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.

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.

In case it’s helpful, I just made a stab at my 2020 essentials, along with a collection 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”.

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!

Jenn, are these items mostly one-ofs, or do you have multiples of some?

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: https://www.theviviennefiles.c.....robe.html/

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.
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.
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.
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.

But yes, if one has a complete wardrobe in good shape, it could be like a “ seasonal refresher “.
Anyhoo- it’s fun to consider various strategies!

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.

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.

torontogirl, 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.

Just in general, this system is a minimalist one. If you're not a closet minimalist and have no leanings that direction, it's not for you, and that's totally okay. There are lots of ways to build a wardrobe.

You inspired me to work on my finds! It's maybe half done, but nice to see its cohesive!

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).

nemosmom, 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.

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.

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.

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.

A few years ago I was really amazed by our lovely and fab member ClearlyClaire's 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!:-(

Not sure about the chartreuse Cindy, but yes to the others
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....

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!