmentally Friendly
Another very good reason for a capsule wardrobe is the sustainable aspect.
By owning mainly timeless pieces and buying less new fashion, you usually wear your clothes for years. This leads to a much improved ecological footprint in the long run, for example, you don’t support fast fashion stores that release a lot of water, waste, and chemicals – and under miserable working conditions.
So not only are you acting in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way if you have a capsule wardrobe, but you are saving real lives that would otherwise have suffocated from the chemicals released in the factories. This is no longer an exception, but unfortunately, the pure reality and this is increasing more and more.
Read more here: Why is Fast Fashion Bad for Environment & Humans – The Situation Is Alarming
Since you don’t own a lot of clothes, you wear every single piece you own so no clothes go to waste.
People who choose to have a “capsule wardrobe” also often invest in high-quality pieces that last a long time, thus avoiding the fast fashion industry, which is known for its wasteful nature.
7. You Are in a Better Mood
Marketing is nowadays indispensable and almost exclusively responsible for the fact that we constantly think and feel that we aren’t good enough – don’t have enough.
What most consumers often forget in the process is that those new pants, that new designer bag, or those heavily discounted slingbacks won’t fill that need “for more.” On the contrary, they get you used to wanting more and more – until you eventually reach the point where you’re either broke or mentally down – or both at the same time.
And the paradox is that these aggressive marketing strategies come from people who basically want to satisfy the same need: To want more and more – not more clothes, but more money. And with that money, most employees buy a lot of clothes too. You understand the cycle.
Getting out of that toxic cycle and focusing on your own range of clothes makes you free and independent from this cycle of manipulation. Yes, it is nothing but exploitation – at the expense of your wallet and mental health.
As a result, you’ll gradually be in a better and better mood and, moreover, you’ll no longer be so easily influenced. Trust me, it’s worth it.
How Do You Build a Capsule Wardrobe? – Easy 3-Step Formula
Step 1: Anchor Pieces
The first step is about the so-called anchor pieces: They’re the pieces you want the rest of your wardrobe to revolve around.
So if the capsule wardrobe that you’re working on is going to include bold colors or prints, then these are the anchor pieces that you need. Because you want to make sure that all of the other pieces in your wardrobe go with those bold colors and prints.
The important thing here is to choose colors and prints that can mix and match, and that is easy to color-match with the other pieces in your closet – so it’s best to pick two colors that you’ll mainly focus on in your capsule wardrobe, and from a pattern and color standpoint, make sure that all the anchor pieces match with each other so that it’s easier to incorporate the rest of the pieces into your outfits later on.
The other option is that obviously, not everyone wants a bold color or print – some people are more minimalist, like me. I don’t always want those colors with a print in a capsule wardrobe.
No matter what you end up choosing, minimalist colors and prints or more bold colors and bold prints, these anchor pieces are the items that your entire wardrobe will revolve around.
Also, here it’s very crucial that you love these pieces and you feel comfortable in them because they’ll be the base of your later outfits. So if you don’t like the pieces, you’ll have a hard time creating new looks with the same pieces over and over again.
Step 2: Tie-In Pieces
The tie-in pieces are the rope for the anchor pieces.
These are the pieces that you’ll tie to the anchor pieces, so that’s sort of the opposite garment of what the anchor piece is.
Let’s say three top pieces are your anchor pieces. Here you’re going to pick two or three bottom pieces to go with those top pieces. The main idea with these connecting pieces is that they’re a little more neutral or complement the color palette a little bit.
The main idea with tie-in pieces is also that any of these pieces can be combined with the anchor pieces.
Step 3: Top Off Pieces
Top-off pieces are the boat through our anchor and the rope. Now it all makes sense, doesn’t it?
These are the pieces that will frame the whole look. They’re the final layer – the final pieces of your look.
And the most important thing about the top-off pieces is that all of these pieces need to go with every single item you’ve chosen for this wardrobe. So they need to go with all the anchor pieces and all the tie-in pieces.
And often these pieces will be in neutral colors.
Maybe it’s black because black is always a good frame color. It can be a black sweater, a black oversize blazer, or a black coat.
Of course, other colors like taupe, brown, or navy blue are also easy to add to any color palette.
It’s just important that you choose a color that matches all the other pieces.
How to Create Your Parisian Wardrobe Capsule:
You need the following clothes:
- Basic Tees & Tops
- Cream/White & Black Jeans
- Classic Blue Jeans
- Sweaters
- Pleated Trousers
- Basic Shorts
- Dresses
- Blazers/Light Jackets
- Basic Sneakers & Sandals
- Handbags
- Accessories (Sunglasses, Hats & Belts)
- Everyday Jewelry
How Many Items are in Parisian Capsule Wardrobe?
Most capsule wardrobes consist of a selection of 25-40 high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched again and again.
For this, the focus here is on high-quality materials, which should drastically increase the life of the pieces. The purpose is to have pieces that you love and can wear for years.
How Much Does it Cost to Make a Capsule Wardrobe?
If you buy everything new, all the pieces in your capsule wardrobe can cost around $500 to $1000.
That can be a lot of money if you don’t have a lot of money saved or a big budget for clothes.
The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch. You probably already have a foundation of minimal pieces you love to start building a capsule wardrobe.
How Many Jeans Should be in a Capsule Wardrobe?
In summer, it all depends on whether you prefer to wear long pants/jeans, or shorts. In the second case, of course, you need fewer long jeans, because you can additionally wear shorts on warm days.
In general, a well-organized capsule wardrobe needs 2-3 pairs of jeans in blue, black, cream/white.
What Every French Woman has in her Wardrobe?
Without waxing poetic, anyone who has walked the beautiful streets of Paris knows what is the most gorgeous thing about their outfits and looks.
It is not necessarily their impeccably groomed and trimmed outfit, but rather their French charm, confidence, and overall elegant atmosphere that has this attractive effect on us fashionistas.
Nonetheless, the classic Parisian style would be nothing without its signature key pieces!
So today, we’d like to introduce you to 12+ pieces that instantly create irresistible French flair and on top of that, polish up our self-confidence with their flattering colors and cuts!
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