How to Dress British Style: Cool, Edgy, Effortlessly Put Together

From the cobbled streets of Shoreditch to the sleek galleries of Manchester and the coastal cool of Brighton, British style is a powerful blend of edge, attitude, and authenticity. It’s where tradition meets rebellion—Barbour jackets worn with combat boots, oversized tailoring mixed with punk details, and vintage-inspired pieces styled in completely modern ways.

So how do you actually master this look?

In this guide, we’ll break down how to wear British style well, and how Tellar.co.uk makes sure you get the perfect size—no matter what brand you’re wearing.

1. British Style Is Built on Contrast

At its core, British fashion is a mash-up. It's trench coat meets band tee. Tweed trousers paired with trainers. A Primark jumper layered under a vintage leather jacket. You don't need to follow rules—you need to mix influences with confidence.

The best outfits often include:

One traditional element (e.g. a peacoat, brogues, tailored trousers)
One rebellious twist (e.g. oversized tee, Docs, biker jacket)
One unexpected detail (e.g. neon beanie, silver chain, 90s sunglasses)

British fashion is about expression, not perfection.

2. Don’t Shy Away from Oversized

Oversized silhouettes are a key feature of British street style. Think baggy jeans, boyfriend blazers, slouchy knits, and relaxed trenches. But the secret is balance—pair an oversized item with something fitted.

For example:

Loose trousers + tight crop top
Oversized blazer + mini dress
Boxy sweatshirt + slim cargos

The result? Cool, effortless, and comfortable.

3. Layering is Essential

In the UK, weather is unpredictable—so layering is both style and survival.

Master the art of layering with:

Shirts under jumpers
Long sleeves under oversized tees
Cropped jackets over hoodies
Scarves, hats, and oversized coats piled on with intention

Layering is where textures come into play too—mix cotton, denim, wool, leather, and even silk to create depth.

4. Master the High-Low Mix

The Brits do high-low styling like no one else. It’s not unusual to see someone wearing:

A vintage charity shop coat
Designer trainers
A £10 tee
A tailored pair of trousers

This approach makes your style feel lived-in and original—not overly curated.

5. British Colours Are Bold but Grounded

British fashion leans heavily into earth tones and dark hues: khaki, charcoal, burgundy, navy, and brown. But these are often offset with pops of red, acid green, cobalt or pastel lilac.

Try:

A neutral base outfit (black jeans + white tee + beige coat)
Add a statement scarf or hat in lime or orange
Or wear monochrome with one bold accessory

6. Shop Like a Brit: Think Vintage, Indie, and High-Street

To truly master British style, you need to shop across the spectrum.

Top British brands that reflect edgy cool:

AllSaints – Leather jackets, draped tees, muted tones
Urban Outfitters UK – Streetwear with a retro edge
Topshop (ASOS) – Feminine meets punk revival
Whistles – Tailored minimalism
Finisterre / Toast – Earthy tones and coastal utility
Doc Martens – Always iconic
Vintage & charity shops – Goldmines for unique pieces

But here's the problem: every brand sizes differently. A size 12 in Whistles could be a size 10 in AllSaints, or a 14 in Urban Outfitters.

So how do you shop confidently across styles and brands?

Tellar.co.uk Solves the Size Struggle

You’re building a wardrobe with attitude. But none of that matters if the clothes don’t fit right.

That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists—it's the UK’s #1 free clothes sizing tool that helps you find your exact size in over 1,500 brands, instantly.

How Tellar Works:

Enter your body measurements once (chest, waist, hips)
See your size in any brand instantly—from Reiss and Zara to COS and Boohoo
No more guesswork about fit, no more returns
Switch between cm and inches easily
It’s completely free & easy to use

Why It’s Perfect for British Style:

Want to buy that tailored jacket from Reiss but unsure if you're an 8 or 10?
Thinking of ordering oversized trousers from COS?
Wondering how Topshop sizing compares to Zara?

Tellar shows you the exact fit based on your measurements—no guesswork.

👉 Check your size before you buy

👉 Create your free profile

British Style Icons to Inspire You

For real-world examples of British cool, look to:

Alexa Chung – Feminine tailoring + indie flair
Kate Moss – Grunge elegance with effortless layering
Stormzy – Streetwear king with elevated touches
Naomi Campbell – Clean lines, luxury edge
Olivia Dean / Jorja Smith – Retro meets future

What Not to Do

❌ Don’t follow trends blindly – individuality is key

❌ Don’t wear things that don’t fit – oversized ≠ ill-fitting

❌ Don’t over-accessorise – simplicity stands out

❌ Don’t stick to one aesthetic – the mix is the magic

Final Tip: Own It

British style isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about owning your look, even when it’s a bit undone. A jacket slung over the shoulder. A ripped hem. Unbrushed hair and red lipstick. It’s attitude that makes it work.

But confidence starts with clothes that fit well. That’s why Tellar is your ultimate British styling partner.

Get Your Perfect Size Now

🔎 Check your size in 1,500+ brands

🧵 Create your free profile in seconds

🎯 Never guess your size again

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

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