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How to Buy Clothes French Style: It’s Elegant, Timeless and Worth the Investment

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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When it comes to style that transcends trends, nothing rivals the quiet confidence of French fashion. It's not about fast fashion or flashy logos—it’s about effortlessness, quality, and timeless elegance. The kind of wardrobe that grows more valuable over time.

But how do you actually buy clothes the French way? What do you look for? How do you avoid overbuying and start investing wisely in your personal style?

Let’s explore how to shop like a French woman—and how Tellar.co.uk ensures you get the perfect size in every brand, without the frustration.

1. Build Around Quality Basics

French style starts with a foundation of high-quality basics. Think:

  • A crisp white cotton shirt

  • A perfectly fitted blazer

  • High-waisted dark denim jeans

  • A camel coat or black trench

  • Ballet flats or leather loafers

  • A classic breton stripe top

These are the workhorses of a French wardrobe: versatile, durable, and never out of style.

Tip: Always prioritise fabric and fit. French shoppers will choose one perfect item over five cheaper ones.

2. Choose a Neutral Colour Palette

French style thrives on neutrals—black, navy, beige, white, and grey. These tones make it easy to mix and match, layer elegantly, and always look put-together.

Winter wardrobe? Navy wool coat, black turtleneck, cream trousers.

Summer wardrobe? White linen shirt, beige cigarette trousers, tan sandals.

Neutrals never clash, which is why they dominate in French wardrobes.

3. Less is More: Embrace the Capsule Wardrobe

A typical French woman may own fewer clothes, but each one serves a purpose. The focus is on a capsule wardrobe—a small number of interchangeable, high-quality pieces.

French women often wear the same trousers or coat for years, styling them differently depending on the season or accessories.

This minimalist approach is:

  • More sustainable

  • Better for your budget long-term

  • Less stressful when dressing

4. Invest in Tailoring

Fit is everything in French fashion.

Even a simple black blazer or midi dress can look exceptional—if it fits well. That’s why tailoring is so common in France. Clothes are altered to flatter your unique shape.

Don’t be afraid to:

  • Shorten trousers

  • Cinch a blazer

  • Taper a sleeve

But what if you’re shopping online and can’t try things on?

That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes essential—more on that shortly.

5. Know the Brands that Nail French Style

You don’t have to shop only in France to adopt the aesthetic. These brands embody timeless French dressing:

  • Sézane – Feminine, boho-luxe pieces in beautiful fabrics

  • Sandro / Maje – Parisian chic with subtle edge

  • The Kooples – Tailored, rock-influenced silhouettes

  • Ba&sh – Modern romance meets casual luxury

  • Rouje – Vintage-inspired dresses and knits

  • Reformation – Eco-conscious staples that channel French girl vibes

  • COS / Arket / Massimo Dutti – High-end minimalism on the high street

💡 Top tip: Sizes can vary dramatically between these brands. A UK 10 in Sézane might be a UK 12 in Maje. Always check your measurements.

6. Style with Intention, Not Excess

French style is all about the details:

  • One standout accessory per outfit (not five)

  • Delicate jewellery instead of heavy statement pieces

  • A structured handbag over a logo tote

  • A silk scarf tied around the neck or bag handle

You’ll rarely see head-to-toe trends or big logos. French fashion is about whispering elegance, not shouting.

7. Buy Slowly and Thoughtfully

Impulse shopping? Not very French.

Instead, consider your purchases:

  • Does it suit your style long-term?

  • Will it work with the rest of your wardrobe?

  • Is it well made?

  • Do you love it?

French wardrobes are curated over time, not built in one shopping spree.

So How Do You Ensure Perfect Fit Across Brands?

That’s where Tellar.co.uk transforms the game.

You’ve chosen timeless, elegant pieces. But if they don’t fit properly, they won’t flatter—or last. And with inconsistent sizing across UK and French brands, it’s hard to know what size to order online.

What Is Tellar.co.uk?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your exact body measurements to over 1,500 fashion brands in real time—including French and minimalist labels.

Why it’s perfect for French-style dressing:

  • Match your chest, waist, and hips to the right size in Sézane, COS, Massimo Dutti, Mango, & Other Stories and more

  • Use it before every online order to eliminate sizing guesswork

  • Save your profile and reuse it—no tape measure needed each time

  • See your size in cm or inches

  • Totally Free. One-Time Setup. Works in Seconds

It’s the kind of tailored, refined shopping experience the French would approve of.

Ready to Shop Like a French Woman?

It’s time to say goodbye to ill-fitting clothes, wasted money, and confusing size charts.

Visit Tellar.co.uk now to:

👉 Create your free sizing profile

👉 Check your size before you buy

👉 Match your body to every brand—automatically

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for Daily Fashion & Sizing Tips

Stay inspired by elegant, timeless dressing—without the confusion.

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Final Thought

Buying clothes the French way isn’t about spending more.

It’s about choosing quality over quantity, fit over flash, and timeless over trendy.

With Tellar.co.uk, you can embrace that philosophy—while always getting the right size.

Every time. Every brand. Every body.

Tellar.co.uk – Your Body Matched to Fashion. In Seconds.

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