What Is Sizing Like at Hope & Ivy?

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

Hope & Ivy runs true to standard UK sizing, but cuts close to the body — particularly through the bodice and waist — so if you're fuller in the bust or carry weight across your back, sizing up one is genuinely worth considering. I've styled women in Hope & Ivy for weddings, parties and garden dos for years, and the fit question comes up every single time. Here's what you actually need to know.

The Brand in Brief: What Hope & Ivy Is Known For

Hope & Ivy is a British occasionwear brand best known for its feminine midi dresses, bold florals, wrap styles and embellished pieces. It sits in that sweet spot between high street and boutique — it's the sort of brand you discover on ASOS at 11pm while hunting for a wedding guest outfit, and then end up buying three dresses from. (Not speaking from personal experience at all.)

The label is particularly beloved for its print work — richly coloured florals, abstract patterns, and the kind of draped wrap styles that flatter a huge range of body shapes. Prices typically sit between £50 and £120, which feels fair for the level of finish.

How the Sizing Actually Works

Hope & Ivy follows standard UK sizing from size 6 to 18, and for the most part, the numbers are accurate. Where things get interesting — or occasionally frustrating — is in the cut. Their dresses are designed to be close-fitting through the midriff, which means the fit experience can differ quite a bit depending on your proportions:

Bust: This is the area most women flag. The bodice on Hope & Ivy wrap dresses, especially the wrapover styles, runs quite narrow. If you're a D cup or above, I'd strongly suggest sizing up and using the tie or waist detail to adjust the fit. A size 12 dress on a 12 frame with a D+ bust will likely feel uncomfortably snug across the chest.
Waist and hips: Generally accurate to size, and actually very forgiving thanks to the popularity of wrap and A-line silhouettes in the range. These styles naturally skim rather than cling, which works brilliantly for a range of shapes.
Shoulders and length: Hope & Ivy tends to design for a standard 5'5"–5'7" frame. If you're petite (5'3" and under), a midi may hit at an awkward length — nearer the ankle than intended. If you're 5'9" or taller, the midi will likely sit above the knee, which completely changes the look. Worth checking the length measurements on individual products.
Stretch and fabric: Most pieces use woven fabrics — crepe, chiffon, satin — rather than stretchy jersey, so there's little forgiveness in the fabric itself. If you're on the cusp of two sizes, go up.

My Stylist Verdict: Who Does Hope & Ivy Work Best For?

In my experience, Hope & Ivy is at its absolute best on women with a defined waist and a smaller bust — the wrap and tie-waist styles were practically designed for that shape. But don't write it off if that's not you. I've styled clients who are fuller-figured in Hope & Ivy wrap dresses and they've looked stunning — it just takes knowing your size and trusting the wrap tie to do the work.

The brand is also brilliant for women who want to look put-together without trying too hard. A Hope & Ivy floral midi, a block heel and a clutch and you're done. That's it. No styling faff required.

Where it's less suited: very petite women who need specific length proportions, and anyone needing a more structured, boned or heavily corseted look — Hope & Ivy's aesthetic is soft and drapey, not architectural.

Where to Find Similar Styles — My Honest Brand Picks

Whether Hope & Ivy doesn't stock your size, sells out before you can order (it happens constantly, especially on sale), or you simply want to shop around, here are my genuinely recommended alternatives, sorted by budget.

● HIGH STREET

Monsoon — The natural spiritual sister to Hope & Ivy. Florals, wrap dresses, embellished occasionwear in a flattering range of sizes. Sizing is true and often more generous through the bust. An absolute go-to for wedding guest dressing.
Coast — Brilliant for occasion and event dressing. More structured than Hope & Ivy but equally feminine, with a solid size range. Great for black-tie and formal events where you need something polished.
French Connection — Reliable for sleek, wearable occasion pieces. Their fit-and-flare and wrap dress styles often overlap with Hope & Ivy's aesthetic, at similar or slightly lower price points. Sizing runs true.
Warehouse — Consistently good for print dresses and midi styles. Strong edit for wedding guests and summer events. Sizing is accurate to UK standard and tends to be slightly more accommodating through the bust than Hope & Ivy.
Whistles — A step towards the premium end of the high street, but worth including here. Elegant occasion dresses in muted, sophisticated prints. Excellent quality for the price, and the fit is consistently true to size.
Topshop — Available through ASOS, and still a great source of occasion dresses with a more youthful, trend-led edge. If you like Hope & Ivy's prints but want something with a bit more fashion-forward energy, check here first.
River Island — Solid for occasion and party dresses at an accessible price point. Tends to cut slightly smaller through the waist and hips, so worth sizing up if in doubt.

● PREMIUM

Ted Baker — The premium equivalent of Hope & Ivy's aesthetic. Beautiful print work, ultra-feminine midi dresses, and superb quality. If you love the Hope & Ivy look but want a step up in fabric and finish, Ted Baker is the answer. Sizing tends to run small — go up one.
Phase Eight — My top recommendation for occasions where you need to look genuinely elegant. Impeccable quality, flattering cuts, and a size range that goes up to a 22. Sizing is true and consistent. A brand I recommend to clients constantly.
LK Bennett — Polished, sophisticated, and brilliant for smart events, race days, and weddings. Their wrap and shift dresses are iconic for a reason. Sizes true to UK standard with a narrower fit through the shoulders.
Anthropologie — For the woman who wants something a little more individual. Beautiful prints, boho-luxe occasion dresses, and unique details you won't find on the high street. Sizing is US-based, so always check the conversion.

● LUXURY & DESIGNER

Self-Portrait — If you want the Hope & Ivy aesthetic taken to its most elevated form, Self-Portrait is the answer. Intricate lace, broderie anglaise, and structured midi dresses with impeccable finishing. Investment pricing, but genuinely stunning. Sizes run small — go up one, sometimes two.
Zimmermann — The Australian brand beloved by every fashion editor going. Floral prints, feminine silhouettes, luxe fabrics. Eye-wateringly expensive but the quality justifies it. Sizing runs small and tends to be cut for a petite frame — check their specific size guide carefully.

Two Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Kitri Studio — A London-based independent brand doing seriously beautiful occasion dresses. Think rich colours, interesting textures, and cuts that are genuinely flattering across a range of shapes. Sizing is true to UK standard and their fit notes on each product are detailed and helpful. A brilliant find if you haven't come across them.
Olivia Rubin — Bold, unapologetically joyful prints and party dresses from a British designer label. If you're drawn to Hope & Ivy's print work but want something a bit more fashion-led and distinctive, Olivia Rubin delivers. Sizing is consistent and true to size, and the pieces photograph beautifully — important if you're buying for a wedding or event.

Not Sure of Your Size in Hope & Ivy? Tellar Sorts It Instantly

Sizing varies across every brand — and Hope & Ivy's close-cut bodices make getting it right genuinely important. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading free sizing tool. Enter your measurements once and get your exact size matched across 1,500+ brands instantly. No more size guides. No more ordering two sizes and sending one back.

Measure once — bust, waist, hips, or your current size in a brand you already know
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your precise size in Hope & Ivy, Ted Baker, Phase Eight, Coast and 1,500+ more
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Tellar Fashion Hub | Written by Ella Blake | All posts are independent, honest and unsponsored. Tellar may earn affiliate commission from some links — this never influences our editorial recommendations.