What Is Sizing Like at Lavish Alice?

BY ELLA BLAKE — FASHION STYLIST | TELLAR FASHION HUB — ALWAYS HONEST, UNBIASED & UNSPONSORED

Lavish Alice runs small to true-to-size — particularly in their structured corset dresses and tailored jumpsuits, where I'd confidently recommend sizing up if you're between sizes or carry any volume in the bust or hips. The brand itself even advises it: if you're in doubt, go up. Trust me, it's good advice.

I've had a complicated relationship with Lavish Alice. The first time I ordered — a stunning black corset blazer dress for a work event — I arrogantly stuck to my usual size 10. Reader, the zip did not close. Not even close. I returned it, ordered the 12, and it looked incredible. Lesson very much learned. Since then I've sent countless clients their way, always with that same warning: check the garment type and size up on the structured stuff.

Why the Sizing Varies Across the Range

Here's the thing about Lavish Alice — it's not a one-size-rule-fits-all brand. Their collection spans everything from fluid satin co-ords to seriously boned and structured corsetry, and those two categories fit very differently on the body.

Corset and boned styles — these tend to run the smallest. The boning and internal structure don't have much give, so if your waist-to-hip ratio is more pronounced, you'll almost certainly want to size up.
Jumpsuits and tailored trousers — again, sizing up is the safer bet. The waist through hips can feel snug in your usual size, and there's nothing worse than a jumpsuit you can't actually sit down in comfortably.
Satin co-ords and slip dresses — these are generally more forgiving. The fabric has a natural drape and slight stretch, so true-to-size usually works well here.
Blazer dresses and structured midi dresses — go true-to-size if you have a straighter frame, but size up if you have a fuller bust or hips.
Knit and stretch bodysuits — these are the most forgiving pieces in the range. Most customers find their usual size works perfectly.

The Garment-By-Garment Verdict

Dresses: The corset and bodycon dresses are Lavish Alice's signature, and they're genuinely gorgeous — but they are cut for a more nipped-in silhouette. If you have a fuller bust (think D cup and above), I'd size up without hesitation. The corset detailing flatters beautifully once you're in the right size; it's truly one of the most elegant high-street-price brands for an occasion dress. Just don't wrestle your way in.

Jumpsuits: Probably the best piece they do, in my opinion — and customer reviews consistently back this up. The tailored jumpsuit silhouette works brilliantly for hourglass shapes and is surprisingly flattering on athletic frames too. The waist of the jumpsuit can be quite nipped, so if you have hips wider than your waist, size up by one. Once you're in the right size, the proportions are genuinely outstanding.

Co-ords and Sets: One of the smartest things about co-ord sets is that you can (and should) mix sizes if needed. Many customers size up on the trousers or skirt and take their usual size on the top. Lavish Alice separates are sold individually on their site, which makes this really easy to do.

Blazer Dresses: These are more structured but have a little more room in the cut than the corset styles. True-to-size works for most body types here, but if you have a broader shoulder or a fuller chest, the next size up will sit better across the back.

The Size Range

Lavish Alice runs from a UK 6 to a UK 18/20 depending on the style, with most pieces available up to a UK 16. It's worth noting that their plus-size range is more limited than some comparable brands — if you're a UK 18 or above, availability can be patchy, so check individual product pages carefully before you commit. Hopefully something they expand on over time, because the cuts really would translate beautifully across a wider size range.

Best Alternatives at the High Street

If Lavish Alice's sizing just isn't working for you, or you want to shop a similar corset-and-occasion aesthetic at slightly more accessible price points, here's where I'd send you:

Phase Eight — consistently brilliant for structured occasion dresses with a refined edge. Their sizing is generous and reliable, and the quality-per-pound ratio is excellent.
Coast — the original UK occasion dress queen. Great for midi and maxi lengths, more consistently true-to-size, and a very solid alternative for weddings, parties and events.
Reiss — if you want that sharp, architectural look at a slightly higher price point, Reiss cuts their tailored dresses beautifully. Generally true-to-size and excellent quality.
Ted Baker — known for flattering, feminine cuts with a consistent fit across their womenswear. A reliable option for occasion and event dressing with a similar aesthetic sensibility.
Whistles — understated and chic, with beautifully cut tailored pieces. Less maximalist than Lavish Alice but brilliant if you want occasion wear that's a little more pared back.
French Connection — their bodycon and occasion dresses punch well above their price point. The sizing is reliably true-to-size and they do a particularly good job at fitted midi silhouettes.
Hobbs — more classic, but their structured dresses and occasionwear are exceptionally well made. If you want something that will last and photograph beautifully, Hobbs is worth every penny.

Two Independent Brands Worth Knowing

Never Fully Dressed — a London-based independent label with a devoted following for good reason. Their wrap and midi dresses are designed specifically with curves in mind, with sizing that's notably more generous than many occasion brands. The prints and fabrics are gorgeous and genuinely unlike anything on the high street.
Vesper London — an under-the-radar occasion wear brand based in the UK that produces structured corset dresses, jumpsuits and co-ords at a very Lavish Alice-comparable price point. Their sizing is slightly more generous and they offer an extended size range — well worth bookmarking.

Premium & Luxury Alternatives

If you're ready to invest, Self-Portrait does the structured mini and midi dress aesthetic at a premium level — impeccable construction and the sizing is refreshingly consistent. For a step into true luxury, Roland Mouret is the gold standard for architectural occasion dressing — and yes, it's a treat, but those dresses last decades.

My Final Sizing Advice for Lavish Alice

If you're between sizes: always size up, especially for structured and corset styles
Fuller bust? Size up, then use the corset lacing to cinch the waist back in
For co-ords and sets: mix sizes across top and bottom — the separates are sold individually
Satin and stretch styles: true-to-size is generally fine
Still not sure? Use the Tellar Store Size Lookup tool — it'll give you your exact Lavish Alice size based on your measurements in seconds

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