How to Romanticize Crafting Your Capsule Wardrobe Like a French ‘It Girl’

French “it girls” like Jeanne Damas epitomize the effortlessly chic style we all lust over. They find beauty in simplicity. They throw on a blazer, blouse, Levis 501 and a red lip for that famous “je ne sais quoi” look. Many cool and classy French girls have a time-tested approach to achieve this: a capsule wardrobe. All you need to dress like a modern-day Jane Birkin is collect high-quality, timeless pieces. Curate your clothing like art, choosing only items that really speak to you.

Here are some French girl-approved tips for building a capsule wardrobe that will even convince a Parisian that you grew up in the fourth arrondissement.

Denim

Vintage Levis 501 are the quintessential French girl jeans. They are the perfect balance of skinny and relaxed with a slight flare at the ankle. Thick and durable, their quality makes them lifetime jeans. These jeans are as rare as they are flattering, so opt for stores like online French vintage shop Imparfaite to avoid the bell-bottom blues.

Textures

When organizing your new wardrobe, treat your closet like an exhibition. To create artful outfits, choose diverse elements that reflect your personal flair. An easy approach to elevate your look is to experiment with textures. When you’re looking to switch out your trusty cable-knit sweater, hunt for luxurious fabrics, like cashmere, at vintage stores. For your day-to-day strolls, basic cotton T-shirts are an essential staple. For a chic nighttime rendezvous, invest in a sleek silk blouse. While he may not actually be French, Tan France’s masterclass offers a straightforward guide to mastering the art of layering textures.

Juxtaposition

As Youtuber Ashley "Bestdressed" always says, juxtaposition is essential. Embody your inner Camille Charriere and pair masculine and feminine elements in your daily outfits. A classic outfit is a black slip dress with a men’s blazer thrown on top. These items can often be thrifted by checking out the women’s lingerie or sleepwear section and the men's outerwear aisle at your local Goodwill. Shimmy into your silken slip, buy some Trader Joe's baguette and brie, and you’ll feel like you’re strolling down Le Champs-Élysées.

Accessories

Coco Chanel famously said, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” If you want to lean into that French simplicity when accessorizing, emulate the ‘60s all-black Beatnik style, sans the cigarette. For a natural but cheeky look, go for the iconic smudgy, bitten, red French lip with Rouje’s Lip Palette les 4 Rouje cream. Can’t choose just one pièce de résistance to elevate your outfit? Experiment with colorful French tips, editorial eyeliner, deep red lipsticks (Chanel Rouge Coco shade 494 Attraction is great for an almond skin tone like mine), chunky gemstone rings, simple gold hoops and an artsy phone case.

Splurge pieces

A common misconception of a capsule wardrobe is that your wardrobe is static. In reality, it allows you even greater freedom to transform your closet. With a capsule wardrobe, you are more limited by the number of items you can buy because you are choosing more personal and high-quality pieces. However, each season you get to update your closet with a few splurge pieces. Maybe you became obsessed with Kat’s OMIGHTY skirt in season two of “Euphoria.” Or you’re looking to invest in a pair of classic leather boots. Whatever it may be, it will be worth the wait — it’s a more meaningful and thoughtful purchase that you will genuinely look forward to styling.

The sophisticated, elegant French girl aesthetic is so alluring because it reflects the authentic, individual style of our favorite “it girls.” Your unique fashion sense will always be timeless. Designing a capsule wardrobe is about building a foundation of staple items and then handpicking pieces that embody your distinct, striking style. So, romanticize it — create a capsule wardrobe as if you were the costume designer of your own biopic. Regardless of whether you end up in Paris or elsewhere, it’s time to embark on your “it girl” odyssey.

Strike Out,

Writer: Naina Chauhan

Editor: Hannah Shelton

Graphics: Chloe Girod

Gainesville