How to Build a French Capsule Wardrobe for Spring

Once upon a time, pre this last weird year, I received a large amount of packing list requests. That immediately stopped last February and I actually miss it.

This is a post that I would have called a Paris packing list. And since vacation travel is a no-go right now, and people aren’t searching it as much as they did previously I am using the term french capsule wardrobe instead.

Here is the breakdown:

She is moving to Paris for 3.5 months, from March, to part way in to June.

She has a partiality to straight-leg jeans, Converse, Leather, sweaters, and a good mini skirt…I’m on board with all that except the mini skirt.

I don’t do short anything for some reason.

The temperature range and weather for that time period is as low as 9°C to high 22°C with quite a bit of rain for the first while.

To save some space in your luggage, I’d just buy an umbrella once I got there if you think you might need one.

Some French Fashion Tips:

I won’t say rules because I don’t like rules in fashion. I will say that there is a notable difference in the way French women dress compared to North American.

• They don’t do head to toe labels. They are the experts at mixing high end with fast fashion like Zara.
• This kind of goes with the above…they don’t try too hard. Their look is usually very simple. This includes hair and makeup as well.
• Fewer trends more quality pieces.
• Personal style over fashion.
• Practicality is key with city dressing.
• Mix casual with dressy for an effortlessly balanced look.
• They focus on what they want to wear rather than what they’re supposed to be wearing.
• Fashion is for everyone, not just the young. Some of the most fashionable French women are over 50.

Now that, that is out of the way, I am going to talk about a few of the pieces that I included in this french capsule wardrobe and why.

The Breton is such a classic piece, but I chose this one because it is a classic with a twist.

First, it is a sweater with a red stripe instead of the black or navy and white that we usually see. It also has a button in the front that can be left undone for a touch of casual sexiness.

Pair it with the mini skirt for a really laid back but cute look.

I actually have this sweater on order, and I am VERY excited about getting it. I love good Breton.

The tweed black jacket is very Chanel-esque and thought would be a nice touch layered over anything.

It would be easy to make it casual or dressy.

A lug sole loafer. First, lug sole footwear (boots especially) are really big right now, so are loafers for spring.

Loafers are actually are a timeless classic but they are having a big moment this spring.

I really liked these because they look A LOT like these Gucci loafers for a fraction of the price.

Today was 7°C here so I actually wore my loafers out for the first time this season. Although I did have to walk around a lot puddles.

It was too early to break them out but I was in a spring mindset and was a little overzealous with spring clothes today.

I also included a trench coat in this spring capsule wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with a trench coat, especially if it is water-resistant.

They are easy to layer under since they tend to be looser fitting (size up if you like it oversized), but you can tie them at the waist for a more structured look.

Acessories make the look for most French women, and I chose a scarf since they are so versatile.

You can tie it in various ways around your neck, wrist, hair, and even purse for the perfect touch.

Don’t underestimate the use of accessories.

For some French women inspiration here are some of my favourite French Instagram accounts:
Audrey Lombard
Mélodie Vaxelaire
Jeanne Damas
Camille Charriere
Lucy Rose Mahé
Lamia Lagha
Éléonore Léo Jeanne
@meleponym

*I feel like you could wear this sweater backwards as a different option to have the tie in front. Versatile pieces are key.

Stay safe.

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French Outfit Ideas

Easy Spring Outfit Ideas

Grey T-shirt | White Bodysuit | Wrap Shirt | Blue Blouse | Navy Long Sleeve | Striped Sweater | Red Pullover | Black Cardigan | Blazer | Blue Jeans | Black Jeans | Navy Trousers | Mini Skirt | Pink Dress | Black Slip Dress | Trench | Leather Jacket | Scarf | Sunglasses | Necklace | Face Mask | Black Purse | Brown Purse | Black Boots | Converse | Ankle Strap Flats | Chunky Loafers |

You might also like:
How to Build a Spring Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget
Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
The Ultimate Spring Capsule Wardrobe
How to Build a Neutral Capsule Wardrobe
Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2021

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