Paris vs. London: My Two Favourite Fashion Cities and Why They Dress So Differently

Plus how I shop them both without ever getting the wrong size — thanks to Tellar.co.uk

I’ve always been fascinated by how the same item of clothing — a blazer, a pair of jeans, a silk blouse — can feel completely different depending on where in the world you're buying it. But nowhere is that contrast more dramatic than between Paris and London.

Two style capitals, both brimming with creativity, history, and fashion powerhouses — and yet their approach to style couldn’t be more different. I’ve spent time shopping (and struggling with sizing) in both cities, and I’ve learned some lessons along the way — mostly through returns, sizing charts I didn’t understand, and a lot of trial and error.

Here’s what I’ve discovered about the differences between Paris and London fashion — and how Tellar.co.uk has genuinely saved me from the chaos of inconsistent sizing across both.

The Parisian Uniform: Chic, Tailored, and Understated

When I first visited Paris, I made the classic mistake: overpacking, overstyling, and assuming that bold was better. One stroll through the Marais and I knew I’d gotten it all wrong.

Parisian women don’t chase trends — they master style. They wear tailored coats, silk blouses, perfectly fitting denim, and a neutral palette like it’s second nature. Everything looks put-together but never overdone. I quickly realised that in Paris, less really is more.

The brands reflect this attitude. Sézane, A.P.C., Celine, and Rouje all embody that refined, minimalist sensibility. They focus on cut, fabric, and wearability over anything flashy. The downside? Their sizing is unforgiving. I once bought a Sézane blazer in my usual UK 10 (French 38) and couldn’t lift my arms properly — turns out, French fit models are quite narrow through the shoulders.

Now, before I buy anything Parisian, I check it through Tellar.co.uk. I’ve created a profile with my actual body measurements (in centimetres), and now the site tells me exactly what size I’ll need in every French brand. No more guessing, no more squeezing, and definitely no more returns.

London Style: Bold, Layered, and Totally Individual

If Paris is all about quiet confidence, London is loud in the best possible way. Walking around Shoreditch or Camden, you’ll see vintage tailoring, combat boots, satin slip skirts layered over trousers, maybe even a bucket hat with a tulle dress — and somehow it all works.

What I love most about London fashion is how free it feels. There’s a rebellious edge in how people dress — they’re not trying to conform. You’ve got JW Anderson, Vivienne Westwood, AllSaints, Burberry, and a hundred indie designers who are completely unafraid to experiment.

But here’s the catch: sizing is all over the place. Some brands use traditional UK sizing, some are oversized, some unisex, and others change season to season. I once bought trousers from a London-based brand that were labelled as Medium but felt like a size 6. The inconsistency was exhausting.

Now, whether I’m buying a tailored coat from Reiss or an oversized shirt from COS, I always check it through Tellar first. It shows me exact size matches based on my measurements and even accounts for brands that run big or small.

The Fashion Week Effect

I’ve followed both Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week for years, and the differences are clear even from the runway.

Paris shows are a masterclass in craftsmanship. You’ll see timeless pieces that could have been made 20 years ago or 20 years from now — they’re elegant, precise, and never try too hard. Dior, Chloé, Balmain — these brands are all about silhouette, not spectacle.

London, on the other hand, is a burst of energy. It’s unpredictable, theatrical, and boundary-pushing. Shows feel more like a protest or an art installation than a traditional catwalk. Designers like Simone Rocha or Charles Jeffrey Loverboy don’t just design clothes — they tell stories.

And just like the shows, the sizing between the cities is wildly different. Paris leans small and structured. London is freer, but often with intentionally exaggerated fits. With Tellar.co.uk, I don’t have to worry about any of it. Whether it’s a crisp Celine blazer or an oversized London trench, I get a size match instantly.

What’s the Difference Day-to-Day?

From my experience, Parisians dress like everything they wear has been edited for months. They stick to a uniform: tailored trousers, neutral knits, clean trainers, one high-quality bag. The idea is: your clothes should complement you, not define you.

In London, it’s the opposite. People use clothes to say something about who they are. You’ll see designer bags paired with market-stall jewellery, or second-hand coats with Balenciaga sneakers. There’s more energy, more experimentation — and definitely more colour.

Both styles are aspirational in different ways. I’ve found myself wanting the effortless polish of Paris, but also the creative energy of London. So I mix and match. A Sézane blouse under an oversized London blazer? Yes, please.

How I Finally Stopped Getting the Wrong Size

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ordered something — especially from a French brand — and ended up disappointed because it didn’t fit like I expected. Parisian labels in particular use sizing systems that are completely different to ours.

That’s when I found Tellar.co.uk. It’s the UK’s leading free sizing tool, and honestly, it’s changed the way I shop. I created a profile with my bust, waist, and hip measurements, and now I can instantly see what size I am in over 1,500 brands — including all the big names from Paris and London.

Here’s how it works:

I input my measurements once (or use the free printable measuring tape if I’m unsure)
I stay logged in
Every time I shop, I get a real-time size match depending on the store

It works whether I’m shopping French favourites like A.P.C. or Maje, or high street heroes like COS and & Other Stories. No more guessing. No more returns.

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

Final Thoughts: Why I Love Both Cities — And Why I Shop Smarter Now

Some days I want to feel polished and pulled together, like I’m sipping coffee on the Left Bank. Other days I want to throw on layers and boots and feel like I’m walking through a Hackney market. Both cities have something to offer — and both have completely different sizing rules.

But thanks to Tellar, I don’t have to compromise. I can shop Paris and London brands confidently, knowing that I’ll always get the right size, the first time.

So whether you're a trench-coat-and-ballet-flats kind of dresser or prefer a blazer over cargo trousers, remember this: style is personal — sizing shouldn’t be guesswork.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Style Tips and Sizing Help

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Want your wardrobe to work harder, from Paris to London and everywhere in between?

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