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 so enamored with the simplicity of French style that she went out and designed her very own French-inspired capsule wardrobe. Meet Bryn Taylor, a stylist of 10 years who recently launched Ouisa, a well-edited assortment of just six pieces that make up what she deems to be the perfect capsule wardrobe.
“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’ closets were missing were the same tried and true essentials I depended on in my own wardrobe.”
After so many years of championing an edited capsule wardrobe in both her personal and professional lives, Taylor ultimately decided to create what she deems to be the perfect one. She may be based in NYC but after spending time speaking with both French and American women living in Paris, she learned that they rely on a uniform mentality of sorts that eschews trend-driven pieces for more timeless and comfortable choices. Instead, they’ve acquired a streamlined formula that usually consists of the same pieces worn in slightly different ways.
Thus Ouisa was born: “I wanted to convey a feeling of confidence and natural personal style through outfit repeating and uniform dressing, and this concept of a capsule dependent upon a select few foundational pieces was a strong source of inspiration for Ouisa.”
While Taylor’s line offers her specific perspective on each staple, we also sourced options from other retailers that will suit a range of budgets, sizes, and tastes. So with that, continue on to discover and shop the six-piece French-inspired capsule wardrobe that stands the test of time.
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