https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 13 May 2026 23:41:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085767 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 14:32:01 +0000 Helena 2085767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Lyn, yes! Sorry to sidebar, but looking at Jenn's old posts reminded me of several forum members who've gone on to other things, presumably ... E., Deborah, Claire, Maneera and others ... amazing how attached you can get to people you don't personally know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085754 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 14:03:23 +0000 Anonymous 2085754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure about the chartreuse Cindy, but yes to the others :)<br /> Definitely won't be doing only 10 pieces total, or even just 10 a year! Could mayyyybe in LA, if only dresses and a topper or 2. Not counting shoes, or gear, or jewelry.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085729 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:04:31 +0000 lyn67 2085729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few years ago I was really amazed by our lovely and fab&nbsp; member <b><i>ClearlyClaire</i></b>'s&nbsp; minimal wardrobe of exactly 10 pieces if remember well-but she was living in a very mild climate (LA if remember well?). I miss her so much!:-( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085701 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:55:22 +0000 cindysmith 2085701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My understanding the concept of the 5 piece French wardrobe is that you only add 5 pieces each season or year or whatever. This apparently requires one to have a wardrobe that is complete, with all the needs covered; the 5 pieces can then be anything you feel appropriate for you. So, for me, I would probably add 5 sweaters this winter, since that is what I would get the most use out of; and I would likely add whatever colors struck my fancy. </p> <p>I think most of those capsule or French wardrobes use those basic colors because they mix and match with everything. The idea is to get versatile pieces that will be fashionable or stylish for a long time. Going back to my sweaters, I would likely add zero black sweaters because I have too many already; I would add a soft purple, a screaming cobalt, a rich chocolate, a soft blue, and a blush/soft pink (Angie's love of whites and creams is rubbing off on me LOL). For me, those would be versatile colors that would go with mostly anything in my closet.</p> <p>If you're doing the 5 piece wardrobe, add what works for YOU. If that happens to be emerald, gold, purple, orange, and chartreuse, so be it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085658 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 07:00:28 +0000 Jenn 2085658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>nemosmom</b>, I didn't have a set number in mind. I was thinking it would be between 20 and 25, but I ended up with 28. That means about 2/3 of my current wardrobe doesn't fall into the essentials category, so it's not like I'm working from this platonic ideal of a capsule wardrobe to start. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085619 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:06:06 +0000 nemosmom 2085619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div><b>Jenn</b> - that's it! You said, <i>"I basically think of essentials as anything I would need to replace with something similar if it wore out."&nbsp; </p> <p></i> <p><i></i> </p> <p>That is a lightbulb moment for me!<i>&nbsp; </i>Thank you!!!&nbsp; *runs to closet*<i><br /></i></p> <p>Did you have a set number of essentials in your handwritten list??<i><br /></i></p> </div><div><i></i><i></i><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085605 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 02:40:22 +0000 Jaime 2085605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always find these threads so interesting, although I am not a French wardrobe keeper of any kind. I think Jenn illustrates how beautifully this approach can work if it suits your style (psychological as well as personal).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085587 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 01:48:59 +0000 Anonymous 2085587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You inspired me to work on my finds! It's maybe half done, but nice to see its cohesive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085584 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 01:28:13 +0000 Jenn 2085584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>torontogirl,&nbsp;</b>most of my essentials are one-off, but there are a few exceptions. I have two identical black silk tanks and a third one in linen, because I wear them year-round. Some of the other items, I have multiples of (booties, wrap skirts, long cardis), but I don't consider those additional items essentials. </p> <p>Just in general, this system is a minimalist one. &nbsp;If you're not a closet minimalist and have no leanings that direction, it's not for you, and that's totally okay. &nbsp;There are lots of ways to build a wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085575 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:51:26 +0000 Anonymous 2085575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look at Vivienne Files often, though she skews casual much of the time, and I'm a lot bolder in my color pairings Plus I don't think she takes silouette into consideration- at least for us non tuckers.</p> <p>I do have a pretty tight wardrobe and yep, just 1 pair of black pants that fits. Definitely don't want to be going crazy with adding essentials though either! 36 was a good number this year, so just trying to refine what that may look like for next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085574 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:48:53 +0000 unfrumped 2085574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might be going off in the weeds but there were always issues for me about whether you don’t count what Angie I think calls “ basics”- like layering t’s - but would typically count “ major essentials” like adding a $500 wool blazer or 7 cashmere sweaters! Unless one had s very tight core capsule wardrobe and so you’re replacing your one pair of black pants , etc. Because I did think there was an explicit or implied restraint that would be lost if one didn’t count anything but statement or trend items, had unlimited purchase of accessories, “ essential “ tops, trousers, jackets, , and so on.<br /> Not saying this as a criticism—just always had some of the same interests trying to figure what makes it different from various other shopping/ wardrobe strategies.