French fashion usually conjures images of Breton stripes, ballet flats, and effortless minimalism.
The Kooples is not that.
The Kooples is the rebellious sibling of the Parisian fashion family. It’s the brand that smokes cigarettes outside the bistro. It wears leather to a summer wedding. It mixes Savile Row tailoring with rock ’n’ roll grit.
If you have received a wedding invite and the thought of wearing a pastel floral tea dress makes you want to scream, this is your safe haven. But with premium price tags and a reputation for “slim” sizing, buying into the brand requires some strategy.
We are breaking down the quality, the fit, and how to navigate their inventory without paying full retail.
The Aesthetic: Why It Works
Founded in 2008 by the Elicha brothers, The Kooples was built on a concept of androgyny. The idea? Couples who swap clothes.
While the marketing has evolved, the DNA remains: Sharply tailored vs. flowing and bohemian.
It fills a specific gap in the market. It sits above the high street (Zara, Mango) but just below true luxury designers (Saint Laurent, Celine). You pay for the cut and the fabric. Their blazers nip in at the waist perfectly. Their silk dresses drape rather than cling.
Solving the Wedding Guest Dilemma
Wedding season is exhausting. The invites pile up. The venues get more obscure (why is the reception always in a barn 50 miles from civilization?). And the pressure to look “appropriate” but not “boring” is high.
We used to flock to the same three high-street shops, inevitably resulting in the “awkward clash” moment where you and a stranger are wearing the same dress.
The Kooples offers a way out.
1. The “Rule Breaker” Black Dress
Traditional etiquette says avoid black at weddings. Forget that. It’s dated advice. The Kooples’ approach to the Long Printed Black Dress is a masterclass in balance. By adding vintage-inspired silhouettes, plunging necklines, or floaty tulle petticoats, they soften the edge.
- Style It: For summer, pair with a statement metallic sandal. For a winter reception, thick tights and platform heels look intentional, not clunky.
2. The Bohemian Alternative
If you must do florals, do them with attitude. Their Pink Floral Dresses often feature lace insets or skull motifs hidden in the print. It’s pretty, but it’s not “sweet.”
- The versatile hack: This isn’t a one-wear item. Throw a denim jacket and combat boots on it, and you are ready for a festival or a brunch date.
3. The Power Suit
This is where the brand shines. The Black Crepe Suit with lace detailing is a phenomenal alternative to a gown. It’s directional. It’s masculine tailoring with a feminine twist.
- Why it matters: You will be the only woman in a suit, and you will likely be the most comfortable person there.
Beyond the Wedding: The Leather Jacket Investment
You cannot talk about The Kooples without talking about leather. It is their bread and butter.
If you are going to spend £400+ on one item, make it the Biker Jacket.
- The Fit: It is cropped and tight. It is designed to look like a second skin.
- The Leather: They typically use lambskin, which is buttery soft immediately. There is no painful “break-in” period where you can’t bend your arms.
- The Hardware: Heavy-duty silver zips. They don’t rattle or jam.
Expert Tip: Leather stretches. Buy it snug. If you can zip it up comfortably with a thick jumper underneath on day one, it’s too big.
Sizing Guide: The “French Fit” Warning
Do not order your usual size without reading this.
The Kooples uses a French sizing system (0, 1, 2, 3, 4) or standard XS-XL, but the cut is notoriously small. They design for a slender, rock-star silhouette.
The Conversion Cheat Sheet:
- Size 0 (XS): Fits a UK 4-6 / US 0-2.
- Size 1 (S): Fits a UK 8 / US 4.
- Size 2 (M): Fits a UK 10 / US 6.
- Size 3 (L): Fits a UK 12 / US 8.
- Size 4 (XL): Fits a UK 14 / US 10.
The Reality Check: If you have a larger bust or broad shoulders, you will almost certainly need to size up, especially in their button-down silk shirts and blazers. The fabric rarely has stretch.
How to Shop The Kooples for Less
The price point is high. Dresses often sit between £200-£400. Here is how to avoid paying full price.
1. “The Archive” Sales
The Kooples operates a specific “Archive” sale periodically. This isn’t just a clearance rail; it’s a digital pop-up shop selling previous seasons’ stock at up to 60% or 70% off.
- Strategy: Sign up for their newsletter specifically to get the alert for this. The best items (leather jackets and silk shirts) vanish in hours.
2. The Outlet Centers
If you are near Bicester Village (UK) or similar luxury outlets in Europe, The Kooples almost always has a presence there. The stock is usually excellent, often featuring the “Classics” collection (blazers and trousers) that don’t really go out of style.
3. Seasonal Markdowns
Unlike brands that protect their pricing, The Kooples participates heavily in Black Friday and End-of-Season sales. Never buy a coat in October. Wait until mid-November. You will save hundreds.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Identity: You get a distinct “look.” It’s cool, edgy, and cohesive. | Sizing: Not inclusive. The range tops out early, and the cuts are unforgiving on curvy bodies. |
| Tailoring: The blazers are some of the best on the high street. They hold their shape for years. | Care Requirements: Almost everything is “Dry Clean Only.” Silk, rayon, and leather require high maintenance. |
| Resale Value: Because the brand is coveted, items resell well on Vinted or Vestiaire Collective. | Price: Full retail can feel expensive for items that are sometimes viscose rather than silk. Check the fabric label. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Washing the Viscose
A lot of their dresses are 100% viscose. If you put this in a washing machine, even on a cold cycle, it can shrink by two sizes. Steaming is your friend. If you must wash, use a hand-wash cold setting and reshape whilst damp. Better yet, dry clean.
2. Buying the Wrong Shoes
The Kooples aesthetic relies on the shoe. Do not pair their edgy dresses with a round-toe court shoe. It kills the vibe. You need a sharp ankle boot, a strappy sandal, or a chunky loafer.
Final Thoughts
The Kooples is a lifestyle brand. It sells a fantasy of late nights in Paris and looking effortlessly cool.
Is it cheap? No. Is it practical? Not always. But if you are tired of the cookie-cutter floral dresses that dominate wedding season, or you want a suit that makes you feel invincible, it is worth the investment.
Next Steps: Before you buy, check your measurements against their size guide, then add an inch for breathing room. If you are hunting for a bargain, search for their “Last Chance” section right now—you might find that dream wedding outfit for half the price.