I've Been a Wardrobe Stylist for 10 Years—This Is My 6-Piece French Capsule

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

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 consistentBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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."

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(Image credit: Coni Tarallo; Courtesy of Ouisa)

After so many years of championing an edited capsule wardrobe in both her personal and professional lives, Taylor has assembled 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.

While Taylor's line offers her specific perspective on each staple, and does indeed ship to the UK, 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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(Image credit: @leiasfez)

"Not every button-down is created equal. I wanted to focus on one that felt both put together and laid back, depending on how you wear it. Ours has a slightly oversize fit with subtle, dropped shoulders. These elements provide that laid-back quality, while the stretch cotton feels special and not too casual."

Shop button-down shirts:

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed)

"A good black blazer is the cornerstone of every stylish wardrobe, and it's something I rely on almost daily. Many people equate blazers with work wardrobes, but they are so much more. Look for styles with a slightly longer, looser silhouette that drapes beautifully."

Shop blazers:

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

"The Mock Neck does double duty as a layering piece or a standalone. It helps balance the larger silhouettes of your button-downs, blazers, and trousers. Rib knit is a unique texture that's fitted yet flattering because adding something fitted to your capsule wardrobe is always a smart option."

Shop mock-neck tops:

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

"A black trouser is essential, and will help you to feel put together yet not too formal. Of course, you can match them with a co-ordinating blazer for a modern take on a suit, but they're just as impactful on their own with your other pieces."

Shop tailored trousers:

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(Image credit: Coni Tarallo; Courtesy of Ouisa)

"You should also invest in a nice top that you can rely on for low-key evenings out. It serves as an elevated top that can be chic on its own, or complementary under your blazers."

Shop satin tops:

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

"Leggings are perhaps the most contemporary addition to a French-inspired capsule, and this one is not your typical legging. Look for pairs that are most substantial in fabrication, and they’ll be the epitome of polished comfort dressing."

Shop leggings:

Next Up: 4 French Women on the Only Anti-Ageing Products They Trust

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.