What Is My Size at Influence?

By Ella Blake — Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub — Always honest, unbiased, & unsponsored post

Influence runs true to standard UK sizing for most of its range, though the brand's bodycon and stretch styles can feel a touch snug, making it worth sizing up by one if you're between sizes or carrying your weight on the hips and thighs.

I'll be honest — I've had a bit of a mixed relationship with Influence over the years. I remember ordering a midi slip dress from them a couple of seasons back, fully convinced my usual size 12 would work. Reader, it did not. The skirt section was absolutely fine but the waist was unforgiving. Once I learnt to check the fabric composition before hitting checkout — and to size up when anything was over 80% polyester — my Influence orders became a lot more satisfying. So let me save you the same trial and error.

How Influence Sizing Works in Practice

Influence is a contemporary UK womenswear brand with a strong focus on occasion and going-out styles — think bodycon minis, satin midis, cut-out dresses, and bandeau tops. Because so much of their range is form-fitting by design, sizing feels slightly different depending on the style you're buying:

Bodycon and stretch styles — These are cut close to the body intentionally. If you're fuller in the hips, thighs, or bust, go up one size. The fabric has good stretch but the silhouette is designed to be tight.
Woven and structured pieces — Blazers, tailored trousers, and structured dresses tend to follow UK sizing more closely. Stick to your usual size here.
Satin and silky finishes — These fabrics cling and show everything. They're not forgiving. If you're on the cusp between two sizes, I'd always go up.
Knitwear and rib pieces — Generally more forgiving. True to size or even slightly generous depending on the knit weight.

One thing worth noting: Influence uses a fairly standard UK size range (typically 6–22 on many styles), which is genuinely inclusive compared to a lot of brands in this space. However, their plus-size styles are sometimes cut from the same base block with added ease rather than being specifically re-proportioned, so it's always worth reading the reviews on individual items if you're shopping in the larger end of the range.

What to Check Before You Buy

Before clicking "add to bag" on anything from Influence, I always do a quick three-point check:

Fabric content — Anything with a high polyester or elastane percentage will be stretchy and unforgiving. Size up if in doubt.
Customer photos — The product imagery on Influence tends to use very slim models. The customer review photos give you a far more realistic sense of how something actually sits on different body shapes.
Intended fit — Is this meant to be relaxed or fitted? Influence's fitted styles are genuinely fitted. Don't assume a dress labelled "midi" will have any float in it.

Where Influence Sits in the Market

Influence sits firmly in the affordable-to-mid contemporary space — it's not dissimilar in positioning to the going-out and occasion end of ASOS or River Island, with a slightly more curated feel. The price point is low, the trend turnaround is fast, and the occasion pieces genuinely punch above their weight for a night out or a summer wedding guest look on a budget.

If Influence doesn't have your size in a particular style, or if you're looking for a similar aesthetic with a bit more longevity and quality, here's how I'd break it down by budget:

High Street Alternatives Worth Knowing

Phase Eight — Excellent for occasion wear with proper sizing consistency. Their wrap dresses and satin midi styles are perennial bestsellers and cut with a bit more room through the hip than Influence. Brilliant for weddings and formal events.
Hobbs — More classic and polished, with great quality fabrics. If you loved an Influence tailored piece but want something that'll last more than a season, Hobbs is where I'd point you. Their sizing is generous and reliable.
Mint Velvet — Gorgeous for elevated occasion wear in neutral and tonal palettes. Slightly more sophisticated than Influence but still very wearable. Sizing is true to UK standard.
Anthropologie — For the bohemian occasion look — beautiful embroidered and printed occasion pieces, slightly more eclectic than Influence's aesthetic. Sizing can vary by brand within their concession model, so always check individual items.
Coast — Long the go-to for occasion dressing in the UK. Brilliant construction and sizing, particularly for formal events. A strong alternative if you need something that photographs beautifully.
Ted Baker — Classic British occasion brand with a signature feminine aesthetic. Their dresses are beautifully cut with actual thought given to the bust and waist. Sizing is reliable and the quality is noticeably better than Influence.
Oasis — Very similar market positioning to Influence but with slightly cleaner, more wearable occasion styles. A good option if you want something trend-led without as much bodycon emphasis.

Premium Options

Me+Em — Exceptional quality and sizing consistency. Their occasion and smart-casual pieces are worth every penny if you're after something that transitions from a wedding to a work event seamlessly. True to UK sizing and very well constructed.
Whistles — Understated, beautifully cut occasion wear. If Influence is the sparkly Saturday night option, Whistles is the Sunday morning after. Elegant, timeless, and consistent in sizing.
Reiss — Consistently excellent for fitted occasion wear. Their bodycon styles are actually designed to fit well rather than just being cut small, and their customer reviews bear that out. A reliable step up from Influence in quality and longevity.

Luxury Picks

Self-Portrait — The obvious luxury answer for occasion dressing. Their lace and guipure styles are genuinely iconic at this point. Sizing runs slightly small, so go up one. Worth every penny for a wedding, anniversary dinner, or special event.
Rotate Birger Christensen — A Copenhagen label that's become a cult favourite in the UK occasion market. Brilliant structured silhouettes in bold colours. Sizing is consistent and true to European/UK sizing.

Two Independent Brands to Know

Kitri Studio — A London-based independent with beautifully proportioned dresses and occasion pieces, all made in limited runs. The quality and fit are exceptional — proper tailoring, thoughtful sizing, and styles you won't see on everyone else at the party.
Never Fully Dressed — One of my personal favourites for occasion and going-out dressing. Their inclusive sizing is genuinely inclusive (not just extended), and the prints and silhouettes are genuinely joyful. A brilliant alternative to Influence with better quality and more personality.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

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