What is Sizing Like at Lipsy?

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

Lipsy sizes true to standard UK sizing in most cases — however, because so much of their range leans into fitted, bodycon-style occasion wear, I'd strongly advise sizing up one if you're between sizes or if you're buying anything with a close, structured cut. That small tweak has saved me more than a few pre-night-out panics.

I've been styling clients for years and Lipsy comes up regularly — it's one of those brands that genuinely delivers on occasion wear without the eye-watering price tag. But sizing can catch people out, especially if you're ordering online without trying things first. So let me break it all down properly.

Lipsy at a Glance

Lipsy is a London-based brand founded in 1988 that built its name on going-out dresses, slip styles, sequinned minis, and anything designed to make you feel like the best-dressed person in the room. They now also stock a more expanded range including workwear, knitwear, and occasionwear maxi dresses. Their sizing runs from a UK 6 to UK 18 in the mainline range, with selected styles available in a Plus range up to UK 28, and a Petite range for shorter frames.

Lipsy Size Guide — UK, US & EU Conversions

Here's a quick conversion table to help you navigate if you're shopping from outside the UK, or if you're used to thinking in EU or US sizing:

Lipsy UKUS SizeEU SizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)Hips (inches)623431–3223.5–24.533.5–34.5843633–3425.5–26.535.5–36.51063835–3627.5–28.537.5–38.51284037–3829.5–30.539.5–40.514104239–4031.5–32.541.5–42.516124441–4233.5–34.543.5–44.518144643–4435.5–36.545.5–46.5

How Different Lipsy Styles Actually Fit

Not all Lipsy pieces are created equal when it comes to fit — and this is where most of the confusion comes from. Here's my garment-by-garment honest take:

Bodycon & mini dressesThis is Lipsy's bread and butter, and where the sizing catches people out most often. The stretch is flattering but the cut is designed close to the body. If you're fuller in the hips or thighs, size up. A client of mine ordered her usual UK 12 in a ruched bodycon style and spent half the evening tugging the hem down — a UK 14 would have been perfect. Don't be precious about the number on the label.

Maxi & midaxi dressesThese tend to be more forgiving. The floatier cuts run fairly true to size, and the added length means less tension through the body. Petite versions are available and genuinely worth using if you're under 5’4” — the proportions are much better considered than just a cropped standard length.

Occasion blazers & jacketsTrue to size and actually a bit more generous in the shoulders than you might expect. These sit well and are a brilliant option for smart-casual events. Size as normal here.

Tops and knitwearFairly true to size. If you prefer a relaxed or oversized fit, go one up. The knitwear in particular has a fairly standard UK cut — nothing too fitted or too boxy.

Plus & Petite rangesLipsy's Plus range is proportioned properly (not just a scaled-up standard), which is genuinely appreciated. The Petite range adjusts hem and bodice lengths accordingly. Both are much improved from a few years ago, and I've styled clients across both ranges with great results.

My Top Tips for Getting Your Lipsy Size Right

If you're between sizes, size up — especially for bodycon or ruched styles.
Always check whether a Petite version is available before ordering standard if you're under 5’4”.
The Plus range runs in even UK sizing (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) — follow the measurement chart rather than guessing from your mainline size.
Read the fabric content: stretch fabrics will be more forgiving; structured satin or crepe won't give, so fit precisely.
If ordering for an event, order two sizes and return what doesn't work — the peace of mind is worth it.

Similar Brands to Lipsy — Where Else to Shop for Occasion Wear

Lipsy isn't always the answer — sometimes you need a slightly different price point, a more grown-up cut, or just a bit more variety. Here's what I'd point you towards, by tier:

HIGH STREET

River Island — The most similar in terms of aesthetic and price point. Their going-out dress range is consistently strong and the fit tends to be slightly more generous through the hips than Lipsy. A reliable go-to.
Coast — If you want Lipsy's occasion sensibility but slightly more polish, Coast delivers beautifully structured midi dresses and occasion wear. Sizing tends to be very true to standard UK.
Warehouse — Great for elevated party dresses that don't scream going-out. The satin slip dresses and midi options are particularly well cut and size consistently.
New Look — At a lower price point, the occasion range punches well above its weight. Size as normal; the cut is generous and the bodycon options are a touch less fitted than Lipsy's.
ASOS — The sheer breadth of occasion styles available makes this a brilliant alternative if you want more choice. Sizing is brand-by-brand so check individual guides — that's exactly why Tellar exists.
Topshop — Now available via ASOS, the Topshop occasion range has a very similar customer to Lipsy and the sizing is reliably true to UK standard.
Phase Eight — If your occasion is a wedding or a smarter event rather than a night out, Phase Eight is the natural step up. Sizing runs slightly more generously — I've seen clients comfortably in a size smaller than they expected.
Monsoon — Brilliant for bold prints and occasion dressing with a more relaxed, floaty silhouette. Sizing is true to UK standard and very consistent across their range.

PREMIUM

Ted Baker — Ted Baker uses their own size numbering (0–5 rather than UK standard) so you must check their conversion chart. The quality and cut are significantly elevated from Lipsy, and the occasion dresses are genuinely stunning. Worth it for a big event.
Reiss — Impeccably cut, particularly their structured midi dresses and satin slip styles. Sizes true to UK standard. A real investment piece option for occasions where you want to look undeniably put-together.

INDEPENDENT PICKS

Club L London — A Leeds-based brand that has quietly become one of the best going-out and occasion labels in the UK. The quality is genuinely impressive for the price, the range is vast, and the sizing runs true to UK standard. A brilliant Lipsy alternative that not enough people know about.
Girl in Mind — A smaller UK independent brand specialising in feminine occasion dresses at an accessible price. The fit is flattering and well thought through, and they're particularly good for petite and curvier frames. Well worth a look if you want something a little different to the high street mainstream.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

I built my whole approach as a stylist around taking the guesswork out of getting dressed — and Tellar.co.uk does exactly that online, for free, across 1,500+ brands.

Measure once — enter your bust, waist, hip measurements or an existing brand size you know works.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in Lipsy, River Island, Reiss, Ted Baker, ASOS — any brand, instantly.
Always free — no downloads, no subscriptions, works straight in your browser.

Plus there's the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of free posts covering every sizing question, style dilemma, and brand comparison you could need. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free.

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