Ideally, this is how my basic wardrobe would look like. The collages cover more or less everything that a basic wardrobe needs, it's just a matter of finding the right garments.
Regarding tops, it is certain that I have a bias towards crew-neck tops. While the V-neck's sharp lines make my flat chest look too mannish, the crew-neck's lines soften it. I favor loose tees with longer sleeves that I can roll up. For the winter season, I love variations of the crew-neck sweater, whether it is chunky or silky. One of my wardrobe staples are the striped tops, which I wear regardless of the trends and seasons. The perfect white and blue shirt is practically impossible to hunt out. Admittedly I have purchased shirts that are nearly perfect, but time after time I've ended up re-selling them due to the imperfections.
These would be absolutely my ideal bottoms. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to find trousers that fit my slender frame (except for skinny jeans). I am constantly dreaming of a pair of tapered or pleated trousers. They are so chic and classy. I don't like garments that are overly feminine, but a pair of tapered trousers would instantly add an androgynous air to all outfits which consist of feminine separates.
The perfect little black dress must be as hard to find as the perfect white shirt.
When it comes to jackets and coats, I like jackets that aren't to fitted at the waist. The jacket is the most important component of an outfit. I'm leaning towards a uniform that consists of a simple top and bottom and an exquisite jacket.
Shoes! I feel that I have better luck in finding the right shoes. I know where I can obtain my ideal shoes. It's just a matter of money. I adore ankle boots with a small heel simply because they are beautiful and walkable. Brogues have been a staple in my wardrobe for years but I surely need to replace my old ones with a pair in the best quality. I think I will go for the ones from Church's. 
The matter of money can also be applied to the accessories. I have covered the bags apart from the clutch. The less, the better!
Thank you for taking the time to write such an incredible post! Even though I have a different body shape than you, I can certainly appreciate the content of this.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that it is such a solid foundation, or even a stand alone capsule wardrobe that can be tweaked ever so slightly to make it work on any frame.
Oh Fleurette, this is just a post I needed, because Thursday I'm heading to Paris. I think making lists with basic items and looking for them is just so much fun. Moreover it's way more interesting and less stressful than hunting down the newest trend.
ReplyDeleteThrough your blog I kinda found my own style. Now I know I love classic items mixed with a little sporty touch and single special items from all over the world.
I'm so looking forward to build my perfect wardrobe!!
Beaucoup d'amour pour toi!
Sophie
What a lovely collection! What's your watch?
ReplyDelete(I'm planning to buy one soon, so I'm more then interested)
Perfekt innlegg! Akkurat min smak og stil. :)
ReplyDeleteL.
Vet du hvor de øverste stripete genserne er fra? Har funnet noen på etsy, men er så redd for at de skal lukte bestemor! haha
ReplyDeleteour ideal basic wardrobes are remarkably similar! (I made this collage a while back on polyvore http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/set.25578503.BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnRrTHBfeWYtM3hHbTdDc2xkUFViYlEAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I just finished reading A Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux and was wondering if you've already read it? If you haven't I think you would very much enjoy it!
Sarah: Thanks for the comment. You should do a similar post too. It's a great visual reminder to the basic wardrobe that you're aiming for!
ReplyDeleteSophie: Oh, you're so lucky! Have fun i Paris, hang out at le progres where you'll probably spot Clemence Poesy. Thank you for the lovely comment, I'm glad you've found your style through my blog - that's such a big compliment! "Now I know I love classic items mixed with a little sporty touch and single special items from all over the world. " - that is very Isabel Marant of you, haha! Hope you've finished Huis Clos by Sartre and enjoy my second home!
Valeria: Merci! I have a watch from "Rutina". When I get older, like 30 years or something.. I'd love a watch from Omega, Cartier or IWC.
L.: Takk!
Sarah: De to øverste stripete genserne er fra A.P.C. Den første kan du ikke få tak i lengre (men A.P.C. lager flotte stripete gensere hver sesong!). Den andre kan du få kjøpt NÅ på net-a-porter og nettbutikken til A.P.C. tror jeg. Jeg vil ha den selv!
mmr: Wow, you have great taste, haha! (I'm following you on polyvore by the way, love your sets!). I haven't ordered the book yet but I will. Thank you for reminding me :)
Great post! I love your blog so much. You don't know how inspiring you are. I wonder who made the ankle boots to the left? TIA!
ReplyDeleteI love how your style is so well thought out, I bet there are some wonderful combinations here. I'm not sure if I could define my style in this way, as I often chop and change but nonetheless this is a great idea for a post to help with future shopping expeditions. Where are the checked trousers from?
