We’re 3 months into the year, wow! And I’ve just now finally come up with a plan for my wardrobe – better late than never, right? If you missed it, in 2020 I attempted a low buy year, which I’d say ended quite successfully. After having 2020 as a way to reflect and commit to a more intentional wardrobe, this year I’m allowing more flexibility. I plan to focus on just being conscious of my additions – mainly wardrobe essentials – while tackling a wishlist.
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Wearing All Essentials from My Closet – Outfit Details:
- Kotn Essential Crew
- Denim Forum Arlo High Rise Straight
- L’intervalle Bolt Black Leather Boots (no longer available, see here for more options)
- Line & Dot black trench coat (5+ years old)
- Gucci Marmont Leather Mini Chain Bag
- Cuchara Dionne necklace (no longer available, but check out the current collection from this female + POC + Canadian-owned jeweler)
A New & Improved Wardrobe Approach
I’ve touched on the 5-Piece French Wardrobe in a previous post as I was immediately drawn to its concept. Applying it has given me a lot more direction in how I want to grow my wardrobe. Year over year, I tend to focus on my wants, rather than first placing priority on my needs. And I’ve come to realize what my wardrobe is missing is a good foundation made up of wardrobe essentials. Items that can normally form the base of any timeless outfit in almost any season, and all items I’ve been missing from my wardrobe for far too long!
As a quick recap, the 5-Piece French Wardrobe is the French version of a capsule wardrobe. A strong wardrobe foundation is first identified through building a collection of essential quality basics. Then, no more than 5 statement/investment pieces (this excludes basics) can be added each season. I feel this can all be done simultaneously throughout the years since what each person defines as a basic may evolve, or may require replacing overtime. The goal is to find items that fit properly and will be worn year after year.
It’s a practical way to approach my wardrobe since I’ll continue to add fun pieces, while maintaining an overall goal of adding with intention. 20 investment/statement pieces each year seems doable, in my opinion! Later on once I’ve arrived at closet contentment, I may dwindle it down to 10 pieces per year (5 for the A/W season and 5 for the S/S season).
Wardrobe Essentials Wishlist
So with all that being said, I thought it’d be useful to share my current wardrobe essentials wishlist. It’s what I’m placing more of my focus on when looking to buy, as well as what I’ll turn to when my ongoing shopping temptations almost get the better of me. No more feelings of I have nothing to wear – just easy, no-fuss pieces I’d gladly reach for again and again. Perhaps you’ll find this useful to refer back to while building your own functional wardrobe!
Keep in mind what works for me and what I’ve identified as an essential may be different from your preferences – and that’s okay! We all have different lifestyles so it’s important to only look for what feels right for you.
Initial items on this list include t-shirts, tank tops, and camisoles. These are the very basics I believe everyone should have in their closet. All other items are essentials I think I’ll rewear over and over, season after season. Some specific items on my list are variations of items I already own and love. I’ve learned that if an item works well for me, why stray away from it?
Crewneck T-Shirts
Crewneck t-shirts are a must-have in any wardrobe. I wear my white t-shirts religiously, and am now looking to add a black one, and perhaps a few more in neutral colours (grey/tan) in the coming years. I’d also categorize long sleeve tees here, which are also some of my most worn pieces. Some of my personal favourite crewneck tees are from Frank and Oak – I have them in white and black.
V-neck T-Shirts
Like crewneck tees, v-neck tees are also a must-have, more so for variety and to provide a different look. One main thing I look for is a flattering v-shape that doesn’t sit too low. I love my Encircled Fair V-Neck Tee and I have it in both white and black.
Tank Tops and Camisoles
Like I mentioned above, these are the essentials that every closet should have since they are the basic of all basics. Tank tops and camisoles can be worn alone or as a layering piece. And thus, will probably be some of the most worn items in my closet. Of course I’ll be adding these items consciously – I just recently added one black and one white high neck tank top from Kotn and they have already proven to be absolute staples!
Cotton Button-Up Shirts
Believe it or not, I don’t own a white button-up shirt. And to many, this is an absolute essential for year-round wear. A classy way to spruce up an outfit with one simple piece. I also plan to look for a blue one for spring/summer. A few white button-up shirts I’m eyeing include the San Ramon from LEZÉ The Label and The Tailor from Power of My People.
Silk Button-Up Shirts
Silk is a luxurious fabric that appears to work well for almost all seasons. It’s known to be breathable and regulates temperature. Though not at the top of my list due to its price point, I plan to add a few neutral coloured silk button-up shirts in the coming years. Harly Jae has some beautiful raw silk pieces. Numi has also just recently come out with a sustainable, fuss-free silk collection.
