I don’t think I’ve ever pointed this out specifically – your French 5-Piece Wardrobe doesn’t have to be all one color! It probably should all go together, if only to make wearing it easier, but 2 colors that are beautiful together could be a great idea…
jacket – Eileen Fisher; earrings – Argento Vivo; scarf – Ted Baker London; loafers – BP.; tote – Sam Edelman
Imagine that you’ve already pulled together your camel and ivory Common Wardrobe for spring…
v-neck cardigan – Uniqlo; v-neck sweater – J.Crew; trench – Burberry; print shirt – Lands’ End; short-sleeved tee – Lands’ End; long-sleeved tee – Lands’ End; tank sweater – Boden; wide pants – Uniqlo; narrow pants – Uniqlo; shorts – L.L.Bean
Yes, this is the same wardrobe from Monday the 5th – and the shirt is NOT (at this very moment) sold out…
You would already have a good many ways to get dressed in the morning without really even thinking – that’s handy when you’re in a rush, and distracted!
When you add just the 5 new items you purchased for spring, your options expand a LOT, and you still don’t have to do a lot of “matchy-matchy” work to get dressed and look nice….
Tomorrow I’m looking back to the grey and white Common Wardrobe wardrobe for 1 last Springtime French 5-Piece Wardrobe….
love,
Janice
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Janice,
I’m loving it, — of course ! With the exception of the trench coat, when I purchase replacement neutrals in my warm colors, I pretty much buy exactly the type of garments that you show here in the Common Wardrobe. When I buy an accent color, I do the same thing but only in the tops and toppers.
Blush and sage with these neutrals are just gorgeous – this is my palette! I am enjoying these five piece posts. Very helpful.
Another winner. And I appreciated your pointing out that all the 5 pieces don't have to be the same color, but that it is helpful if they coordinate.
Why is this called 5 piece wardrobe?
There’s always been this cliche of the “French 5-Piece Wardrobe,” which strongly suggests that French women only own 5 pieces of clothing. We of course know that that’s absurd, and it’s probably more accurate to say that French women buy 5 new pieces per year. That’s what I’m trying to convey here – the idea that you can maintain a core neutral wardrobe, and a couple of times a year jazz it up and bring in some variety with 5 new pieces. Thanks for letting me clarify this – it’s admitted not at all obvious!
hugs,
Janice