https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:38:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french/page/2#post-2125033 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:50:17 +0000 Jenn 2125033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>nemosmom,&nbsp;</b>for sure! I have a v-neck wool sweater and a long cashmere cardigan on my essentials list, but I won't be wearing them in August. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2125031 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:44:27 +0000 nemosmom 2125031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This is great food for thought: <i>I don't need to be able to get dressed every day, for every situation, solely from my essentials.<br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I get frustrated when a piece I *think* is essential doesn't fill every single need of every day. I suspect essentials could be seasonal as well - maybe I don't wear skinny jeans in summer, but need them for winter to accommodate boots. And allowing myself to shift cut or silhouette&nbsp; from one season to the next will help, I think...&nbsp; My darn 4-season climate is still tripping me up&nbsp; :(<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2125016 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:36:42 +0000 Jenn 2125016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>nemosmom, </b>there's still so much good info in there! My essentials have changed a lot since that post, though. Pretty staggering, actually, I made a collection for the current set:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=8179">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=8179</a> </p> <p>One thing I've learned since then--and this was a revelation for me--is that I don't need an essential to fill every wardrobe hole. I don't need to be able to get dressed every day, for every situation, solely from my essentials. That was a huge shift in thinking. And your essentials do change over time. I actually still own many of the pieces on that 2016 essentials list, but many of them are no longer essentials in my wardrobe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2125003 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:32:47 +0000 Minaminu 2125003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2016!!! What a journey it must have been! I am glad to see that it worked for you and it has become almost an hobby . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2125000 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:20:20 +0000 nemosmom 2125000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Coming back to this, as I found myself thinking about your spin on F5 yesterday. I am so interested in how you identify your essentials - I tend to buy the same things over and over (many jeans and tees), get frustrated from lack of variety, buy things I *think* I will like, then just wear the jeans and tees :D&nbsp; So, thank you for linking your 2016 post! <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124864 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:49:02 +0000 Jenn 2124864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Minaminu,&nbsp;</b>just remember, it took YEARS. I first started talking about the five-piece-French wardrobe here <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-basics">in 2016</a>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124862 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:31:22 +0000 Minaminu 2124862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, you are way ahead! It's a great inspiration . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124851 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:24:57 +0000 Jenn 2124851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh&nbsp;<b>lisap,&nbsp;</b>good takeaways, especially that second one. As I told&nbsp;<b>JenniNZ,&nbsp;</b>I do think what we put on our bodies is pretty intertwined with our sense of self, but there's also an "it's not you, it's the clothes" element. Maybe only buying less helps with that? It at least means fewer opportunities to engage in fruitless searches that reinforce the incorrect feeling that you're not worthy of the clothing.</p> <p><b>Staysfit,&nbsp;</b>my rules are actually, I think, a little more in the spirit of the original 5PF, which basically just said "essentials don't count." I just tightened up on the essentials definition, because I found myself wanting to take advantage of it by telling myself, "Well, this will probably become an essential." Sometimes that was true, but not always. I have a better handle on my real essentials now that I've done more thoughtful work and analysis, which I know you have, as well.</p> <p>Good luck on the downsizing! Have patience with the process. &nbsp;It's going to take time, but if you're not moving imminently, you have it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124849 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:16:11 +0000 Jenn 2124849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,&nbsp;</b>I think it plays to the parts of fashion that I enjoy most, which is not browsing in stores and trying things on. I'm sure that's different for everyone, but it's more fun for me to put in the effort on the planning side than the execution side.</p> <p><b>nemosmom,&nbsp;</b>I'm so glad to hear that. I usually feel like I'm posting more to get my own thoughts straight than anything else, so it's nice to know it's at least interesting to others!