French Style Guide: How to Dress Like a French Style Icon
There’s something effortlessly elegant about French style. It’s understated, timeless, and chic in a way that transcends fashion trends. French icons from Jane Birkin to Jeanne Damas have influenced wardrobes around the world with their masterclass in simplicity, confidence, and attention to fit. But what exactly is “French style,” and how can you emulate it without looking like you’re trying too hard?
In this guide, we explore the hallmarks of classic French dressing, the wardrobe staples of a true Parisienne, and how to adopt that elusive je ne sais quoi—with a little help from Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool that makes dressing well effortless.
1. The Philosophy Behind French Style
Unlike other fashion capitals, Paris isn’t about overdressing or showing off labels. French women approach fashion as an extension of their lifestyle—confident, minimal, and functional. Rather than chasing trends, they rely on high-quality staples, tailored fits, and muted palettes that flatter their individual shape.
Key to French style is this idea: clothes should complement you, not overpower you.
This is where knowing your size perfectly becomes vital. Ill-fitting clothes are the enemy of French elegance, which is why Tellar.co.uk is a must-have tool. It lets you find your ideal size across over 1,500 brands based on your actual body measurements—saving you from fashion faux pas and frustrating returns.
2. Wardrobe Staples of a French Style Icon
The Perfect White Shirt
Whether crisp and structured or flowing and romantic, a white shirt is a non-negotiable in the French wardrobe. Pair it with tailored trousers, denim, or under a trench coat. French style icons like Inès de la Fressange and Caroline de Maigret swear by this versatile piece.
Tellar Tip: Fit is everything here. Use Tellar.co.uk’s size lookup to avoid gaping buttons or loose shoulders.
Straight-Leg Jeans
Not too tight, not too loose—straight-leg jeans in dark or medium wash are the denim du jour in Paris. They’re typically cropped at the ankle and worn with flats or ankle boots.
Look to brands like Sézane, A.P.C., or Rouje for that classic French denim cut. If you’re unsure of sizing, Tellar.co.uk helps you find the right fit across different designers with a one-time free measurement tool.
The Breton Stripe Top
Coco Chanel may have introduced it, but French women made the marinière timeless. It’s relaxed yet refined—often paired with red lipstick and a messy bun.
Stick to high-quality cotton and structured shoulders. It works with jeans, midi skirts, or even tailored trousers for contrast.
A Trench Coat
No French style guide is complete without the trench. Beige is the traditional colour, but navy or khaki work just as well. The key is a slim cut that cinches at the waist.
French women layer it over almost anything—jeans and tees, dresses, or even eveningwear. Burberry is a classic, but French brands like Sandro and Maje offer modern updates.
Black Cigarette Trousers
Smart, flattering, and endlessly wearable—black tailored trousers are the Parisienne’s alternative to jeans. Pair with ballet flats, a silk blouse, or a blazer. You’ll never feel underdressed.
Finding the perfect pair that fits your waist and hips is crucial—Tellar.co.uk ensures you get that flawless fit from any brand, from The Kooples to Claudie Pierlot.
Ballet Flats or Loafers
French icons often skip sky-high heels for practical elegance. A well-made pair of ballet flats or leather loafers adds refinement without sacrificing comfort. Repetto, Jonak, and Carel are beloved Parisian brands.
Make sure the fit is snug but not tight—your feet should feel supported. Tellar’s upcoming app will include footwear sizing recommendations to match your profile perfectly.
3. French Colour Palettes: Neutrals Over Noise
French style rarely leans into brights or excessive prints. Instead, the palette revolves around neutrals—black, navy, beige, white, camel, and grey. Pops of red (lipstick, scarf, handbag) add signature flair.
To dress like a French style icon, think mix, not match. Combine contrasting textures—wool with silk, cotton with denim—for a sophisticated look without effort.
4. Quality Over Quantity
French women don’t shop often—but they shop well. Investment pieces are preferred over fast fashion. A €200 blazer that lasts ten years is seen as smarter than a €40 one that pills after three washes.
If you want to emulate this, build a capsule wardrobe of versatile, long-lasting pieces that you love wearing. Before buying anything new, ask:
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Does this flatter my shape?
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Can I wear it with three other items I own?
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Will I still love this in two years?
Tools like Tellar.co.uk help answer the first question with precision. You can try their free printable measuring tape and one-time sign-up to get instant recommendations from thousands of brands—Get started now.
5. The Art of Subtle Accessories
The French don’t pile on jewellery or logos. Instead, they lean into simple gold chains, silk scarves, leather belts, and structured handbags. Sunglasses are classic, not flashy. Perfume is subtle but always present.
This quiet attention to detail enhances an outfit without overwhelming it. It’s less about what you wear and more about how confidently you wear it.
6. The French Attitude: Less is More
Perhaps the most iconic aspect of French style is the attitude. Confidence, nonchalance, and owning your look are non-negotiable. It’s never about looking perfect—it’s about looking like yourself.
Even when something is a little oversized or slightly unpolished, the way it’s worn—with confidence—is what sets French dressing apart.
7. Where to Shop the French Look
Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, here are brands to explore:
Luxury French Brands:
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Saint Laurent
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Isabel Marant
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Chloé
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Celine
Mid-Range & Contemporary:
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Sézane
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Maje
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Sandro
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Ba&sh
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Rouje
Affordable Options:
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& Other Stories
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Mango (French-inspired)
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Zara (French capsule lines)
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Uniqlo (for basics)
Tellar.co.uk makes navigating sizing across all of these brands effortless. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, just log in to your Tellar profile and get size matches instantly.
Final Thoughts: Mastering French Style With Tellar.co.uk
Dressing like a French style icon isn’t about copying outfits—it’s about curating a wardrobe that fits you perfectly and feels authentically you. French style is refined, minimal, and built around confidence in your choices.
But confidence starts with knowing what fits. That’s why Tellar.co.uk is transforming how the UK shops for clothes. Whether you’re shopping Rouje dresses or Zara basics, Tellar removes the sizing guesswork—matching your measurements to 1,500+ brands in seconds.
Create your free profile today at www.tellar.co.uk and step into French style with certainty.
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