<br /> Also I agree it’s often confused with something like a “ 5-piece capsule / core wardrobe” instead of applying to a wider range of items depending on where you are starting from.<br /> And that it could be used to actually build a wardrobe ( though meaning major items) with the idea that you are working from an intentional list of possible pieces and learning/ recognizing which ones are better quality, have more longevity and are more versatile. </p> <p>But yes, if one has a complete wardrobe in good shape, it could be like a “ seasonal refresher “.<br /> Anyhoo- it’s fun to consider various strategies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085572 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:38:50 +0000 The Cat 2085572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janice Riggs at Theviviennefiles.com has addressed this subject several times. I often find her blog posts inspirational, and you, too, might find some inspiration there. Take a look at this article, for instance: <a href="https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2019/04/ready-for-a-warm-weather-wardrobe-update-how-about-a-french-5-piece-wardrobe.html/" rel="nofollow">https://www.theviviennefiles.c.....robe.html/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085571 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:35:42 +0000 Helena 2085571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, are these items mostly one-ofs, or do you have multiples of some? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085568 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:19:15 +0000 Anonymous 2085568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! I should do that too, when I get round to putting wardrobe into finds. Good to see that essentials don't always have to be color specific The main cardi I use is burnt orange and my better raincoat (climate essential) is copper! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085563 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 23:58:11 +0000 Jenn 2085563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In case it’s helpful, I just made a stab at my 2020 essentials, along with a <a href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=8179">collection</a> to illustrate. I basically think of essentials as anything I would need to replace with something similar if it wore out. My neutrals are black and cognac, but a few of my essentials are burgundy, and my chunky cardigan right now is yellow so it’s kind of a rule-bending statement essential”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1/page/2#post-2085557 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 23:41:11 +0000 Anonymous 2085557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenn! My essentials, statements, and completers aren't super clear either- since the only neutral I wear a lot of is black. And burgundy if that counts. I'd like to have a better foundation of medium neutrals (brown, olive)- though they're not technically essentials now.</p> <p>Thinking I want to keep overall number the same, approx 36 for next year, but 10 of that (5 per season) as statements and the rest essentials/replacements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085552 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 23:21:32 +0000 Helena 2085552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I have similar concerns - the difference between what, for me, is an essential, a completer, and a statement is fairly subtle! </p> <p>Fwiw, I am hoping to give this a try by replacing the idea of&nbsp;<i>recommended basics </i>(that perfect neutral background you mention)<i></i> with my <i>personal essentials</i>, and then calling the five items just plain old <i>new pieces</i> (whether they are statements or completers or accessories or a new version of an essential or whatever - but no pressure to make them particularly grand pieces, just reasonably intentional ones).</p> <p>It'll be an experiment for sure! I do hear you on the numbers though - I saw one post where the first instruction was to go out and buy a whole whack of basics - which sort of seemed to miss the point about adding less I thought - I will not be doing that!! :D</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085547 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 22:32:03 +0000 SarahD8 2085547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love reading about this approach, and I so admire those like <b>Jenn</b> who do it well. (I feel like <b>Runcarla</b>'s approach to assembling complements of a new color also has somewhat of the same sensibility?)</p> <p>I have difficulty imagining how it would work for me. That might be because my wardrobe isn't yet in solid enough shape, or because it just doesn't jibe with the way I dress (I feel like maybe it works better if you are a neutral-basic-background-punctuated-by-clear-statements kind of person rather than a how-many-fair-isles-can-I-put-on-my-body-at-once kind of person?). </p> <p>Or it might just not work well with my particular brain. I find the whole concept of what "counts" in the 5 pieces vs basics very slippery...it all quickly becomes confusing and overwhelming to me.</p> <p>Again, that is not a criticism of the method and certainly not of those for whom it works well!</p> <p>For me, I'm finding that a radically comprehensive approach, in which EVERYTHING counts down to the last pair of gym socks, is really helpful. It seems like it would be overwhelming but for me it is quite clarifying...very Marie Kondo approach, get absolutely everything in one place and see how much you really have (or have acquired). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085524 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:22:01 +0000 nemosmom 2085524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*hops into time machine* Thanks, Jenn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085520 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:14:11 +0000 Vildy 2085520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This reminds me a little of the original Vivienne Files posts that were on a French fashion forum.