</p> <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>you're so right! As I said to&nbsp;<b>Style Fan&nbsp;</b>above, if it wasn't fun, I'd probably just buy multiples of the same thing and be done with it, but I really like having options and trying new things. As for the pink sweater, I really loved the ladder stitch and open knit of it and so nice that it was 100% linen! It wasn't right for me, but gives me an idea of things to look for in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124845 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:46:25 +0000 Jenn 2124845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>I have this feeling that white is hard to get right, which is probably why I don't have any in my wardrobe yet. I don't wear a whole lot of color, so when I do add colored pieces, I tend to do a couple that work together or things like floral prints on a black base. I really <i>like</i> wearing black, though. I know that's not true for everyone.</p> <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>even though I've been using variations this system forever, I think I've come to some realizations about what essentials mean to me and how I use them...also about how statements and duplicate essentials from previous years add up! If statement buys last three years (and I know some last years longer and some only a season or two), that's 30 "beyond essentials" pieces living in my wardrobe at any given time. More than enough.</p> <p><b>JenniNZ,&nbsp;</b>I get into that "bored with everything" zone a couple times a year. I usually post about it here, do some online browsing, make a list, and...sometimes I buy something and sometimes I don't. I can do all the analysis I want, but the things I put on my body are always going to be intertwined with my sense of self, so I suspect those doldrums have more to do with me than the clothes.</p> <p><b>Style Fan,&nbsp;</b>I think if I didn't consider it a hobby, I'd probably be one of those people with multiples of the same jeans and t-shirt at this point! Honestly, there are days when that doesn't sound so bad.</p> <p><b>Minaminu,&nbsp;</b>I'm at a point where I feel like most of my needs are covered, so my additions are things that make me happy, new styles I'm interested in trying, and upgrades to current pieces.</p> <p><b>Runcarla,&nbsp;</b>I'm definitely learning that not all linen and silk are created equal. Cotton jersey tends to last right around 30 wears, especially if it's thin. I know Tencel is supposed to be this miracle fiber, but I have a lot of issues with it. It really grabs any greasy stain and requires stain treatment to let go, which in turn, shortens its lifespan. I don't know that that makes it any worse than cotton jersey, though, so perhaps the production advantages outweigh the lifespan concerns.</p> <p>(back with more) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124818 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:45:04 +0000 Staysfit 2124818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, this post is inspiring. As DH and I talk more about downsizing, I know I need to shrink my wardrobe. With my new work from home status, I am enjoying slightly more casual outfits and flatter shoes and I have done some wardrobe editing. &nbsp;I have made very few purchases (running sneakers, exercise bras, a statement necklace on sale, lip stick). &nbsp;<div>&nbsp;<div>I love the 5 piece concept, and I understand your rules. &nbsp;When I created my clothing budget, I made rules for its use that allowed a separate accounting for gear, shoes, coats, basics or replacements of essentials. I did not count them because I generally keep these items for years and wear them until they are no longer wearable. &nbsp;The majority of my clothing budget had previously been spent on my statement heavy wardrobe, so cutting my budget, already has meant cutting back on statement. &nbsp;I am ready to take things another step.</p> <p></div><div>To downsize, my current thinking would be two pronged. &nbsp;The first would be to create smaller capsules with my essentials, rely more on accessories, and then add only a few key statements per season (4 seasons, so probably more than 5 but less than 10). &nbsp;The second would be to reduce the amount of variety. &nbsp;Currently my wardrobe allows me to wear something different every day for a minimum of 3 weeks without repeat. I believe reducing the frequency of variation to every 2 weeks would still feel good but still reduce my wardrobe and storage needs.&nbsp;</div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124754 Sun, 31 May 2020 17:43:18 +0000 Anonymous 2124754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm seeing a common thread among a few comments above: that the process of wardrobe planning is /can- be seen as a hobby and one that is relaxing and enjoyable. &nbsp;That loving one's wardrobe &nbsp;is indeed possible and something that can be separated from loving oneself. &nbsp;This has been a bit of an aha thread for me in that regard, and has given me a lot to think about . &nbsp;Geez Jenn, you never fail to impress me. &nbsp;Seriously . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124751 Sun, 31 May 2020 17:27:31 +0000 Angie 2124751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for the time spent implementing these thoughts, search, and strategies - I suspect, <b>Jenn</b>, this is all enjoyable sport to you - relaxing, a fun project that keeps on giving, and is in line with your core values and sustainable lifestyle. It's not a chore, but a pleasure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not only beautifully eloquent, logical and thoughtful - but most importantly, you FOLLOW THROUGH EFFECTIVELY. That's the part that impresses me the most. Plans and goals are nothing without progress, discipline and follow through. You have that done and are inspiring.