A FRENCH capsule.
The epitome of French style.
This isn’t your typical French capsule wardrobe…
It’s a little more avant-garde than some of those French capsules you’ll find on Pinterest. And yet this cheeky compilation still contains many of those French pieces that remain so timeless. I hope you enjoy it and find a few ideas to add to your own capsule wardrobe.
But before I share the individual pieces with you, here’s my take on how to capture that ever-elusive (but always in-fashion) French style:
Trend-free
Forget about the latest trends appearing on the runway or in your latest copy of Tatler. The French avoid trends like the plague, preferring to stick to classic (less kitsch) fashion pieces.
Messy
French women always look effortlessly stylish. Never appear as though you’ve “tried too hard”. Keep your look a little messy or undone – and always include something a little spontaneous.
Quality
A French woman would rather own one cashmere jumper over ten cheaper alternatives. Build a smaller, but higher quality wardrobe. Choose high-quality, classic pieces that will last for years.
Minimal
Don’t over-accessorise. The French look is minimal and chic. Don’t wear more than one feature accessory at a time. Opt for oversized sunglasses or a colourful Hermes scarf – just don’t wear both at once.
Neutral
Stick to a (mostly) neutral palette for your wardrobe: Black, navy, beige and white or cream. You can add an accent colour, but just one or two. Pair your accent colour with neutrals to make an outfit “pop”.
Tailored
Invest in quality pieces but then take the time to tailor them for your body shape. A few seemingly small changes by a professional tailor, can make a world of difference to an item (and outfit)!
Follow these French icons.
CAPSULE INSPIRATION
Style Book
For an endless supply of French style inspiration follow French fashion icons like Léa Seydoux, Jeanne Damas, Caroline de Maigret, Marion Cotillard and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
20 Items to build your own French capsule wardrobe.
Now that I’ve shared a few of the French style secrets I’ve found the most useful (and true) over the years, here are the 20 pieces I’ve included in my own French capsule wardrobe:
Want to shop this capsule?
COATS | The Short Islington Trench Coat (Burberry) // Long Cashmere Cardigan (Luisa Cerano)
JACKETS | Leather Jacket (Deadwood) // Cuffed Tailored Blazer (Prada)
TOPS | Cotton T-Shirts (Cinq à Sept) // Leisure Washed-Satin Tank (Max Mara) // Breton Stripe T-Shirt (Marc Jacobs) // Garance Doré Shirt (Equipment) // Sleeveless Cropped Turtleneck (Brunello Cucinelli)
PANTS | Sateen Prima Cigarette Jeans (AG Jeans) // Black Cigarette Pants (Alexander McQueen)
SKIRT | Sepassa Leather Pencil Skirt (Hugo Boss)
SHOES | Cendrillon Ballerina Flats (Repetto) // Nude Scalloped Ballet Flats (Chloe) // Erika Polished Fumè Fringe Tassel Loafer (Church’s) // Ankle Strap Pumps (Valentino)
ACCESSORIES | New Wave Chain Bag PM (Louis Vuitton) // Oversized Sunglasses (Gucci)
Outfit ideas for any occasion.
OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB.
top // SHORTS // BALLET FLATS
TIME FOR DINNER AND A SHOW.
POLo-NECK // PANTS // FLATS
A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING.
SKIRT // HEELS // SHIRT
OUT AND ABOUT SHOPPING.
FLATS // TEE // BLAZER // JEANS
LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS.
TANK // SHORTS // LOAFERS
AFTER-WORK DRINKS - WHY NOT?
TOP // SKIRT // HEELS // TRENCH
JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE OFFICE.
TOP // SKIRT // FLATS
A SEXY NIGHT ON THE TOWN.
JACKET // PANTS // HEELS
LUNCH WITH THE IN-LAWS.
SHIRT // SHORTS // FLATS
IF YOU LIKE IT, SHARE IT.
Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. I’m so glad to meet you!
I created the blog Capsule Couture to share my love of capsule wardrobes. I wanted to inspire women to have more fun with their clothes and use fashion as a tool to rediscover themselves.
Are you ready to find out what excites you?
