Wardrobe Essentials: Less is Way, Way More (Unlike Emily in Paris)
Let’s address the elephant in the French room: the bright, loud, dizzying wardrobe of Emily in Paris is a delicious fantasy, but it’s completely disconnected from reality.
The true French approach to clothing—the kind I see modeled every day here in Normandy—is dictated by the slow living mantra: quality, utility, and effortlessness.
I used to have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. I’ve learned that having less requires more intentionality, but it delivers massive returns in peace and reduced decision fatigue.
The French Girl Wardrobe Secret: The Rule of Five
If you want to achieve that timeless French style, you don’t need a capsule collection; you need a rulebook. I learned to focus on five core wardrobe essentials that carry me through every season.
| Essential Piece | Why It Works | My Normandy Truth |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Quality Knit (A Maille) | A classic, simple cashmere or wool sweater in a neutral color (navy, cream, camel). It elevates jeans and keeps you warm in damp, chilly stone houses. | The Lesson: I invested in three high-quality knits, and they have lasted longer than twenty cheap, trendy sweaters. |
| 2. The Perfect Straight-Leg Jean | Not skinny, not ripped, not baggy. A classic, dark wash or ecru denim that is the backbone of every outfit. It allows the top piece (the knit or shirt) to shine. | The Lesson: They wear out eventually, but the cost-per-wear is next to nothing. Find a pair you love and buy a backup. |
| 3. The Versatile Trench/Coat | A mid-length trench in beige or a tailored wool coat. It instantly adds structure and polish to any outfit, even if you’re wearing the same base pieces as yesterday. | The Lesson: In Normandy, the trench is utilitarian. It’s for rain, wind, and layering. Utility is chic. |
| 4. Simple, Leather Flats/Loafers | Durable, comfortable, and classic. The French walk everywhere, even in Paris. A woman in six-inch heels is a tourist, not a local. | The Lesson: My feet stopped hurting, and I can actually walk a kilometer to the boulangerie looking chic. |
| 5. The White Cotton Shirt | A perfectly cut, crisp white button-down. It works under a sweater, tucked into jeans, or tied over a bathing suit. It is the ultimate canvas. | The Lesson: Buy two. You’ll wear them until they fall apart. |
Fun Fact: They Never Wear Athleisure (Unless they are exercising)
One thing you rarely see here is athleisure worn as everyday clothing. Yoga pants are for yoga. Running shoes are for running. The clothes you wear are chosen with intention, not convenience. This may seem small, but it changes your mindset. When you dress with intention, you move through the world with intention. It’s a key part of the slow living philosophy.
What is one trendy piece in your closet you can donate to make room for a timeless essential?
Until Next time
Christina
