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We’ve all been there, rummaging through piles of clothes and finding nothing to wear. Suddenly our favorite green halter top looks all wonky with our newly bought flared jeans – we thought it would serve y2k realness?! Argh, nothing matches. Time to buy another pair of trousers to match the top, and another top to go with the jeans.
STOP. Wait, think… Do you really need to be on the never-ending “get a new____, buy that____” carousel?
You don’t need another addition from the latest micro-trend that’s not made to last. What you DO need is a classic, well thought out list of timeless pieces that can be adapted into multiple outfits. Yes, I’m talking about building a capsule wardrobe.
We’ve curated 10 French inspired cornerstones to consider for your capsule closet, all from No Kill’s approved ethical fashion brands. But first, here’s some questions to ask yourself while perusing these always-in-style, good-for-the-planet staples that are the quintessentials of a well-structured, long-lasting wardrobe.
How interchangeable are these pieces?
Combine one item with two or three others, and you’re well on your way to a versatile capsule wardrobe. Combining items creates multiple looks, minimizing races to the boutique. Also, keep in mind from the beginning of your clothing search that one fine item could mix and match with pieces you own, bringing you an opportunity to support those who make higher quality, made to last goods.
Would this fit me well?
Some may be short on time and money so buying more in a moment to guess the right fit once items arrive is a frequent practice. The intention here is to send back poorly fitting pieces. But that just means more clothing cargo traveling back and forth across the world while emitting excess CO2. To avoid this, check available measurements against your own before adding to your cart.
Also, consider the ability of your item to be tailored. We know, it’s like, nobody does that anymore… but we must think differently about the lives of our clothing if we want to help fashion be better. Tailoring is a great long-term solution to preserve the clothes you love. And it’s not only for formal attire, you know? Maybe even think about if you’ve got the skills to tailor a new piece yourself before you buy.
Does this item support my lifestyle?
Minimizing your wardrobe can be challenging, but don’t pressure yourself, okay? If you truly need a new pair of jeans, it’s okay to start looking here. What I like to do is check out my lifestyle day-to-day. What do I need to make getting ready easier?
Really think about what you want and why. That will help you keep a solid idea of what to buy when you shop. Something to add to that is you can search for those pieces from nearest to furthest place. For example, need new work pants for your new position? Do you have any in your closet/ Does your family have an extra pair, or a friend? If no, maybe check the thrift shops if you have time; check everywhere before you order something from overseas.
Remember, some overarching goals of creating a capsule wardrobe in the first place are to slow down our consumption, simplify our lives, minimize cargo travel and prevent clothing waste.
Have I shopped my closet?
It’s time to do a wardrobe clean out. Checking out what you already have before it’s time to add something new is actually really fun! Not only does it slow down your consumption, but it gives you time to be your own fashion show, see things in new light, and visualize any important gaps in your wardrobe. A simple way to start is try on everything with intention to see what you have and what you don’t really like anymore. A key here is to try things on that you don’t like with things that you do. It’ll be just like shopping in the dressing room at the mall. You might find you’ve got more to mix and match than you realized.
Do I keep fast fashion items?
Totally try to do so. Fast fashion is a problem for sure, but you can improve it by slowing it down; keeping the pieces you own does exactly that. If the piece starts falling apart or fitting poorly, try to make it serve another purpose by fixing it up, styling it differently, or cutting it up like I do! If you don’t want anything to do with fast fashion anymore, you might decide to rid of it all together. If so, consider selling it online, swapping or sharing with friends, consigning, or even donating it. It might seem silly to fuss that much over a flimsy Shein blazer, but it’s really not, especially with your goals in mind. Speaking of goals…
Why a capsule wardrobe?
There are many reasons to create a capsule wardrobe. But defining those reasons for yourself, I think, is the most empowering way to keep the process going once it gets tough, and it will get tough. One way to explore your why is to learn about debates in fashion’s space. For example, The Good Trade highlights the debate over what came first: “the desire for fresh looks at an alarming rate or the industry’s top players convincing us that we’re behind trends as soon as we see them being worn.” What do you think?
See how you feel and let yourself run with it. Then ask yourself how your feelings fuel your capsule wardrobe adventure.
Scroll Our Top Picks for a French Inspired Capsule Closet
The Classic White Tee
One of the greatest inventions of mankind, the T-shirt. Did you know it wasn’t until the 19th century that people started wearing T-shirts? My advice to you is to invest in at least two very good T-shirts – like these two from Ali Golden and Amour Vert. Ali Golden’s knit ballet top has a scoop neck in the back and 3/4 length sleeves. It’s made with love in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility in Hong Kong. The Amour Vert Berkeley Organic Cotton Tee feels like a ’90s throwback in the best way. I wear tees year round, and you, too, should normalize using your summer ones for winter layering.
