Classic Parisian/minimalist capsule wardrobe thread.

[Frankiewears]

Thought I would start a thread for anyone who is interested in discussing their essential finds along minimalist/Parisian lines.

Inspired by the Unfancy blog I have donated most of my old wardrobe and am starting from scratch on the ‘less is more’ principle and am concentrating on buying good quality basics and using accessories to update these.

My wardrobe is based around navy, black, grey, taupe, stone and white with plain silver jewellery. Shoes wise I am sticking to tan, navy and black with white trainers for summer.

I have identified the shapes I suit are longline, clean lines and mainly plain colours with a few stripes here and there by way of pattern. The stuff I have found that works for me has come from The White Company and Next. Most of the White Company stuff I have managed to pick up from EBay.

Here are some of my best basics and accessories...

What have been your best finds lately to update stuff?

Other stuff...

I am falling in to this by default, weight changes are reducing my wearable wardrobe size!

I tend to buy the same or extremely similar type of clothing time and time again - at the moment, it's a particular greeny/blue type of top - does anyone have a good way of stopping this?!

I am sorting through our clothes at the moment and found a cardigan I'd completely forgotten about Really need to get a grip on the wardrobe.

Following OP! I've found some COS gems on eBay too. Some of their lines far too boxy. But lovely long cardigans and trousers.

Warning: this thread is likely to contain tunics and leggings because I like them and they suit me 😁👍🏻

Has anyone seen some nice flat tan leather boots that aren’t too fussy and will go with skinnies and rolled up straight leg jeans? Will go to a slightly chunky heel if necessary.

Also how versatile are navy ankle boots really?

Cotswold perhaps the colour and shape really suit you and that is why you keep buying it or are you thinking otherwise?

poddige I love the look of a lot of COS stuff I have seen but have never bought any because I don’t live near a shop and have heard their sizing is all over the place. How have you found the sizing?

Uniqlo is so my ally in my aspiration to minimalism and the Ines collections are very navy-orientated (alas, I can NEVER wear navy because it was my school uniform colour, which is irritating since it's a colour that suits me. I sometimes try to but then can't go through with the purchase.). These are amazing www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-dry-stretch-cropped-trousers-404661.html?dwvar_404661_color=COL09&dwvar_404661_size=INS024&cgid=IDankle-trousers1351 (they'll shorten them for free if you live near a store) and last forever. The ankle ones are also v good. Also...www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-uv-cut-jersey-jacket-404210.html?dwvar_404210_size=SMA001&dwvar_404210_color=COL09&cgid=IDouterwear1632

MNOverinvestor LOVE both of those and navy is my best colour. Never shopped at Uniqlo before- thanks it looks just my sort of thing 🙂

I am also looking for some tan flats that are supportive underfoot
😁

Preferably all leather if possible. If anyone has come across any good ones let me know.

I very much took to heart a post a few years back by @Bonsoir. She said that she had narrowed her shopping down to a few, really good, trusted brands and never wasted time and money any more shopping all over the place – so dresses from Hobbes, trousers from Joseph, shoes from Russell & Bromley, children’s underwear from Petit Bateau etc. Twas inspiring. I try my best to dress that way and it does work - so for example only buy one (maybe two!) new pairs of trousers from Joseph each year, instead of half a dozen pairs from Uniqlo, Topshop, etc, that never quite fit perfectly.

I have now been inspired by this thread to do exactly the same. I have always loved the pared down European style, coupled with good quality bags and shoes. Plus the fact that I am fed up of having so much crap in my wardrobe(s) that I am now having to hang things on the outside....

Enjoying the thread as I've simplified my wardrobe. Bonsoir is a real inspiration. I heard that she's not well so I hope she's okay.

Frankiewears love your dress with the ruched sleeves - where is it from please?

Cotswold strife, I've cracked this one. Read in a book 'when do you ever wear your 4th favourite (insert as appropriate)'.

This stopped my black voice neck top shopping

Where are the shoes and navy dress from in your first post?

Love that Katy It is a colour that suits me and I do wear the tops a lot, but washing 5 similar tops this morning did make me think I need to get a grip on this!

The shoes and dress are both from Next. I am finding them good this Spring for some basics. I have had another delivery today and everything is a keeper which is most unusual as they have been crap for years.

I have replaced my leggings with their jersey denim pull on jeggings which look chicer but are just as comfortable.

Also am also impressed with some tan sandals and a Navy coat I bought. The coat is Spring weight and has a bit of stretch in it so it isn’t restrictive. Will get some pics.

Minesa go for it. It felt soooo good to just have what I actually wanted to wear, that worked together and a clear plan of what was actually needed.

Sandals and coat.

I love the navy Next dress. What is the length like? I'm 5'2 and there isn't a petite option. Thanks

I'm sure these aren't as nice as you are looking for but I just bought them and they are nice on. £17.50 tan Chelsea boots simply be

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/bella-chelsea-boot-wide-e-fit/qx291/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205

pink it is about 2-3 inches above my knee and I am 5”3.

Oh. They are coming up as £25 on that link, I bought them for £17.50 because I needed something to throw on and they are cheap.

Thanks Titania. I love how low cut they are because it works with more stuff. If they were leather they would be perfect 🙂

That's perfect. Thanks frankie.

Could you link instead of the pics?

I love this idea. I am following!