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty much my perfect basic wardrobe as well, except for some reason I don't feel right in trousers or button down shirts which is really annoying as I love them on other people..
ReplyDeletefor the shirt there was a really nice silk one by equipment on net a porter a while ago
You have such great taste. This wardrobe is perfection and you can make dozens out outfits from everything here.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the oxblood/burgundy scarf. I've been looking to add an accent piece in this color.
The trousers are an inspiration. I constantly search to no avail. I can't find trousers that fit because I too am slender, average height but with long legs. At this point I almost wear all skirts, dresses or black skinny jeans because pants are impossible.
PS- Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux is a treasure!!!
this is a lovely post. the items are all wonderful as separate pieces, but when they're put together, they unite into something subtle, and you don't need to buy 10000 accessories each season.
ReplyDeletefashion trends are a phase, but style is subtle
A very chic collection. Isn't it odd that the simplest things are also the hardest to find? The classic basics make up the core of my wardrobe, and my entire work wardrobe. I can grab blind in the morning and have a put together look. That black boucle jacket is divine. In my dreams the perfect (pre-owned) Chanel boucle will find me. lol! Or if I could find well made one, many I see are acrylic, which is a no-go. I had a F21 version years ago, but it would unravel more each time I wore it so I let it go. I admire the chunky pull overs but cardigans are more practical for me. The burgundy scarf is beautiful, the little frays really add to it.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, let me tell you how grateful I am for your blog. In only a few entries, articles, and even pictures, you've convinced me to change my thoughts about consumerism and about how I should buy my clothes. Your blog is an everyday inspiration for me!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love this list. I wouldn't say EVERYTHING would be included in my list of basics (I am sure you will agree, after all, that we have to find our own personal style) but it did help me in my making my own.
Looking forward to your next posts!
Thank you for the kind comments :)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: Repetto
Kb: These are the separates that I use when I play with polyvore. Personally, I could live off this basic wardrobe. There are 100 of great combinations that I can make with only these garments. You can see them here if you'd like to: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=78959 .. I don't know where the checked trousers are from :(
Alex: The white shirt in the collage is the one from Equipment on NAP. It's almost perfect, maybe a bit too sheer for my taste.. my problem is that I want to try on such garments before I purchase them online, because I've made many online purchase mistakes :p
Lindsay: Merci, you have great taste too! :) Regarding items in burgundy, Isabel Marant usually make lovely items in this color.
muus: I totally agree with you. I'm so glad that i'm no longer being influenced by fleeting fashion trends. It's such a relief!
Pret a porter p: Yes, the simplest things are absolutely the hardest to find, unfortunately :( If I look for a white shirt in high street stores, they are always ornamented in a strange way. I too dress blindly - that's the advantages of having a perfect wardrobe. Thanks to Marant, she brought back those classic tweed jackets in a modern, bobo-chic way!
Christine: Thank you very much, you're just too kind. Yes, we have different style, taste and needs. There are many things that I haven't included in my collages, garments that are considered a classic, must-have basic and so on, by every fashion dictator.. such as the trenchcoat. Why? Because the trenchcoat is not part of my basic wardrobe, but maybe it is in yours..
Again, thanks for the comments. It's nice to be able to discuss superficial things at times, especially because i've been discussing ethics all day long.
Ah, this is perfect! While my style is slightly different, i'm doing something similar by giving away of the pieces in my wardrobe that i'm not completely in love with. i do want all those shirts/sweaters you posted, though! haha you have excellent taste
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I love how androgynous/menswear inspired all your wardrobe basics are. I am intrigued by your selection of trousers in particular ... the trouser rolled to ankle length + button down shirt + sweater + loafer or brogue is a particular favorite of mine yet it is so hard to pull off. I admire how focused your style is ... I've been trying to create a collage such as this to post but have been struggling finding the right pieces. It's difficult since my style tends to rotate between a few styles (not polar opposites or anything), so it's tricky to find the right pieces to really glue everything together.
ReplyDeleteYES to everything! I just ordered a beautiful pair of Etienne Aigner black loafers, you definitely inspired me :n )
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great selection.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm doing pretty well on the shoes and the tops department, really thinking about getting the pieces that almost go with everything.
The tough part is finding the right outerwear. The ideal coat is probably out there,but it cost me much more time and effort to find it.
I even think that 2 coats (one being elegant and dressy, the other one being a bit more casual like a nice parka) are actually needed to build up the perfect fall/winter wardrobe.
