How to Create a French-Inspired Capsule Wardrobe

The French-girl wardrobe is fascinating for a number of reasons: it’s simple, timeless, and effortless. And the quest for the right pieces to achieve it can easily become a lifelong endeavor. We could spend all day figuring out how to emulate the key elements that make French style so good, and if you’re a consistent Who What Wear reader, you know that we do spend a considerable amount of time on the topic. 

We’re hardly the only sartorial Francophiles, either. We chatted with an NYC-based wardrobe stylist who is also enamored with the simplicity of French style. Meet Bryn Taylor, a stylist of 10 years who recently launched her own brand, Ouisa, which she hopes will help others to hone their capsule wardrobes.

“While I love fashion and understand the power of clothing to change people’s mindsets,” Taylor shared with us, “I noticed that my clients often expressed frustration over the paralysis of choice within their wardrobes and shopping for clothes in general. They wanted to create an easy, cool, signature style but lacked the confidence and tools to do so. I would always advocate for a smaller, more thoughtful wardrobe consisting of pieces they could depend on in any situation, and seamlessly mix and match. Essentially, a capsule collection. I kept noticing that the foundational pieces my clients’ wardrobes were missing were the same tried and true essentials I depended on in my own wardrobe.”