What Is Sizing Like at Saint Genies? A Stylist's Honest Guide

BRAND SIZING GUIDE · OCCASION & PARTY WEAR

By Ella Blake — Senior Fashion Stylist & Founder | TellarAlways honest, unbiased, & unsponsored

Saint Genies runs true to size for most women, but because the brand designs for a close, body-skimming fit — particularly in its dresses and co-ords — I'd recommend sizing up one if you're between sizes, carry weight on your hips, or prefer a little room to breathe when you dance.

I'll be honest: Saint Genies wasn't on my radar until a client asked me to help her style an outfit for a big birthday dinner in Manchester and came in clutching a bag from their site. I was immediately struck by how polished the pieces were — structured blazer dresses, sleek co-ords, plunging satin numbers — all at a price point that wouldn't give you palpitations. But I also noticed pretty quickly that the fit is designed with very little give. This is not a brand for the faint-hearted, and knowing how to size yourself is half the battle.

Who Is Saint Genies?

Saint Genies is a Manchester-based going-out and occasion brand — think glossy party dresses, structured blazers, sharp co-ords and body-hugging satin pieces. It sits in a sweet spot between high street and boutique: the prices feel accessible, but the aesthetic is very much Instagram-polished. The brand is stocked on ASOS and its own website, and it's built a loyal following among women who want a proper occasion look without spending designer money.

The range spans UK 4 to 16, with most pieces designed with a tailored, close-fitting silhouette. That last bit is important — it's what makes the sizing conversation so crucial.

Is Saint Genies True to Size?

Generally, yes — Saint Genies follows standard UK sizing, so your usual size should land well in terms of measurements. But here's the catch I always flag with clients: the brand designs specifically for a snug, bodycon-adjacent fit. The garments are cut to sit close to the body, which means there isn't a lot of wriggle room if you fall between two sizes.

My standing advice? If you're a solid size 10, order a 10 and you'll be fine. If you're a 10/12 and hold more weight on your hips or thighs, go to the 12. Saint Genies is not a brand that rewards optimism on sizing — I've seen clients order a size down hoping for a "really fitted" look and end up with something that looks strained across the hip. Not the vibe.

Stylist's tip: The brand's blazer dresses and structured styles tend to be slightly more forgiving than the satin and jersey numbers — these have more structure which can give a little more room across the body. Stick to your true size on these and save the "is this too tight?" debate for the mirror, not the delivery box.

Fit by Garment Type

DRESSES

Mini and midi dresses tend to be cut very close to the body — especially satin and jersey styles. True to size is the safest bet, but size up if you're fuller in the hips.
Structured blazer dresses have a little more give — these are great if you're between sizes as the tailoring means they sit well across the bust without pulling.
Bodycon styles run exactly as advertised — fitted. There's minimal stretch, so your measurements really do matter here.

CO-ORDS & SEPARATES

Blazer-style co-ords tend to run close to size — but if you have a larger bust, a size up in the top half is worth it.
Trouser sets are cut quite slim through the leg. If you're between sizes, size up — you can always belt a waist, but you can't unpeel a trouser that's too tight on the thigh.
Crop top pieces tend to be very small in the body — the sizing leans towards a more slender build. I'd go true to size and check the length; I've found they can be short even on a petite frame.

OUTERWEAR & BLAZERS

Blazers size fairly accurately for a slim-fitted silhouette. If you want a slightly oversized, more relaxed look (very current), go up one. If you plan to layer a blouse underneath, size up regardless.
Quality is solid for the price point — the structure holds well and doesn't collapse after a few wears, which is more than I can say for some pieces in this category.

A Sizing Fail I've Actually Had

I have to confess my own Saint Genies moment here. I ordered a satin midi dress ahead of an awards event — I know my measurements well and went true to size, but I didn't factor in that this particular dress had a split cut higher than the website suggested. On stage collecting an award with a slit almost at hip height wasn't quite the look I was going for. The moral of the story: read the full product description, check the split height, and always — always — factor in how you're going to move in the outfit. Going-out fashion is built for standing in. I needed to be walking.

Lesson learned. I now recommend Saint Genies specifically for dinner parties, birthday nights out, and press events — anywhere you're mostly standing, looking glam and not doing the Macarena.

Saint Genies Alternatives: High Street Picks

If Saint Genies doesn't have quite what you're after — or you want to compare fit before committing — these are the brands I'd point you to for a similar going-out aesthetic:

River Island — Probably the closest aesthetic match on the high street. The party dresses section is strong, the sizing is consistent, and their bodycon cuts run in a very similar mould to Saint Genies.
ASOS — A brilliant comparison shop if you're unsure on sizing — you can order Saint Genies alongside comparable styles and return what doesn't work. Their own-brand occasion pieces are really competitive.
Topshop — Still one of the best for party occasion pieces. The blazer dresses and co-ords are particularly good and sit in a similar fit category to Saint Genies.
Coast — If you want a step up in quality and a slightly more sophisticated occasion look — less "night out," more "wedding guest with edge." Sizing here tends to be generous, which can be a relief after Saint Genies' snug cut.
French Connection — Great for sleek, minimal occasion dressing. Their jersey and satin pieces are cut well and size fairly consistently — a reliable choice for a polished evening look.
Warehouse — Often overlooked, but genuinely good for the kind of structured, modern going-out look that Saint Genies does well. The quality-to-price ratio is strong.
Oasis — Back online and worth revisiting. Their occasion and going-out edit has a slightly softer aesthetic than Saint Genies but pulls off the same kind of event-ready glamour at a similar price.
Ted Baker — If budget allows a slight stretch, Ted Baker nails elegant going-out dressing. Sizing tends to run small — I usually suggest going up one from your usual size here.

Premium Alternatives

If you want to invest a little more for better fabric and longevity:

Self-Portrait — The gold standard for occasion dressing in this price tier. Beautifully constructed, and the sizing is consistent once you learn the brand. They typically run true to size with a slim-fitted cut.
Rotate Birger Christensen — Danish label with a serious party-dress pedigree. The sequin and satin pieces are spectacular, and the quality is a visible step up from high street going-out wear.
Reiss — For a more elevated, grown-up version of the sharp blazer dress look. Sizing is fairly true and the quality is excellent. A smart investment if the Saint Genies aesthetic is your thing but you want it to last longer.

Luxury & Designer Alternatives

Galvan London — The ultimate in satin occasion dressing. If you're reaching for that Saint Genies satin energy but want something genuinely investment-worthy, Galvan is where you go. Sizing runs true, the construction is exquisite.
Retrofète — New York-born but beloved in the UK. Sequin and embellished party dresses that are frankly spectacular. Tends to run small, so always size up one here.

Two Independent Picks Worth Knowing

Lavish Alice — A genuinely independent UK brand with a very similar going-out aesthetic to Saint Genies — structured blazer dresses, co-ords, satin numbers — but with a slightly more elevated finish. Worth bookmarking if you love the Saint Genies look. Sizing is true to size.
Sistaglam — Another independent UK label with a dedicated following for occasion and going-out pieces. Great for curvy fits too — they size up well and the bodycon cuts are cut with more room in the hip and thigh than Saint Genies. A brilliant find if Saint Genies' sizing is too slim for you.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Use Tellar

Saint Genies sizing can be tricky — especially if you're between sizes or buying a cut that runs close to the body. Tellar takes the guesswork out entirely.

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