Category / Wardrobe

If you’re a fairly new reader, you probably don’t know that I have been planning my purchases according to the 5 piece French wardrobe for many years now (I wrote about it here when I just started blogging). It has proven to be an excellent way of keeping my spending habits under control and to be honest, I even enjoy the process of carefully selecting new additions to my wardrobe. But I have to admit, I’m not looking forward to writing this years 5 piece French wardrobe overview post because the list of purchases seems never-ending. However, the best remedy to overspending and mindless consumption is to come clean and be honest (which seems a rare thing on blogs nowadays. It’s mostly about presenting a perfect image). So here goes.

Main goal of 2016

Since 2010/2011 I have been building my wardrobe according to this principle. I was finally able to splurge on the occasional designer item when I kept my spending habits in check. The excitement of that one Acne Studios cardigan that I bought on sale was much more fulfilling than those three bags of H&M goodies that I used to come home with. As the years passed, I was buying less and less and finally my main goal for 2016 was to limit my purchases to ten pieces including basics and replacements. But unfortunately 2016 came with a few struggles…

5 piece French wardrobe struggles

The main reason I struggled with the 5PFW was my weight loss. For years I knew I was slightly overweight but it wasn’t until May that I actively started to work on it. I dropped three pants sizes and didn’t have much choice but to spend money on new clothes. The process of losing weight also meant I didn’t want to invest a lot of money on things I needed because chances were they weren’t going to fit me in the long run. So instead of following my resolution to only buy into slow fashion, I ended up at Zara etc. I also felt happy with my progress and I guess buying things felt like a new start. I’m not proud of it but this way I was able to bridge the gap between my old situation and the new in an affordable way and quickly build a (temporary) wardrobe.

The first six months

The first six months started off pretty well as usual. In January I bought two items on sale that I had my eyes on for quite a while; a black A.P.C. wool scarf and a pair of black leather chelsea boots. Both are currently on rotation again now that it’s winter. The Stan Smith sneakers are a variation on the ones that I usually wear. To be honest, I go through them at the same pace Taylor Swift goes through men but what can I say, they’re super comfortable. The &Other Stories silk blouse is a replacement because I had an accident with the previous one (a large fat stain that was sadly impossible to remove). This is one of my go-to options whenever I don’t have time to iron.

The camisole and linen trousers are the result of my summer wardrobe planning post. I still wear the former underneath sweaters and blouses but the trousers won’t come out until summer (will need to get those altered). The Isabel Marant trench coat is safely hanging in my closet as a backup for my current one. I don’t usually buy the same thing twice but it seemed like a smart move when I found it on Vestiaire Collective in mint condition because it’s from the 2010 collection and I have yet to come across another trench coat that fits me so well.

The last six months

Now onto the second half of last year. At this point I was in desperate need of new, well-fitting clothes. Hence the numerous pairs of trousers and tops.  A rain coat was on my list for quite a while but it’s one of those things you never get around to actually buy. But apparantly these were pretty trendy last year and I managed to find one that doesn’t make me look like a grandma. It immediately proved itself useful when I visited the Lowlands festival the day after I purchased it.

Two things that are quite out of the ordinary for me are the star printed body and jumpsuit. Both were bought for special occasions; the body for Christmas and the jumpsuit for my wedding. Yes, you read that right. I got married in August and I could’t see myself getting married in a dress. So I opted for a chic black jumpsuit instead. And last but not least, the Isabel Marant Deyissa boots. I was already looking into the Deyis boots last year but I couldn’t get over the brown heel. So when they released an all black pair, I decided to go for it. My shoe size sells out pretty quick and I didn’t want to take the risk of them selling out. To compensate for the number of shoes bought, I plan to sell some older pairs that I no longer wear but are still in good condition.

Final thoughts on the 5 piece French wardrobe

I will continue the 5 piece French wardrobe approach when it comes to shopping and wardrobe building, albeit a lot more strict than last year. I would still like to lose some extra pounds but that most likely won’t influence my current wardrobe. In fact, my wardrobe has even grown a bit as I’m able to fit some older things that I held onto like an Isabel Marant jacket that I bought on Ebay a few years ago. I’m pleased to see my style has remained cohesive over the years. I’m able to easily mix newly acquired items with older things that I haven’t worn for a long time. Although the things that I bought last year pretty much function as a wardrobe on its own. So I’m looking to sell quite a few things that have either become too large or are no longer pieces of interest.

Now that I feel happier in my skin, I do feel like experimenting a little more. Nothing too crazy but looking back on the last two to three years I do notice a pattern of wanting to dress safe and boring, mainly to go unnoticed. So in conclusion, I didn’t do so well regarding the 5 piece French wardrobe but mentally and physically I’m doing great. Therefore I’m not going to be too hard on myself (which is quite surprising coming from me, haha) and will just look forward to another year of wardrobe planning. I hope you guys will stick with me throughout the process.