Cynthia Cheng
They say that women in France (and other parts of Europe) buy fewer items than women in North America. According to an article from Factio Magazine, women there would prefer to splurge on ONE designer suit than “armfuls of throwaway shirts from H&M.” Why do they do that? Usually, there are two reasons given. One is that Europeans tend to prefer finer clothing, and since these pieces are more expensive, they buy fewer items. The other is space. European homes are old, and often, do not have the closet space that even many small apartments in Manhattan have. In fact, in many older European homes, clothes are kept in an armoire (also known as a wardrobe).
However, it’s probably very difficult to convince people in North America that basics are better since many people here seem to prefer quantity over quality (even though the concept of “princess” comes to mind if one has too many clothes). In clothing surveys (however unscientific), North American women seem to prefer to have several pairs of say, $35 jeans every season over one pair of jeans that cost over $100. Many also feel that it’s a sin to wear the same outfit two days in a row (or more), unless it’s a uniform. But who says people can’t change?
There are a few pieces that MUST be in every closet. They usually include:
- One basic suit, which includes a well-fitted blazer
- The LIttle Black Dress (that can be dressed up as well as down)
- A luxe scarf (according to Factio, it should be pashmina or silk)
- Neutral-coloured skirt
- Button-down white shirt
- A black/neutral-coloured sweater
Other important items include gorgeous lingerie in neutral coloursand layering pieces, one day bag and one evening bag, as well as subtle jewelry, not the unelegant bling-bling type.
Of course, over the seasons, one will accumulate many basic pieces, so it’s important to update every once in a while. When shopping, look carefully, and for basic items like work clothes, buy only items that you know will last several seasons. As they’re supposed to be classics, spend more money on these and only buy one or two fad pieces per season. You’ll look and feel more elegant this way.
Image: © iStockphoto.com/Powerpuffgirl
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I think the french and the Europeans just know their limits and know that it is not fashionable to be glutenous and can tell if an item is cheaply made versus something that is of quality and maybe your character is judged based on this.
In addition, maybe the French and Europeans just don’t like to support indentured or unfair wage labour from countries such as China or India.
North America and Asian countries are encouraged to shop, shop, shop, be glutenous, and be wasteful…and most of all, no one seems to care that a coat should not cost $10 to buy(Such as Sarah Jessica Parkers new line as found at Steve and Barry’s)…nor do they care that their clothing may be made by people who have no choice but to work in sweat shops…the as long is its not me syndrome.