What Is Sizing Like at Alice Temperley?

Alice Temperley — sold under the label Temperley London — generally runs true to size, though it can feel a touch snug through the bust and waist on her more fitted, structured pieces, so the golden rule is to measure rather than assume. Because this is a smaller British design house where individual styles are cut in different ateliers, the fit isn't identical across the collection: a floaty bohemian maxi and a sharply tailored peplum jacket from the same label can behave very differently on the body. Below I'll walk you through exactly what to expect, where to size up, and which brands to reach for if Temperley is out of budget or out of stock.

How Alice Temperley Sizing Actually Fits

A bit of honesty from me first. Years ago I bought a Temperley evening gown for a wedding off the back of "I'm always a 10," didn't measure, and spent the entire reception unable to breathe through a beautifully boned bodice. Lesson well and truly learned. Temperley designs to the body rather than to a flattering vanity number, and the cut leans European-romantic rather than generous.

Here's what holds true across most of the range:

Runs true to size, occasionally small. Day dresses, blouses and skirts tend to land true. Structured eveningwear and anything corseted or boned can run small — size up if you're between sizes or fuller through the bust.
Fit varies by style, not just by size. A bias-cut slip skims the body; a fitted tailored piece holds you in. Always check the individual product's measurements, not just the brand's standard chart.
Sizing is UK-based. Temperley is a British house, with ready-to-wear typically running UK 6–18, so shoppers used to US sizing should expect to convert down.
Bust is the deciding measurement. So much of the Temperley signature lives in the bodice — embellishment, structure, delicate strapping — that bust fit makes or breaks a piece.

My Stylist Tips for Getting It Right

Measure bust, waist and hip before you buy. Temperley publishes both garment and body measurements on its product pages — use the garment numbers and allow a couple of centimetres of ease for comfort.
Size to your largest measurement, then tailor. If your bust needs a 12 but your waist is a 10, buy the 12 and have the waist nipped in. A good seamstress is your best friend with occasionwear.
Respect the fabric. Silk and viscose have little give, and a structured gown with no stretch is far less forgiving than a soft tea dress. When in doubt on a rigid fabric, go up.
Use the made-to-measure and try-before-you-buy services if you're investing in a gown — they exist precisely because this isn't throwaway fashion.

Where to Shop If Temperley Is Out of Reach

Temperley sits firmly in luxury territory, so let me give you the realistic alternatives across every budget. These are my genuine picks based on which brands actually nail that romantic, embellished, occasion-led aesthetic — not just the famous names.

HIGH STREET

Monsoon — the closest high-street match for Temperley's embellished, bohemian occasionwear, with beading and hand-finished detail at a fraction of the price.
Phase Eight — reliable for structured occasion dresses and mother-of-the-bride pieces that genuinely hold their shape.
Coast — my go-to for event and wedding-guest dressing with a glamorous, polished edge.
Whistles — modern, print-led occasionwear cut in a clean, grown-up way.
Hobbs — beautifully tailored day-to-evening dresses, especially strong on fit through the waist.
Ghost — those bias-cut, vintage-inspired slip dresses that echo Temperley's softer, romantic side.
Anthropologie — for the floaty, print-heavy boho pieces that share Temperley's whimsical spirit.

PREMIUM

Sézane — French-girl romance, lovely fabrics and prints, just below designer pricing.
Sandro — Parisian polish with delicate, feminine eveningwear and beautiful finishing.
Me&Em — elevated, considered British design with flattering, body-aware cuts.

LUXURY / DESIGNER

Ralph Lauren — for romantic, occasion-led gowns with timeless tailoring and impeccable finish.
Max Mara — for sculptural, investment eveningwear when you want structure and longevity.

TWO INDEPENDENT LABELS I LOVE

RIXO — a London independent built on hand-painted, vintage-inspired prints and romantic silhouettes; spiritually Temperley's little sister.
The Vampire's Wife — the cult British label behind those dramatic, ruffled occasion dresses, all bohemian flounce and theatrical romance.

Stop Guessing Your Size — Let Tellar Do It

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool: your body matched exactly to 1,500-plus brands instantly, so you never squint at a confusing size guide again. Measure once — using your bust, waist, hip, or simply a size you already own — and you're set.

Use the Store Size Lookup to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and many more.
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Plus the Tellar Fashion Hub: a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free.

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