Back To Basics: The Wardrobe Basics You Need To Start The Year

Top - Missguided (similar here) / Shorts - Zara (similar linked below)

 I was debating what to write about this week and for the life of me, I couldn't come up with something until I was browsing online on Zara & H&M making orders for myself. We're in the middle of the first month of the year and it's definitely a good time to set the tone for your wardrobe. I always love to start with basics and I know I've spoken about this topic before, but you can never go wrong. You simply can never have enough. With the world still uncertain and the prospect of working from home still very much expected, basics are a good way to make yourself put together yet comfortable at home. I'm not saying ditch the sweats yet, but for those days you feel you need to up your productivity levels, putting on a comfy pair of jeans and a tee will definitely put your body and mind in the right frame. I've decided to steer you to some of the picks in my baskets right now that are versatile and classic. 

Tees - My Tip: Size up on tees for more comfort and ease of style. 

   

Knits - You can never have too many knits, go for the classics or go for the extraordinary. Whatever you do, have a collection of them especially in the winter months. 

   

Denim - I'm in a tropical climate (that's having it's cold days though...) so I am still wearing my staple denim shorts but having a pair of classic skinnies, regular or cropped, is the perfect staple to renew in your wardrobe. Go for the signature blue. 

   

What would you consider your basics or essentials in your wardrobe? What's the one thing you find yourself constantly going back to or in need of! Let me know in the comments below. And let me know what you'd like to see next on the blog. I've also got YouTube videos coming up too, including the first vlog of the year next Wednesday! So stay tuned over on my Instagram for the latest updates. 

Hope you're all staying safe and well! Sending you lots of love, 

Emily xx

*Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used on some products. They do not cost you any extra but support my work!*

How To Dress Like A French Fashion Girl

Outfit: Shirt - Old men's shirt / Jeans - Old Levi's

If there's one place I always dream of, that never leaves my mind, it's Paris. 

I've been in love with the La Ville Lumière, also considered La Ville De L'Amour, for as long as I can remember and whenever my mind ventures to wanderlust, it's always itching to go back to Paris. There's just something about that city that makes me feel alive. 

Apart from the beauty of the architecture, the food, the pastries (and yes, the pastries get their own shoutout because yum), the language and all that the French capital has to offer, the French Fashion is next level.

Some the most iconic, and my favourite, fashion houses were born in Paris; Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton. So of course their level and style of fashion is beyond our league. It's what makes it the fashion capital of the world. 

With my endless love of Paris and how much I miss it, I thought I would take tips from the fashion of the French streets to show you that effortlessness is all it takes. Even if we can't take in the pastimes of people watching whilst drinking coffee and eating a pastry in the outer dining of a French café, we can still dress like them to create the illusion. 

1. Straight Leg & High Waisted Blue Jeans

If there's anything that's going to make you even the slightest bit French girl, it's a pair of blue jeans preferably with a straight leg cut and high waist. They are simple, easy and chic. You cannot go wrong with a pair of denim because they are a staple piece in anyone's wardrobe and if there's one thing you learn about the French, it's that they love to enjoy life. Pieces with high quality, long-lasting fabrics that are timeless is the key to French dressing and straight leg jeans are the perfect example of that. 

    

2. Shirts & Cardigans

When it comes to what to pair with those jeans, I've noticed that the go-to is a slightly oversized shirt or cardigan. As much as they also wear sweet camisoles or little black dresses, the ideal combination for an everyday French woman is a pair of blue jeans and a shirt or cardigan. Usually the top piece is a white or black shirt, but I've seen plenty of women wear neutral tones and stripes too. You can also opt for a plain tee too, but at this time of year as we move into the colder months, a shirt or a cardigan is a must. 

    

   

      

3. Blazers & Trench Coats

Again, the colder months have rolled around and you're going to need some outerwear to finish off a look; blazers and trench coats are the way to go. Personally I think layered together on truly colder days would be super chic, but even wearing them alone is enough to say "Hey, I'm feeling French." Can you see that their style is all about simplicity and timelessness, which comes together to be extremely chic? No wonder we look to Paris for fashion inspiration. 

    

4. Ballet Flats & Strappy Sandals

When it comes to footwear, I've noticed that it's all about comfort. A lot of Parisians spend their time walking through the city, and why would you not when it's that beautiful? As much as heels and boots come out, there will never not be a pair of ballet flats/pumps or strappy sandals in a French woman's wardrobe. Plus these styles, again, are effortless and pair easily with jeans and a shirt. You can even go with a pair of loafers too!

  

  

5. Black Sunglasses & Gold Jewellery

These two are what tie an French-inspired outfit together. A pair of black sunglasses in a classic style are going to be the perfect addition to your wardrobe anyway and they allow you to get away with people watching without anyone knowing. And I know I've used the word enough in this post, but black sunglasses are chic. Finished off with dainty gold jewellery or a single statement piece and you're ready to embrace the French style.

  

  

Simple enough, huh? Yeah, it really is because that's how the French dress. They carry themselves so effortlessly that we never get tired of their style. Sometimes it's all about the ease of fashion as opposed to trying to keep up with trends or wear the most boldest thing you own. The French style is so easy to take on that I think I'll be dressing like them far more often. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'd love to know what you'd like to see next! So drop me a comment below. 

Sending you lots of love and hoping you're staying safe, 

Emily xx