Light Knit Sweaters
I have quite a few thick, oversized sweaters meant strictly for cold weather. Whereas lightweight knit sweaters can be worn on its own on warmer days, or under layers when it cools down. I’m partial to ones made of natural fibres, like cashmere and cotton in neutral colours (black/white/grey). I finally added the Cashmere Crew from Everlane in Camel and can attest to its comfort. Feel free to leave me a comment on some of your favourites!
Cardigans
Basic cardigans are some of the most versatile pieces in my closet since they work for year-round wear. I’m very happy with my current collection and I wear one almost on the daily. See my latest cardigan purchases styled 3 ways here and here.
Black Oversized Blazer
I’ve had a lot of blazers over the years that either didn’t fit me properly (too small/tight) or didn’t stand the test of time. I’m approaching this wishlist item slowly in order to find the perfect oversized fit for my petite frame.
Trench Coats
You’ve all likely seen or heard about the iconic Burberry Trench Coat. It’s popular for a reason, with its classic + timeless silhouette. I finally scored a classic camel trench coat that I absolutely love. You can see it in action as a fall wardrobe essential I’m most excited to wear. Unfortunately this one is no longer available, but I also adore the look of an oversized version like this one from Mango or this one from Everlane.
Wool Coats
I touched on this in my Winter Wardrobe post from last week – my plans to add one black and one camel coat to my wardrobe. Though I initially included this under my “winter wardrobe wishlist”, I do consider these items essentials to wear in the Fall/Winter months year over year. I don’t see a rush in purchasing these any time soon as I plan to research the perfect investment pieces.
Midi Wrap Dress & Slip Dress
I’m not a huge dress girl, so my closet is definitely lacking a few essentials. A midi wrap dress is on my radar. Since I’m not a big dress person, once I find the perfect wrap dress, I’ll consider all other ones I buy as a part of my 5 statement pieces. I already have a black cowlneck midi slip dress, but would love a basic slip dress in navy or another neutral colour.
Shorts in Denim & Linen
Bottoms that are perfect for summer! I don’t own too many pairs since our summers are quite short, and I have yet to find the perfect pair of comfortable denim shorts. I purchased my first pair of linen pants last summer and I absolutely love them! So this summer I’m looking to get a pair of linen shorts.
High-Waisted Tailored Trousers
For so many years I’ve always attributed trousers as a corporate-office-work type of pant. But I love how others have styled trousers as a form of casual wear as well. It’s also a great way to elevate a look, or to look put-together in an effortless way. I just recently added a black pair and love how they look after a bit of tailoring.
Straight Leg Jeans
The French are huge advocates for straight leg jeans, and so am I! Aside from t-shirts, jeans are hands down the most worn items in my closet. I already have a few pairs in my wardrobe that I love, and currently don’t plan to add more anytime soon. If I do, I would love a pair from Agolde (I’ve been browsing Poshmark for a pair for fun!). Otherwise I’ll turn to Denim Forum from Aritzia (the brand uses sustainable practices and organic cotton). I also love my Levi’s wedgie jeans and this light-toned version is so perfect for spring.
Ankle Boots (Black/Brown)
Ankle boots are some of my favourite kind of shoes to wear. I find they elevate any outfit. This past winter I added two pairs of black + one pair of nude boots, all from L’intervalle (a new-to-me sustainable brand based out of Montreal). Over the coming years I plan to add a pair of brown heeled boots and a pair of black chunky chelsea-style boots.
Mules
The French prefer a pair of flats for warmer weather days, but my preference will always be a pair of mules – personally I don’t like when my feet are completely closed off unless I have socks on. I have a pair of cream coloured mules, and would love a pair in black. I’m currently eyeing these ones from Poppy Barley.
Gold Jewelry
I’ve left out a lot of accessories from my wardrobe essentials list since my focus is on clothing items. One thing I find to be timeless is gold jewelry, and I’m slowly curating a collection that I hope will last a lifetime. I’m focusing on minimal 14k gold pieces for every day wear (I love my baby box chain bracelet from Mejuri) and plan to work my way up to statement pieces overtime.
A few items may change over the years, but this is where I’m at right now with my wardrobe essentials wishlist. I plan to tackle it slowly in a very intentional approach. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! Feel free to let me know – what’s one thing you’d consider a wardrobe essential? Or, what’s a statement piece you plan to buy once you’ve curated a good wardrobe foundation?