After a year of flashy outfits, endless travel, and a go-go-go mentality, I’ve decided to take it easy in 2023. And for me, that means taking a break from my endless supply of statement pieces and starting the year with a capsule wardrobe that will help me resolve my extremely overstuffed closet space. Now, who might be the perfect group to look to for capsule wardrobe inspiration? The answer is, of course, French girls.
No one serves effortless style inspiration better. I decided to spend a few hours this morning scrolling through my favorite Parisian and French women’s Instagram feeds to find out what items I should include in my capsule closet. The answers just might surprise you. Below, find the 17 things I’m convinced I need to complete that capsule wardrobe of mine.
1. Tailored Wool Coat
A forever favorite for the Parisian, a tailored wool coat is an item you simply can't skip. Bonus points if you buy it in navy.
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2. Shearling Jacket
Parisians follow trends too, especially when they're as cozy as shearling. Layer up in this transitional outerwear piece.
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3. Tailored Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts are all over the runways, and Parisians have already been wearing them. The tailored styles have my heart.
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4. Denim Maxi Skirt
Speaking of maxi skirts, if you're into this trend, you have to try it the denim iteration. It's such a polished upgrade to blue jeans.
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5. White Button-Down Shirt
Another item that's a shoo-in for a capsule wardrobe is a white button-down. If anyone knows how to style them, it's French girls.
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6. Vacation-Ready Hats
When French girls go on vacation, they do it right. I've seen so many of them on trips with a wide-brim hat in Jane Birkin fashion.
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7. Retro Sneakers
There was a time when French girls laughed at Americans who traveled to France wearing sneakers, but now they're just like us, but the French prefer styles that are retro and polished.
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8. Knit Vests
French girls have not moved on from knit vests, and neither have I. As spring inches closer and closer, it is the perfect piece to layer with.
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9. Sheer Tights
I can't move forward with this story without mentioning the staple item that's been all over the runways lately. Show off as much leg as possible in sheer tights.
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10. Cardigan
This entire outfit is giving the vibe that I'm after this year. Layered, simple, and chic. A cardigan is a must in your capsule wardrobe.
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11. Slip Dress
From the office to dinner, French girls always can rely on a slip dress. This is the purchase that you'll make that will just keep on giving.
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12. Leather Jacket
Parisians and New Yorkers have one thing in common—we love a leather jacket. That won't be changing any time so join us in the hype.
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13. Ribbed Halter Tank
Bonus points if you layer a crew-neck sweater over it and let the halter pop out a little bit, similar to the Bottega Veneta runway styling.
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14. Wide-Leg Pants
The power of a good pair of wide-leg pants is unmatched. No matter what you wear on top, you'll still look chic (yes, even if you pair them with a sweatshirt).
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15. Geometric Prints
French women are very picky when it comes to making a statement. However, in my research for this story, I found so many of them playing around with geometric prints. That means the trend will be here to stay.
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16. Blazers
How could you scroll this far without me mentioning a blazer? My bad. You can't give French-girl vibes without having at least three of them in your closet.
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17. Gold-Hardware Loafers
Nothing feels more luxe to me than a pair of loafers with gold detailing. If you are wearing gold jewelry, it pulls the look together from head to toe.
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