What Is Sizing Like at Goddiva?

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

Goddiva sizing is generally true to size, but with one important caveat: because most of their dresses are cut to fit closely — structured bodices, nipped waists, fitted skirts — if you’re between sizes or carry more volume on top than on the bottom (or vice versa), you may want to size up rather than risk a stressful evening of shallow breathing. I’ve seen too many clients order their usual size in a fitted sequin dress and then spend the night tugging it down. When in doubt, go up.

About Goddiva — The Brand in Brief

Goddiva is a British occasionwear brand that’s built a genuinely impressive following over the past decade. Think evening gowns, midi dresses, prom styles, bridesmaid options, and a lot of sequins. It positions itself as “red carpet fashion for everyone,” and honestly? For the price point, it often delivers. The dresses are glamorous, the quality is better than you’d expect, and the range covers sizes 6 through to 24, which I always appreciate — occasionwear should be inclusive, full stop.

I’ve recommended Goddiva to a number of clients over the years who need something spectacular on a budget. One client wore a floor-length Goddiva gown to a black-tie dinner and was stopped three times to be asked who she was wearing. She paid £65 for it. That’s the Goddiva magic when it works.

How Does Goddiva Sizing Actually Work?

Goddiva uses standard UK sizing throughout, which is a relief compared to some brands that suddenly decide to go Italian or American on you with zero warning. Their size range runs from a UK 6 to a UK 24 across most styles, and they also have a dedicated plus-size line.

Here’s a rough guide to Goddiva’s sizing measurements:

UK SizeBust (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)679–8161–6386–88883–8565–6790–921087–8969–7194–961292–9474–7699–1011497–9979–81104–10616102–10484–86109–11118108–11090–92115–11720114–11696–98121–123

My advice: always measure yourself properly before ordering rather than relying on your usual high street size. Goddiva’s garments are fitted by design — there’s not a lot of ease built in — so being a centimetre or two over on the bust or hip can make a real difference to how comfortable you feel in the dress.

Which Goddiva Styles Run Smaller?

Not all Goddiva dresses are equal when it comes to fit. Here’s where I’d be more cautious:

Bodycon and fitted midi/mini dresses — these are cut with minimal ease, so if you’re on the larger end of a size, go up. There is no forgiveness in a bodycon at a wedding if you’ve had the starter.
Structured corset-bodice styles — interestingly, these often fit more reliably because the boning gives you defined structure. Many customers report these feel great true to size.
Wrap and ruched styles — the most forgiving silhouette in the range; these tend to accommodate a wider range of bodies within a size.
Sequin column dresses — the fabric has minimal stretch, so size up if you’re between sizes. Trust me on this one.
Chiffon and floaty maxi styles — far more relaxed in fit; most customers find these true to size or even slightly generous.

The Proportions Problem — And How to Handle It

One thing that comes up consistently in Goddiva reviews — and I’ve seen it first-hand — is the issue of proportions. The dresses are designed for a fairly average bust-to-hip ratio. If you’re larger on top, you may find the bodice tight while the skirt fits perfectly. If you’re curvier on the hip, the reverse can happen.

My practical solution? Size to your largest measurement. A dress that’s slightly loose in the waist is infinitely preferable to one you can’t breathe in — and a good seamstress can take in a waist in under an hour for very little cost. You cannot, however, let out a dress that’s too small. I’ve learned this lesson so you don’t have to.

Goddiva’s Plus Size Range — Worth Knowing

Goddiva’s plus-size line runs from a UK 12 to a 22, with separate measurement charts that differ slightly from the mainline sizing. If you’re shopping the plus range, double-check the specific measurements for that line rather than converting from the standard chart — they aren’t always identical, and this is where I’ve seen people come unstuck.

Style Advice: Getting the Most Out of Goddiva

Goddiva is unapologetically glamorous — it doesn’t do understated. Here’s how to wear it well:

For black-tie or formal events, their floor-length gowns are genuinely excellent value. Pair with simple heels and statement earrings — the dress does all the work.
The midi-length styles in satin or velvet are brilliant for winter weddings — elegant without being overwhelming.
If you’re petite, look at their mini and knee-length styles first — some of the longer silhouettes can overwhelm a shorter frame and may need hemming.
For daytime weddings or garden parties, stick to the chiffon and floaty styles rather than the full sequin looks, which can read too heavy in daylight.

High Street Alternatives to Goddiva

If Goddiva doesn’t quite have what you’re after, or you want to compare before committing, these are the brands I’d point you towards for a similar occasionwear brief:

ASOS — the obvious comparison point; enormous range of occasionwear, often stocking Goddiva itself alongside its own-brand styles. Good for trying multiple options at once.
River Island — reliable for bold, fashion-forward occasionwear at a similar price to Goddiva. Their sequin and satin styles are consistently strong.
New Look — brilliant for budget-friendly prom and bridesmaid options; sizing tends to be generous and true to size.
Monsoon — gorgeous for weddings and occasions where you want print and colour rather than full glam; the embroidered and floral styles are beautiful and size inclusively.
Phase Eight — a step up in quality and price, but their occasion dresses are exquisitely cut. A solid choice if you want something that feels a little more polished and grown-up.
Ted Baker — premium high street with a focus on flattering, feminine cuts. Their bodycon styles in particular are cut beautifully and tend to fit consistently.
French Connection — sleek, modern occasionwear with a slightly cooler, less-maximalist energy than Goddiva. Worth a look if you want something a bit more pared back.
Coast — now available through M&S; consistently one of the best for weddings and formal occasions. The quality is excellent and sizing is reliable.

Premium and Luxury Options

If Goddiva is your starting point but you’re open to spending a little more for a special occasion, these are worth considering:

Reiss — beautifully structured occasion dresses with excellent fabric quality. Sizing is consistent and tailored for UK bodies.
LK Bennett — the go-to for wedding guest dressing at a premium level. Elegant, well-made, and with a reputation for flattering cuts across a range of figures.

Two Independent Brands Worth Discovering

These two are genuinely special and very relevant if you’re dressing for occasions:

Nadine Merabi — a Manchester-born luxury occasionwear brand that has become a genuine cult favourite. Their jumpsuits and gowns are extraordinary — heavily embellished, beautifully made, and built to stop a room. Not cheap, but absolutely worth it for a truly special event. Their sizing is consistent and detailed, and customer service is brilliant.
Needle & Thread — delicate embroidered and embellished dresses that feel ethereal and genuinely unique. If you want something that doesn’t look like anyone else’s wedding guest dress, this is it. Sizing runs fairly true; a favourite of mine for spring and summer occasions.

Stop Guessing Your Size — Use Tellar

Getting sizing right at Goddiva matters — especially when you’re ordering for a specific occasion with no wiggle room on timing. That’s exactly why Tellar exists.

Tellar is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly — from Goddiva to Phase Eight to Ted Baker and well beyond. No subscriptions, no downloads, no faff.

Measure once — your bust, waist, hips, or use an existing size you know fits well
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to instantly find your precise size across hundreds of brands
Always free — works in-browser, no account needed, available any time

Plus explore the Tellar Fashion Hub — a growing library of free, honest, unsponsored posts from our in-house stylists covering everything from brand sizing guides to trend edits to body shape advice. No ads. No sponsored content. Just proper fashion advice.

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