The Button down
There will be occasions when T-shirts alone won’t suffice – that’s when a crisp white, shirt comes in. Go up a size for extra versatility – we’ve seen pretty cool fits with these shirts as light jackets worn over a tee or tank, and you may not want to miss the opportunity to do so. Everything about this Bias Cut Shirt by Silk Laundry screams CHIC! From the almost casual fit to the matte finish, the design is equal parts elegant and cool. Made with 100% Silk Sandwash and OEKO-TEX certified, this shirt was clearly made with much TLC. In contrast, the Weekend Shirt by Outerknown has a well worn, well loved feel. Different vibes for different days.
blazer
For anyone who’s a fan of a tailored fit, the Seamed Waist Jacket by Another Tomorrow is to die for. The fabric is 98% super-fine merino wool, sourced ethically from a farm in New South Wales, and it’s finished using only renewable energy.e. Cuyana’s Draped Sleeve Blazer is a bit more daring. Either one is a win for your wardrobe.
Jeans
If you’re looking for jeans to dress up, down, or wear all around, this pair from Amendi is the one for you. Composed of 100% cotton, a recycled polyester zipper, and a chrome-free leather patch, the Vivi High Rise Jeans were truly made to last forever.
These jeans from Warp + Weft have that timeless Parisian flair fused with some style from Seoul. They are made with 99% cotton and 1% lycra to replicate the perfect sweet spot that is your favorite vintage jeans.
little black dress
When it comes to dresses, Reformation has got it down to a T, including the LBD. The Elvira Dress features a fitted bodice with a subtle open back and a gorgeous full skirt. With its 98% cotton and 2% spandex composition, the fabric is breathable and sturdy, perfect for all-day wear.
For an LBD made to see the sun, Cuyana’s Tiered Dress is sure to impress. A more casual take on the classic silhouette, we have a tiered skirt and an adjustable tie-back for comfortability. The heavy jersey blend of Pima cotton, modal, and lycra makes this dress perfect for long walks on the beach.
The trench coat
The Isaac Trench Coat from Attire the Studio is everything you need in this tried and true closet staple. Though oversized, the design remains structured with a double-breasted silhouette and lots of belts. The main fabric is 100% Mulesing-Free Certified wool, sure to keep you warm but cool in the winter.
This 50’s inspired Trench from Dôen will make you feel nothing short of an old movie star. The 100% organic cotton coat is finished with a water repellent, free of all the usual harmful chemicals. The practicalities are endless too, from the built-in wind guard to interior pockets and even adjustable sleeve openings.
breton striped shirt
All of the classic striped tops from Breton Shirt Company are très magnifique, especially this Bateau Marinere in Vin. The boat neck gives the top its timeless elegance while the organic cotton leaves it feeling oh so soft.
We have another pick from Amour Vert. The Francoise Organic Cotton Tee fits a bit boxier which, when combined with a boat neckline and a 3/4 sleeve, highlights all of your fabulous lines.
white sneakers
Because they belong in the holy trinity of T-shirt, jeans, and… Sneakers! And I reckon this genderfluid combo is going to stay relevant, wearable, and fab for years to come. White and neutral colored sneakers always manage to look appropriate no matter what’s on top. They are a safe bet for your money, plus they take away the hassle of deciding between different footwear options each time you go out the door.
Somehow Veja has created the perfect sneaker that is comfortable, sustainable, and stylish all rolled into one. The Wata II Low is composed of 100% organic cotton and Amazonian rubber. With this pair on, you’ll no longer feel like you’re walking all over the environment.
We’re showing the Thousand Fell sneakers in white, to go along with our theme but these come in 15 color options to coordinate with all your quiet luxury looks. And send them back at the end of their useful life for recycling.
Classic flats: Loafers or Mary Janes
When the sneaker doesn’t quite cut it, we like flats –specifically loafers or ballet flats/Mary Janes. Either style are perfect for bringing a bit of French flare to any outfit. So take the leap (sorry, couldn’t resist) and get yourself a pair of flats.
Sown here are minimalist The Loafer and The Mary Jane by Either/Or. The Mary Jane sold out so quickly they’re currently being restocked –so add your name to the list.
silk scarf
And finally, the silk scarf –the ultimate accessory for a chic capsule wardrobe. Scarves are some of the versatile pieces out there. They add a punch of color to any outfit, or they can stand in as clothing items on their own. We love the ones from Silk Laundry. Shown here are Expressionist Scarf and Lost Flowers Black and White.
–Milena Synek
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