&nbsp;</p> <p>The pink sweater is just a little too bubblegum for you. Blast &nbsp;And it needs to be shorter. But super cute vibe, nonetheless! And get that white dress!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124707 Sun, 31 May 2020 13:46:55 +0000 nemosmom 2124707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such an inspiration. I really look forward to your planning process and stats every month! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124706 Sun, 31 May 2020 13:21:28 +0000 Janet 2124706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thoughtful, organized approach! Well done. I had similar questions to Vildy, but you seem to have all that handled well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124705 Sun, 31 May 2020 13:18:07 +0000 Carla 2124705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting spin on the ‘French 5’. &nbsp;I like it! &nbsp;Bravo on reaching 30 wears on so many garments. &nbsp;How are the individual garments holding up, in general? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124675 Sun, 31 May 2020 08:24:19 +0000 Minaminu 2124675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! Love the stats! I am slowly working towards a similar goal. </p> <p>For 2020, I am allowing myself 20 new pieces to fill some gaps in my wardrobe and I am planning to reduce the number next year. I currently have 54 pieces, hopefully the additional 20 pieces will help cover the weak areas of my wardrobe.<br /> You seem to be way ahead and I am curious, are the new items additions to the wardrobe to cover specific areas, ie capsule hiking/heatwave/evening wardrobe? How did you identified the new pieces that you wanted to add? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124674 Sun, 31 May 2020 08:18:32 +0000 Style Fan 2124674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your system is excellent, Jenn.&nbsp; I also enjoy wardrobe planning and consider it one of my hobbies.&nbsp; After I retired, I did lots of research so I could dress thoughtfully for the next phase of my life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I can see how the Miz Mooz sandals are more of a statement.&nbsp; They are perfect for your style, but they don't blend into the outfit the same way as the Bed Stu ones do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124670 Sun, 31 May 2020 07:40:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 2124670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenn you are so kind!<br /> Mostly, you know, it’s enjoyable and I am happy and proud of myself.<br /> Very very occasionally, I have a “ I hate all my stuff and want rid of it” moment.<br /> I suspect looking at the same items on my list day in, day out as I track my wears is responsible for that, and that the feeling is probably normal. It doesn’t happen often because mostly I love my clothes! Also, some of them may feel a bit “new” in a while, because if they have already had over 30 wears I am trying to rest them while I wear the other items, especially if those other items are not new. Like I wore some 2014 black pants a week or so back that had only had 12 wears. They’re not quite as comfy and a bit more dressy than the 2019 black pants that have had 34 wears, but they were actually comfortable enough and not too fancy for work, so I intend to try them again when I want black pants. Previously I think they were “going out to dinner” pants which there hasn’t been much of! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124666 Sun, 31 May 2020 06:50:16 +0000 Sal 2124666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see this system working well for you Jenn. I think it will allow you to focus on the special additions that might take done effort to source.</p> <p>The pink top looks great from the photo- I like the idea of this for you.</p> <p>Well done on your wears goal too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124663 Sun, 31 May 2020 05:16:10 +0000 Anonymous 2124663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My white dress was a mistake because I thought I was getting a basic white sheath dress but the dress is quite sheer and came with a slip. It seems to need something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124662 Sun, 31 May 2020 05:13:02 +0000 Anonymous 2124662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of keeping a running list for shopping. It especially helps when in a second hand store. I feel I should shop for a swim suit but that is such torture. I wish catalogs would put in more information about the garments, but most say to look online. I never get around to doing that.<br /> Any advice about narrowing colors in your wardrobe, neutrals and accent colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124661 Sun, 31 May 2020 05:08:21 +0000 Jenn 2124661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>oh no! Why was your white dress a mistake?</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>I hope so!</p> <p><b>shevia</b>, if that sweater had been cropped or had a hi-lo hem (it's tucked in the photo), I probably would have exchanged it for black. &nbsp;I really liked the laciness of the knit.</p> <p><b>JenniNZ,&nbsp;</b>you know, I'm not sure why I decided the Miz Mooz were statements. They just feel like statements when I wear them! I could have just as easily said they were an essentials replacement and another pair of sandals would be an essentials duplicate and come to the same result, though.