I need to spend a bit more time on finding the right coat now that the sales season is coming up...
Your trouser selection is awesome. They make me want to go shopping for trousers right now, although I'm actually quite happy with my collection.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was saving for those Ferragamo pumps until I tried them in the shop and they're just a touch too narrow for my broad feet, so that's a dream crushed - style-wise it's the perfect low hell for non-heel wearers like who need to smarten up sometime.I hope you find that they fit you!
i think it's really hard to find the "perfect" anything because true perfection never exists. it's all subjective. i tend to settle for "almost-perfect" when i try to shop for basics, though finding the perfect white shirt would be a dream come true.....lol
ReplyDeleteWow, et slikt innlegg håpet jeg ville komme! Vi har slående lik oppfatning. En slik garderobe kan jobbes med i en uendelighet, hvertfall for meg, som er så kresen, haha.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, it reminds me of the things I still have to buy! I have the same problem as you with the shirts. It is so hard to find a good t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for tagging me to do a post about what is inside my bag. I really like the idea! Very inspiring!
I especially like the shirts and the jackets.
ReplyDeleteI could use the grey sweater in the first row as I find it very difficult to dress elegant and stay warm at the same time. It's just so cold in Germany right now.
Btw I love your blog, I think it's really special and when I see a new post on it I get this feeling of calmness and tidiness, I don't think I can really describe it.
I just wish I could look as spotless as you
I adore the accessories.
ReplyDeleteKan du ikke væææærsåsnill skrive opp hvor tingene kommer fra? det er jo en perfekt guide, men uten noen ledetråder! :)
ReplyDeleteDet tok sin tid, men nå har jeg da endelig fått tatt tag'en din ;)
ReplyDeleteJeg bestilte den sorte Isabel Marant boucle jakken med skinndetaljer, den som du har i midten paa jakkecollagen.. Men saa passer den ikke. Saa irriterende! Den er perfekt ellers.
ReplyDeleteI actually got the Acne pistol boots after giving up on finding the Isabel Marant ones. They are great; easy to walk in and look better with wear. The only issue is that sometimes the zippers will come unzipped,
ReplyDeleteThe bottom row of basic tees is perfect.
You've definitely inspired my style, as well. I was already tending toward the button-down and narrow-pants aesthetic when I found this blog, but you make it even more appealing.
ReplyDeleteI just have too much flighty weirdness to truly hold to a wardrobe... Some days I just get sick of my favorites and need to wear something weird and bright-colored (and my coworkers get sick of me wearing the same thing over and over, too). AND the more quality things I have access to tend to fit horribly. I'm short, skinny, and my legs are overall short but my thighbones seem longer than normal, somehow. I end up finding desperately cheap clothes that fit very very well and look lovely, but fall apart almost immediately.
This is why I'm going to start sewing some of my own clothes. The perfect white shirt will be mine! Have you considered tailoring for things that aren't quite perfect?
I just bought the perfect pair of tapered cropped pants yesterday! Am wearing them now. Yes, they add that masculine edge beautifully. Like you, finding the perfect pants for my slender frame is difficult. I hate how I look in light coloured pants; I own mostly black pants and blue jeans in darker wash. I tend towards skinny cut as well...have donated most of my flared ones.
ReplyDeleteFerragamo shoes are not all comfortable; I have 2 that still gives me some discomfort when I wear them. But the one you like (my dream as well!), the Vara, felt better than the ones I bought. But it is never on sale, perhaps because it's their best seller.
I haven't tried the brogues from Church's but I got a pair from Miu Miu two years ago and they are perfect - such soft leather. I wear them constantly.
ReplyDeleteFlott utvalg av klær. Jeg må si du virkelig har åpnet øynene mine for A.P.C. Fantastiske stripegensere! Veldig inspirerende.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely response!
ReplyDeletelin: Oh no, I feel sorry for you! I hope they will not crush my dream too.
Fashion Tidbits: I have actually found the PERFECT SHIRT. It was last year from Zara. 100% silk. But it was sold out everywhere. I searched in all the Zara stores in Norway, Paris and Lisbon, but I didn't find it apart from the second best/almost perfect, which I only wore once and re-sold. And yeah, it's subjective - I search for things that are perfect by MY standards. Things that I find really perfect may not be perfect in your eyes or anyone's eyes. Doesn't bother me though, it's my opinion that matters.
Anonymous: Ok. Fra venstre og bortover:
Overdeler: A.P.C. x 2, Rag and Bone, Lou, Equipment, Boy band of outsiders, Rag and bone, The Row, T by Alexander Wang, The Row, Vanessa Bruno, The Row.
