We know for sure that when it comes to makeup, French girls just don’t contour. And now, it seems like we’re closer to pinning down what’s so fascinating about their sense of style. Basically, they take the closet detox trend very, very seriously. Introducing the five-piece French wardrobe, a sartorial philosophy that centers around high-quality basics and promises to help you create the most true-to-you aesthetic with your clothing ever.
While this method first gained traction in 2014, the five-piece French wardrobe is a must-know for any booked-through-the-summer busy girl, wannabe minimalist or those who just can’t even when it comes to choosing a put-together outfit every AM. In other words, probably YOU, dear reader. There are three basic guidelines, and as you may have guessed, they’re pretty simple:
1. Purge That Closet: As with all closet cleaning endeavours, start out by eliminating anything from your closet that you don’t actually wear. Think back on if you’ve worn those high-waisted flares or I’ll-learn-to-walk-in-these platforms anytime last week (Last month? Wait, these still have the tags on…). If that’s not enough to make you add it to the “donate” pile, try the hack that made the KonMari organizational method go viral and ask yourself if you love, love, love the piece in question. Be real with your answer and only keep the pieces that bring you joy aka the uncontrollable urge to snap an #OOTD ‘cause damn you look good.
2. Stock Up on High-Quality Basics Across 5 Major Categories: You know the kind of clothing we’re talking about when we say “basics”, those live-in, goes-with-anything, can’t-live-without pieces that glue your wardrobe together. According to WhoWhatWear’s assessment, those pieces should run across tops + dresses, bottoms, jackets, shoes and accessories and be of the highest-quality possible. They don’t have to be limited to five a piece, just keep classic styles and neutral colors in mind since those will without a doubt be the most versatile. But remember to narrow them down based on your unique style. So, if you consider leopard print or neon a neutral, then go there.
3. Limit Yourself to 5 Non-Basic Purchases Per Season: Here’s the wiggle room you’ve been looking for. Once your closet is comprised of solely everyday essentials, seek out five additional pieces each season (that’s fall/winter + summer/spring) that will keep your closet on-trend. This restriction/allowance is all about helping you shift away from that add-everything-to-cart mentality and become a more thoughtful shopper. Really consider which trends would work for you on the daily (Are they too complicated? Are they just so not you?) and then seek out the pieces that strike a perfect balance between most covetable and most wearable. And since you’re not indulging in those post-work shopping sprees anymore (and saving the $$$ that goes along with buying 10 fast-fashion shirts), start setting your eyes on those designer duds you’ve always dreamed of wearing — they’ll last longer and make you start treating your garments with greater care. This might be a good time to start with a clean slate on that “Buy Now” Pinterest board.
Really consider which trends would work for you on the daily (Are they too complicated? Are they just so not you?) and then seek out the pieces that strike a perfect balance between most covetable and most wearable. And since you’re not indulging in those post-work shopping sprees anymore (and saving the $$ that goes along with not buying 10 fast-fashion shirts), start setting your eyes on those designer duds you’ve always dreamed of wearing — they’ll last longer and make you start treating your garments with greater care. This might be a good time to start with a clean slate on that “Buy Now” Pinterest board.
Would you ever try this mega wardrobe detox? Tell us your wardrobe hacks + how you keep your closet organized in the comments below.
(h/t WhoWhatWear, Featured photos Irene Fucci for Brit + Co)
