10 Essentials That Build a French Capsule Wardrobe, According to a Parisian Woman
Do as the French do
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Croissants, French onion soup, the Birkin bag…these are a few of my French favorite things! I’ve been fascinated with French fashion for over a decade, so I’ve embarked on a bit of a journey to uncover all the French style findings I can get my hands on, including where to shop the best French clothing brands. Between the French makeup bag essentials and the fashion rules French women live by, it can seem overwhelming at times to digest. With so many French wardrobe staples at my fingertips, I chatted with a French style expert to get the scoop on the essentials. Below, you’ll find ten essentials to build the French capsule wardrobe of your dreams.
Meet the Expert
Pauline Argenson is the deputy head of events at the Consulate of France, residing in New York City. Previously, Argenson was a marketing, events and VIP influencer relations consultant and resident ‘French It-Girl’ for The Kooples, a luxury French fashion brand.
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What Should You Consider When Shopping for a French Capsule Wardrobe?
“When shopping for a French capsule wardrobe, think of yourself as an art curator at the Louvre, selecting only the masterpieces. Each piece should tell a story and stand the test of time,” notes Argenson. Below, she’s outlined three tips to make your wardrobe stand out. Overall, prioritize classic cuts, neutral colors and high-quality fabrics that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.
- Find pieces you have an emotional connection to: “Select items that resonate with you, pieces that have character and can ignite conversations, add a touch of nostalgia and personal history to your ensemble, like a vintage brooch inherited from your grandmother,” says Argenson. Parisians hold heirlooms near and dear to the heart, but are also not afraid to incorporate them into their everyday style. Your mother’s hand-me-down heels or your nana’s silk scarf can be the key piece that takes your outfit to the next level.
- Go for practical elegance: “Opt for pieces that seamlessly marry style and comfort, letting you glide through the day with effortless grace, such as a navy pencil skirt with gold buttons that you can mix and match with a myriad of tops and colors, ensuring you always look effortlessly chic,” she tells me. Versatility, versatility, versatility, people. This is the key to a really good French capsule wardrobe, and you can find this in almost every item, from your cardigans to your jeans to your blazers and more.
- Add an element of surprise: Last, but certainly not least, Argenson explains that the French are always looking for un petit unpredictability. “Add a quirky, unexpected piece to keep your style fresh and intriguing like a classic silk scarf with a whimsical, unexpected print.” Not only does it add depth and texture, but it’s also a fun way to show off your personality and taste.
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Shop Floral Maxis
Shop Breton Sailor Shirts
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Shop Vintage Jeans
Stephanie Meraz
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
- Covers all things fashion and shopping
- Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
- Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York
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