What Is Sizing Like at Retrofête?

Retrofête generally fits true to size, but it’s cut close to the body and uses US sizing — so take your usual size and only consider going up if you’re fuller through the bust or shoulders. That’s the short answer, and if you’re hovering over a sparkly mini dress with your card already in hand, that’s probably all you came for. But Retrofête is one of those brands where the fit detail genuinely matters, so let me talk you through exactly what to expect.

I’ve styled enough party seasons to know that a Retrofête dress lives or dies by the fit. Get it right and you look like you’ve just stepped off a yacht in St Tropez. Get it wrong and you spend the whole night quietly tugging at a side zip. So here’s everything I’ve learned from dressing real bodies in this label.

How Retrofête sizing actually works

Retrofête is a New York label, founded by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin, with that unmistakable 80s-glamour-meets-modern-It-girl energy — sequins, embellished minis, blazer dresses, the lot. Because it’s American, the brand sells in US sizing, which trips up a lot of British shoppers (a US 4 is roughly a UK 8, a US 8 a UK 12). Here’s what to keep in mind:

It’s designed for a close fit. The dresses are figure-hugging by design, not loose — the silhouette is meant to skim.
The fabric often doesn’t stretch. Many sequinned and chiffon styles are non-stretch, so there’s little give if you’re caught between two sizes.
The bust is usually the tight spot. It’s the number one reason people size up. If you’re a fuller cup, the bodice is where it pulls first.
Structure and boning feature heavily. Lots of styles have internal boning so you can go braless — lovely, but it means the bodice has to sit just right.

My honest confession: the very first Retrofête piece I bought, I ordered my “normal” size and the bust gaped at the back while gripping at the front — a special kind of betrayal. I’d assumed designer meant generous. It doesn’t. I went up one size, it was perfect, and now I always check my largest measurement before I commit.

Should you size up or down?

For most people, true to size is right. But to fine-tune it:

Size up if you’re broader through the bust, have wider shoulders, or simply prefer a little breathing room in a non-stretch fabric.
Stay true for slip dresses, blazer styles and anything described as relaxed.
Mind the length. The minis are properly mini — if you’re tall, factor that in before a big night out.

If you’re ever unsure, work from your bust measurement rather than your dress size, because that’s where Retrofête runs snug.

Where to shop if you love the Retrofête look

Not everyone wants to spend several hundred pounds on one sequinned moment — and you don’t have to. Here’s where I’d send clients depending on budget, from high street up to designer.

High street

Coast — my first stop for embellished occasion dresses; sequins and structure at a fraction of the price.
Phase Eight — beautifully made occasionwear with grown-up sparkle.
Monsoon — genuinely underrated for embellished party dresses and sequins.
Mango — its party edit nails the expensive-looking going-out dress on a budget.
Reiss — for the sleeker, blazer-dress side of the Retrofête aesthetic.
Ted Baker — bold embellishment and occasion frocks done well.
River Island — the place for fun, glittery, throw-it-on going-out numbers.
Nobody’s Child — sustainable sparkle and sequins, often under £100.

Premium

Sandro — Parisian polish with a party-ready edge.
Maje — embellished, sequinned and unmistakably French-girl glamorous.
Ba&sh — feminine occasion dresses that feel special without shouting.

Luxury / designer

Self-Portrait — arguably the closest high-glamour alternative; embellished minis made for a night out.
16Arlington — sequins and drama in the most directional way.
Halpern — pure disco glamour if you want full Studio 54.

Two for the fashion magpies

And because I never send anyone away with only the obvious names:

Olivia Rubin — a brilliant British independent obsessed with sequins, rainbow brights and feel-good party dressing.
Taller Marmo — a cult occasion label for statement gowns and kaftans that turn a wedding-guest outfit into the main event.

How Tellar takes the guesswork out

Here’s the thing — even with all my advice, the only way to be truly certain is to match your own measurements to the brand. That’s exactly what we built Tellar for: the UK’s leading sizing tool, matching your body to over 1,500 brands instantly, so you never have to squint at a size guide again.

Measure once — using your bust, waist or hip, or simply your existing size in a brand you already own.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more.
Always free, no downloads needed — it works straight in your browser.

There’s also the Tellar Fashion Hub: a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free — style advice, top picks and the best brands for every occasion.

Stop guessing your Retrofête size

Match your body to 1,500+ brands in seconds. Always honest, always unbiased, always free.

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