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2011/04/back-to-roots-of-vivienne-files-2.html/">https://www.theviviennefiles.c.....es-2.html/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2011/04/back-to-roots-of-vivienne-files-part-2.html/">https://www.theviviennefiles.c.....rt-2.html/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theviviennefiles.com/2011/06/back-to-roots-of-vivienne-files-part-5.html/">https://www.theviviennefiles.c.....rt-5.html/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085512 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:02:17 +0000 Jenn 2085512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should add that some of the statements I bought back in 2016 wore out fairly quickly, but others are still in my wardrobe today. Probably 3/4 of the essentials I outlined back then are either still in my wardrobe or have been replaced with like-for-like items. Some things I originally bought as statement experiments have become essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085509 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:39:28 +0000 Helena 2085509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, thanks Jenn - I'll organize mine into essentials and non-essentials and see if there is any dross (don't think so but let's see) ... and then chill out until the New Year when I can start thinking about my "deep winter" additions for the first quarter of the year ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085508 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:36:00 +0000 Jenn 2085508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>torontogirl,&nbsp;</b>I didn't purge at all, but my wardrobe was already pretty tight. &nbsp;One of those threads said I had 75 items, not counting gear or accessories, which is almost exactly where I am right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085506 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:26:47 +0000 Helena 2085506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, thanks so much for all these links and info - I think this will be really fun!! Off to revisit my essentials now :D</p> <p>ETA - One question for you Jenn - did you purge much out when you started? Like, the things that were not your essentials, did you keep those as well - or did you pare it right down and start building from there ... thx!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085505 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:21:29 +0000 Jenn 2085505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh hi! I have things to say about this!</p> <p>First off, though, <b>notsaf</b> and I figured out what was going on. &nbsp;I'd blocked her accidentally, in pretty much the exact scenario <b>JenniNZ</b> mentioned above.. &nbsp;All fixed now.</p> <p>Secondly, I think I first learned about 5PF on this forum with a thread from four years ago that had almost the exact same title as this one. &nbsp;Too funny. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe">Here's the link</a>, if you'd like to time travel. A few more time travel threads you might find interesting...here's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-basics">the one where I defined my basics</a> to start the system (Angie calls these items "essentials" and usually holds our hands as we do this exercise at the start of each new year.) Also, here's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ss-2016-retrospective-long">the first season I implemented the system</a> in 2016. Some of the links in those old threads no longer work, but some of them are still quite useful. Looking back, 2016 was also the first year my wardrobe really began to click and start working for me, so there's something to it.</p> <p>Thirdly, just a bit on how I count things.<br />- I don't count jewelry, but I do count accessories. Scarves used to be a weak point for me, and I wanted to break myself of the "cheap and cheerful" habit and start thinking about quality and longevity.<br />- I count shoes just like everything else. A certain subset are essentials, but others are statements.</p> <p>-I try to be honest with myself. Replacing my worn-out jeans shouldn't count as part of the five. Adding my fourth pair of skinny jeans should.<br />- I set my own price limit, above which <i>even essentials</i> count in the five. That dollar limit has risen over time, as my financial circumstances changed and my tolerance for paying more for sustainability/quality increased.<br />- I have always done just two buying seasons, even when I lived in a four-season climate.</p> <p></p> <p>I'm totally happy to answer any questions about my experiences! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085485 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:12:50 +0000 Sal 2085485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I would try this system but never have- I see the beauty in it, but i haven’t quite been able to slot purchases into replacements of essentials or statements.</p> <p>I think it is a way of carefully adding pieces to elevate your style and developing a signature look. And as you say Helena - not getting sucked into the trap of needing perfect essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085480 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 18:49:15 +0000 Jenni NZ 2085480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Notsaf, you might have accidentally blocked Jenn, so next time you see her name, click on it ( especially if on your phone) and check that “block” is not pushed. It’s easy to push with your thumb by mistake! I’ve done it twice and been very puzzled by why certain people were no longer appearing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085467 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:59:29 +0000 nemosmom 2085467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> nm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085456 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:39:12 +0000 Helena 2085456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also - just in reading through, I can spot a HUGE pothole one you trip on with this exercise, which is that some of the posts about it emphasize the need to have "perfect basics" in place (spoiler alert: they usually have affiliate links to items which they have deemed perfect basics).</p> <p>I'm flagging this only because this looks very similar to the "perfect capsule" trap that I've gotten stuck in many a time ... so I am choosing to read that particular instruction as "a good functioning set of my personal essentials such that I can get dressed appropriately 7 days a week" which of course I have!</p> <p>That's not to say this might not be a really critical step for others testing out this method! It's definitely not to criticize anyone who needs - or just wants - new basics in their wardrobe! DYOT! It's just a heads up for anyone who, like me, gets really tripped up on the word "perfect". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/5-piece-french-wardrobe-1#post-2085452 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:26:45 +0000 Helena 2085452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>suntiger, see you in the rabbit hole!</p> <p>notsaf, I remember that thread because your approach and Jenn's response struck my interest too - possible it was actually a Lisa thread? As I recall being in the discussion too?</p> </p>