The Ultimate Contrast: The French versus American Approach to Fashion
I can recall everything about that moment - the smell, the way the light was shining through the window, the glimmer of the treasure chest in front of me, and my grandmother standing beside me speaking of the memories that belonged to each of the magical pieces in her closet. There was, and still is, something special about those pieces of clothing and the accessories that have experienced life and hold a strong allure; something that a brand new item will never evoke. As a little girl, I cherished these moments and the honor of inheriting one of these pieces that I might wear myself one day. Because they held personal meaning and would make me feel special, no matter my age.
And, over time, I was very fortunate to add some of those gems to my own closet. My grandmother gifted me a vintage gold buckle ring from the 70s that my grandfather bought her while dating. And my other grandmother has passed down countless vintage jewelry to me, including a pair of victorian crystal pins that made an appearance on my wedding day. I also still have a tiny gold ballet slipper charm that my mom gave to me when I started taking dance classes in second grade. These are the timeless items you want to both inherit and acquire, perhaps in the hope of sharing them with someone else down the road.
While French and American women may have such childhood memories in common, I’ve learned there are some pretty significant differences between us when it comes to the way we build our closets as adults.
In keeping with the American mantra that more is more, you usually see American women acquiring new pieces on a regular basis that speak to the latest trends and ‘it items’ of the season. And American women tend to love fast fashion as a means to snag those trends at the lowest prices. But, too often, these are the exact pieces that end up being discarded from our closets within a short amount of time, if ever worn at all. In stark contrast, French ladies do not buy either luxury or mainstream items on a regular basis. Instead, they choose to splurge and build a smaller, curated collection of items in timeless shapes and colors. And they know how to strike a balance between the items they inherit or purchase as vintage, with modern fashion pieces that will easily complement them.
There is a lot we can learn from our French counterparts when it comes ensuring the items we collect not only make it into our closet, but also into the regular rotation of the things we love to wear.
Here are a few tips I keep in mind when adding to my wardrobe:
Choose items that hold their value over time. This is especially true if you are someone who likes to switch things up more frequently. If you buy better quality or designer pieces, you will be able to consign them and use the money you get back on acquiring new items. If you are someone that likes to keep things in rotation for long periods of time, this is also a great way to focus on items that will endure any age and trends.
Related to the first point, only buy items that are well made. This means clothing made of quality fabric, which often means natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, leather, and viscose. Silk is actually one of the strongest fibers, and my personal go to fabric of choice. When it comes to accessories, go for items that are gold plated/vermeil, silver, or solid gold. Lightly gold plated and metal items will be discolored and shabby in only a few months. (There are, of course, exceptions to this rule for purposes like beach or pool accessories, items you wear when you are active outdoors, etc.)
Focus on items that have classic lines and colors instead of on the latest trends. Classic colors are typically described as black, navy, tans and creams, shades of brown and red. Classic shapes like A-line skirts or dresses, trench or cocoon coats, and a tailored blazer or jacket will always be in style.
Get into the vintage market! Not only are vintage items better in terms of their environmental impact, but are also a great way to secure luxury items of better quality and price point. (Did I mention I love vintage?)
Don’t underestimate the things you have inherited over time. Remember that ring your grandmother gave you? That leather jacket that your mom finally handed down to you? The victorian pin that was your great aunts? These items should pepper your modern wardrobe like little glimmers of family history. And they are often what can take any outfit from casual to a statement, while adding more dimension to the way you present yourself. These items should be timeless and complement your wardrobe.
Aquire items that will go where you go. As ridiculous as it sounds, I always say that if I can’t wear it in Paris, then it’s not coming home with me. My point is that your clothes and accessories should have versatility when it comes to when, where, and how they can be worn. A closet full of t-shirts and jeans are not going to help you on your European vacation, even if they are your go-to outfit at home.
And, finally, consider cost per wear. The $100 dress that you love may be more valuable to you if you wear it five times than the dress you kind of like you’ve only worn once that was $25. How often you wear something should be the ultimate determinant of its true value, luxury good or not.
Which brings me to my final point - once you have acquired these fabulous finds, don’t forget to actually wear them! I still struggle with this myself, especially with special items that I want to protect and preserve over time. But, then, I think back to the days of combing through my grandmothers’ closets and remember that those items wouldn’t nearly be as special if they hadn’t been shown a little love and wear.
Happy shopping!
“I think people should have fun with fashion, should enjoy wearing beautiful clothes - but also not save everything for the best. Fashion is there to be enjoyed, to be indulged, to ‘wow’ in. Don’t save it for Sunday best only. Get it out of the tissue paper and be sensational every day.”
Items that hold their value and are well made - here I am wearing a 1970s black wool and velvet blazer from Yves Saint Laurent’s Russian Collection, one of the most amazing pieces of vintage that I own! The brocade pattern is just stunning. You will often find that vintage items are some of the most well made and timeless items you can add to your closet.
“For la Parisienne there is never an excuse not to be elegant. The best recipe for always being elegant? Only own elegant clothes. The good thing about elegance is that is it something you keep forever. ”
A fantastic vintage gripoix brooch I picked up from @GoldenAgeVintage pears perfectly with a jean jacket for everyday wear.
“Style has very little to do with money. Elegance and originality are qualities that can’t be purchased. It is precisely the lack of means that makes certain people so creative ... Today, the trend is for blending and mixing clothes, and we should take full advantage of it. And we shouldn’t forget that while mass consumption has made it possible for vastly more people to know about fashion trends and appropriate them, moderation will always be the essence of good taste.”
In the South of France with my Speedy 25, which can fold up and travel just about anywhere. This was my first new LV purchase, a classic I will have for many years to come! A perfect example of an item that will “go where you go.”
“Jean Louis Dumas, the president of Hermes, used to say that when you buy a beautiful and expensive object, you forget the price but you remember the quality. I would say yes to a beautiful pair of boots, or top quality pumps ... provided they suit you perfectly.”
A black blazer, pair of boots, and plaid dress - think about all the ways in which these pieces can be worn and combined with other articles of clothing in a completely different setting. While I wore this outfit on vacation in Paris, I could just as easily wear it to the office. In fact, I bought this Isabel Marant blazer on that trip because it would be a classic staple in my closet for many years to come. Most stylists would say that blazers and a good pair of boots are essential for women of all ages, as closet staples suited for various occasions.