</p> <p>You are doing such a great job wearing (and wearing out) your clothes as you shrink your wardrobe. Are you finding the process enjoyable? I need new specs as well. That will be a big purchase coming up, though I think insurance will cover some portion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124660 Sun, 31 May 2020 05:02:23 +0000 Jenn 2124660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Vildy,&nbsp;</b>great questions! It's really hard for me to compare where I am now with before I settled on this strategy because it's been a gradual evolution. Overall, I think I spend less time now than I used to, and the time I do spend on wardrobe planning is enjoyable and relaxing for me. I really look forward to sitting down on a weekend afternoon and writing a post like this one, reviewing my list of essentials, or browsing my favorite catalogs/online stores.</p> <p>One thing that makes it a lot easier is that my wardrobe is generally in good shape, and I feel like I have plenty of options for my lifestyle, so I'm never really desperately trying to procure something. I have enough, so I just sit back and enjoy the process. The only thing that really increases the effort involved is my commitment to buy sustainably as often as possible. &nbsp;That, in combination with my size, can feel limiting sometimes, and working to expand my go-to brand list can be an exercise in frustration.</p> <p><b>lisap,&nbsp;</b>I have a running list in the back of my planner where I jot down any clothing item I think I might want. I'll look at it occasionally to see if there's something specific I want to prioritize, but mostly I just keep an eye out and leave room for emotion. I've noticed an interesting thing happening recently, in that quite often, when something really speaks to me, I look back and realize that it was already on my list. (An example: that sweater I returned. &nbsp;I knew immediately that I wanted to try it, but only realized when I checked that "open knit sweater" had been on my list for months.) Mostly, my list is just about as formal as what you see in this post. I won't go searching to the ends of the earth for a pair of olive utility pants, but I'll look when I'm browsing a catalog or have some time to browse my favorite sites. I try to be mindful and relaxed about it and not get caught up in absolutes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124658 Sun, 31 May 2020 04:56:18 +0000 Anonymous 2124658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are amazing , Jenn. I have wanted a white dress and finally bought one last year, but I suspect it was a mistake. Be careful to buy one that you will enjoy wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124653 Sun, 31 May 2020 03:58:13 +0000 Anonymous 2124653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you identifying the 5 pieces-to-be-added prior to each season ? ( or do you intend to if not doing that yet ? ) I’m following along Vildy’s line of questioning . I was very into this concept last year but didn’t address it properly - or make a plan for it . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124643 Sun, 31 May 2020 03:14:02 +0000 rachylou 2124643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your new rules. I think you’ll get more wearability with the purchases you make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124631 Sun, 31 May 2020 02:52:36 +0000 Jaime 2124631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I ever aspire to a simple minimal wardrobe, these posts will be my guide. I love the silhouette of your new sweater, too bad the color didn't work out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124625 Sun, 31 May 2020 01:49:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2124625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is awesome. I think I aspire to something like this, but it’s going to take years possibly with the start of the 160-something items.<br /> So far this year I have bought 3 things- 1. New specs in January ( not counted in totals but cost $769 or something, so used a lot of money- first in 4 years)<br /> 2. New black loafers 28 Feb for my 2 March birthday, worn 18 times already.<br /> 3. New olive boots ordered late April worn only once so far, but only recently boot weather (tomorrow is the first day of winter here)<br /> 4. I also obtained a new blue faux fur jacket, birthday gift sent from my UK sister. Not worn yet, not cold enough.<br /> Even 10 items a year may be too many in my situation.<br /> Of the 9 items edited out so far this year, 8 had over 30 wears. The one that didn’t was a custom made mesh top from 2010. It was beautiful, but made for a skirt I don’t like it with now, for an interview back then. I tried to consign it but no go. After 10 years taking up space, goodbye.<br /> Why are the Miz Mooz statements? They’re flat- aren’t they comfortable enough for regular wear? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-wardrobe-thoughts-long-with-5-piece-french#post-2124617 Sun, 31 May 2020 01:00:23 +0000 Vildy 2124617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm curious about something in respect to a very small wardrobe.&nbsp;<br />I loved reading about what you did and plan to do and your ongoing evaluation.&nbsp; I was wondering about the time investment with this direction.&nbsp; There's the searching out of the seasonal five purchases, deciding what becomes essential, what might warrant duplicating...&nbsp;<br />Compared to your typical previous years' wardrobe efforts and strategies, do you feel you need to invest as much time, or less or more?&nbsp; Not counting in time spent in analysis of wears, which you might be doing either way but thinking about the actual procurement aspect. </p>