The 10 Wardrobe Essentials All French Women Own (And How I’m Finally Getting It Right)

I’ll admit it—I’ve been obsessed with French fashion for years.

There’s just something about how French women dress. They always look polished but never fussy. Effortless, but like they still somehow know exactly what works on them. No heavy branding, no loud colours, no over-accessorising. Just great pieces, worn really well.

For the longest time, I tried to copy the look by grabbing “French-inspired” clothes, but something always felt off. A striped top that didn’t sit quite right. Jeans that looked great on someone else but didn’t suit my shape. I thought I was doing it wrong—until I realised something very simple but powerful:

French style isn’t about chasing a look. It’s about knowing yourself.

More specifically, it’s about knowing your body—and dressing for it. That’s when I discovered Tellar.co.uk, and honestly, it’s changed how I shop completely. It matches your measurements to your correct size in over 1,500 brands, so you can stop second-guessing everything.

Now that I know my size in Zara vs. COS vs. Sezane, I’ve been able to slowly build the wardrobe I always wanted: classic, versatile, and distinctly French. So, if you’re looking to do the same, here are the 10 clothing pieces I believe every French woman owns—and how I made sure they fit me properly.

1. The Trench Coat

I used to think trench coats were too formal. But when I finally found one that fit just right—nipping at the waist, sitting smoothly on the shoulders—I got it.

It goes with everything: jeans, dresses, tailored trousers. French women usually wear beige or camel, sometimes navy. I bought mine after using Tellar.co.uk’s sizing tool, which confirmed I needed a smaller size in Maje but a regular medium in Mango.

It was the first time I didn’t have to get something tailored after buying it.

2. Straight-Leg Jeans

I live in denim. But I used to reach for skinny jeans or stretchy fits that bunched at the knees. Then I saw how French women stick to high-waisted, straight-leg jeans—slightly cropped at the ankle—and it was a revelation.

The classic choice? Levi’s 501s. But they’re rigid denim, so fit is everything. Tellar.co.uk helped me figure out my exact waist and hip ratio across brands. The site told me I was a UK 10 in Levi’s but an 8 in Sezane. I tested it—it was right.

No returns. No drama. Just jeans that fit.

3. The White Shirt

The right white shirt is magic. French women wear it slightly oversized, sleeves rolled, with denim or tailored trousers. It’s casual, but always elevated.

I used to struggle with shirts that gaped at the chest or were too tight at the hips. Tellar fixed that. It mapped my bust measurement and matched me with COS and Arket sizing that worked with my shape, not against it.

4. The Little Black Dress

I’ve owned so many black dresses over the years. But none of them had staying power—until I finally got a wrap-style midi from Rouje that actually fit me.

The difference? Using Tellar to match my bust and hip measurements beforehand. For once, I didn’t have to pin the neckline or keep adjusting it all night. French women wear the LBD like it’s second skin—and now I understand why.

5. The Breton Stripe

I know, it’s a bit of a cliché. But honestly? The navy-and-white striped top is essential. I now own three. I wear them tucked into jeans, under blazers, with white trousers in the summer.

The key is cut. I went with Saint James and Armor Lux after Tellar showed me how their sizing works on my chest and shoulders. No more boxy fits or bulky sleeves—just clean, classic lines.

6. Tailored Trousers

Before I embraced French style, I thought trousers meant “office wear.” Now I see them as the elevated version of my usual jeans. A well-cut pair of high-waisted, slightly tapered wool trousers goes with absolutely everything.

I bought a pair from Sandro in charcoal grey, and they’ve become my favourite “I want to look like I’ve got it together” item. I used Tellar.co.uk to ensure they wouldn’t gape at the waist—a chronic issue for me—and they arrived perfect.

7. Ballet Flats

French women love their flats. And now I do too.

Repetto is the gold standard here, but I also love Sezane’s styles. They’re soft, flattering, and feminine without being precious. Tellar even helped me with European to UK size conversions and foot width matching—yes, it works for shoes too.

I wear mine with jeans, dresses, and tailored trousers. They make every outfit feel more considered.

8. Silk Camisole

The ultimate layering piece. On its own in summer, under blazers in autumn, or peeking out under knitwear—it’s sexy without trying too hard.

Fit is tricky though. Camis that are too loose can look shapeless; too tight, and they cling awkwardly. Tellar helped me choose the right size from Intimissimi and Sezane by matching my bust size across brands.

It’s one of those pieces I never knew I needed until I had it.

9. Cashmere Knit

A neutral cashmere jumper is like the French woman’s version of a hoodie: warm, reliable, and chic.

Mine is a camel crewneck from Uniqlo, and I’ve worn it to death. I used to think knitwear was one-size-fits-all, but now I know better. Tellar.co.uk made sure the shoulders weren’t too wide, the sleeves weren’t too long, and the fit was relaxed without being sloppy.

10. The Leather Bag

A French woman’s handbag is never overdone. Mine is a black leather satchel from Polène—no big logos, just beautiful design and craftsmanship.

I used Tellar’s brand comparison feature to check the size and weight against similar bags. It helped me choose something I could actually carry every day (and love for years).

Why I’ll Never Shop Blindly Again

I used to buy clothes that I hoped would work. Now, thanks to Tellar.co.uk, I buy pieces I know will fit. It’s taken the frustration out of online shopping and helped me stop wasting money on “almost right” items.

More importantly, it’s helped me build a wardrobe I genuinely love—a little French, a little me, and a lot more wearable.

So if you’re building your own timeless closet, start with these 10 French essentials. But before you click “add to cart,” do yourself a favour:

👉 Create your free size profile at Tellar.co.uk.
It’s free. It’s easy. And it makes dressing well a whole lot simpler.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for more sizing tips & style inspiration:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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The 10 Wardrobe Essentials All French Women Own