Underdeler: Ukjent, Thakoon, Ukjent, Current/Elliott, Cheap Monday, Elizabeth and James, Helmut Lang, Joseph
Kjole: Giambattista Valli
Jakker: J. Crew, Isabel Marant, Joseph, Isabel Marant, Balmain, Comme des Garçons
Sko: Jimmy Choo, Acne, Chloe, Isabel Marant, usikker men tror det er Martin Margiela, Repetto, Salvatore Ferragamo, Margaret Howell
Tilbehør: Hermes, Saskia Dias, Denis Colomb, Cartier, Faliero Sarti, Balenciaga, Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton
Seraph: Yes I have. I just have to find a good seamstress here that doesn't cost a fortune and understands my taste, haha. Once I got a leather jacket tailored. I asked for a leather jacket with many zippers because of the rock'n'roll look, but the tailor made one without any zippers because he had his reasons. I thought they were supposed to listen to their customers. I've never ever had anything tailored ever since.
Jemm: Oh no, I hope the Varas are not too uncomfortable. Do you know if it depends on the leather type? I think I will go for the normal ones, not the patent leather flats.
So great to have an end of year evaluation. My basics are pretty similar (including only one skirt - like yours, a black mini) and I'm usually a strict buyer of quality basics - but that holiday feeling and early sales mean I've splurged on a few fun coloured items - a red rubber Timex retro digital watch and an APC check skirt. I'm loving them right now but I have no idea whether they'll stay in my wardrobe or remain a holiday blip.
ReplyDeleteall these items look so comfy and stylish too
ReplyDeleteI need to reference this when I'm out shopping this weekend. Well technically I'm supposed to be buying Xmas presents for other people, but inevitably I end up browsing for myself, lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tag, will work on my "what's in my bag" post soon, hopefully this weekend - been a bit crazy with the holiday coming up!
Hi, yes, definitely go for the normal leather Ferragamo. Mine is special type of leather...I don't know what it's called. It resembled a bit of snakeskin, with circular pattern. The other one is patent...not good! Still working out blisters everytime I wear them. I so wanted the normal leather Vara, but that will have to wait. It felt more buttery soft compared to the other design and the heels were solid. Do invest in this classic!
ReplyDeletebadaude: Oh, this is not and end of year evaluation though I should do one! Thanks for reminding me! APC is always timeless, do not worry! But if you regret those purchases sooner or later, those items are easy to re-sell on ebay!
ReplyDeletekoko: Wow, what an honor!! :D
Jenn: Thank you for the reply. You've totally convinced me to go for the normal leather ones. I think the patent leather version is also great but sometimes i need to choose practicability!
this is a brilliant post. i've been thinking along very much the same lines about how to curate and edit my wardrobe for the past year and a half, and am close to having a well-edited, pare down closet. and i love that those ferragamo varas made it into your basics shoe list. i have a few vintage pairs and they're great! :) so here's some thanks to you for the inspiration, from a new follower! xo miss sophie
ReplyDeletehttp://lesantimodernes.blogspot.com/
What brand is the grey loose jacket in the left bottom? I've been looking for a loose cocoon shaped (but not egg shaped) coat for a while now.
ReplyDeleteAre the ballet heels with the bow in the shoe collage Prada? They are absolutely perfect and I need to find them now.
ReplyDeleteLooks very much like the wardrobe I am trying to build now. Except I also have a small collection of feminine skirts building up as well. I'm very much drawn to the Oxford academic/girly look. Is there such thing?
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the comments!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: Ben coat from Isabel Marant Etoile.
Michelle: No, they're from Salvatore Ferragamo. PERFECT, indeed!
Where can you purchase the watch? I saw that you said it the brand was rutina, but I cannot find the store anywhere online!
ReplyDeleteI just looove your blog! You are the only fashion blog that i follow because you are different and not pretentious!
ReplyDeleteYour style is simple and chic! BRAVO!
You say that you often re-sell your clothes when you find their imperfections, i think i should do the same instead of giving them away to charity and make money to get more designers clothes!
Can you give me any tips, is there some websites better then others, things to avoid..?
Lou.
Anonymous: I think it's only available in Scandinavia, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteLou: Thank you, you're far too kind! I've been selling my clothes on various norwegian forums/message boards + I tended to sell some of the stuff on shoesandyourmom.blogspot.com.
I really like your style. it's like minimal-tomboy with a hint of femininity. I absolutely love it.
ReplyDelete