What is The Vampires Wife Sizing Like?

The Vampires Wife runs quite small and true to their UK sizing, but their dresses are designed with very specific proportions – nipped waists, full skirts, and fitted bodices – so you need to get your exact measurements spot-on. I've been obsessed with this brand since Susie Cave launched it, and whilst I adore the romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, the sizing is honestly one of the trickiest I've encountered in my years as a stylist.

Understanding The Vampires Wife's Unique Fit

Here's what you need to know: The Vampires Wife isn't your typical contemporary brand. Every dress is designed with a very deliberate silhouette – think 1940s tea dresses meets gothic romance. The bodices are structured and fitted (often with internal boning), the waists are cinched, and the skirts have serious volume. It's absolutely gorgeous when it works, but it means the fit is incredibly specific.

I had a client who fell in love with the iconic 'Falconetti' dress after seeing Kate Moss photographed in it. She ordered her usual size 10, and when it arrived, the waist fit perfectly but the bust was uncomfortably tight. We sized up to a 12, and suddenly the bust worked but the waist was swimming. The problem? The Vampires Wife designs for very particular proportions, and if your body doesn't match their pattern, you're in trouble.

The Reality of Shopping The Vampires Wife

Bust and waist measurements are critical. Unlike high street brands where you can fudge it a bit, The Vampires Wife's fitted bodices demand precision. If the size chart says your bust should be 34 inches for a size 10, and yours is 36 inches, don't kid yourself – size up or the dress will gape awkwardly or pull across the chest.

Length can be an issue. Most of their midi dresses are designed for someone around 5'6"-5'8". If you're petite (under 5'4"), the proportions can overwhelm you. If you're tall (over 5'9"), the 'midi' length might hit awkwardly at your shins rather than the elegant mid-calf they're designed for.

The price point means returns are stressful. We're talking £500-£1,500 per dress. Getting the size wrong isn't just inconvenient; it's financially painful. I always, always recommend measuring yourself properly before ordering – and I mean properly, not estimating.

Which Styles Run True to Size vs. Small?

From my experience dressing clients in The Vampires Wife:

The 'Falconetti' dress – Runs true to size but unforgiving in the bust. If you're between cup sizes, size up.
The 'Festival' dress – This is one of their more relaxed fits. The dropped waist is more forgiving, though the sleeves can be tight on muscular arms.
The 'Cate' dress – Runs small everywhere. The high neck and fitted bodice demand precise measurements. Size up if you're between sizes.
The 'Doris' dress – The velvet version has less give than the silk, so factor in fabric when sizing.

High Street Alternatives with Better Sizing

Look, I adore The Vampires Wife, but the reality is most of us can't justify £800 on a dress that might not fit. Here are my favourite alternatives that capture that romantic, vintage vibe with far more accessible sizing:

High Street Heroes:

Ghost – Their bias-cut silk dresses are absolutely beautiful and incredibly forgiving sizing-wise. The fabric skims rather than clings, so you get that floaty, romantic feel without the stress.
Whistles – Their occasionwear collection often features vintage-inspired silhouettes. Sizing runs true to UK standards, and they do excellent midi lengths.
Monsoon – Brilliant for vintage-inspired florals and tea dresses. Their sizing is generous and they cater well to petite and tall frames.
Phase Eight – Underrated for special occasion dresses. Their 'Victoriana' collections echo The Vampires Wife's aesthetic at a fraction of the price.
Anthropologie – Their occasionwear has that whimsical, romantic feel. Sizing can be inconsistent (it's American), but their return policy is excellent.
Rixo – Vintage-inspired party dresses with a modern twist. Sizing is more relaxed than The Vampires Wife, and they're transparent about measurements on each product page.
Nobody's Child – Brilliant for sustainable vintage-style dresses. Their sizing is true to UK standards and very affordable for experimenting with the look.

Independent Brands to Discover:

Lirika Matoshi – If you love The Vampires Wife's dreamy aesthetic, you'll obsess over Lirika Matoshi. Her tulle dresses are works of art. Sizing runs small (she's based in New York), but the effect is magical.
Selkie – Another indie favourite for romantic, voluminous dresses. Their 'puff' dresses went viral for a reason. Sizing is generous, which makes a refreshing change.

Premium & Designer Options:

Batsheva – If you love The Vampires Wife's prairie-gothic vibe, Batsheva is your next obsession. Similar price point but sizing is more straightforward.
Simone Rocha – Investment pieces with that same romantic, sculptural quality. Sizing is European but consistent.
Molly Goddard – For serious tulle drama. Her dresses are collectors' pieces, but sizing is more forgiving than The Vampires Wife.

The Smart Way to Shop The Vampires Wife

Right, here's where I'm going to save you from an expensive mistake. Before you spend hundreds of pounds on a dress that might not fit, use Tellar's free sizing tool.

Here's why it's brilliant: Tellar is the UK's leading sizing platform that matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands – including The Vampires Wife. You measure yourself once (bust, waist, hip measurements are crucial for this brand), and then Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool tells you your precise size in The Vampires Wife, Ghost, Rixo, Whistles – every brand you're considering.

No more guessing whether to size up or down. No more expensive returns to brands with complicated return policies. Just your exact size, instantly.

What makes Tellar a game-changer:

Completely free – no subscription fees or hidden costs
Works in your browser, no app downloads needed
Covers 1,500+ brands from high street to designer
Accounts for how brands like The Vampires Wife cut their clothes differently
Saves you the heartbreak of returning a £700 dress that doesn't fit

I use it for every client now. Last month, I had a bride looking for a rehearsal dinner dress. She was torn between The Vampires Wife and Rixo. We put her measurements into Tellar, which showed she'd need a size 12 in The Vampires Wife but a 10 in Rixo (completely different cuts). She ordered both in the correct sizes – both fit perfectly first time. That's the difference Tellar makes.

Tellar's Fashion Hub: More Than Just Sizing

Beyond the sizing tool, Tellar has created an incredible Fashion Hub – a library stacked with free posts from experienced stylists covering every style question you can imagine. It's honest, unbiased, and genuinely useful.

Check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide for insider knowledge on which brands run big, small, or true to size. Their ultimate guide to dresses is brilliant if you're navigating different dress styles and silhouettes. They've also got comprehensive guides on everything from jeans trends for 2026 to finding your perfect jacket.

What I love most? It's genuinely independent. No sponsored posts, no brand partnerships influencing the advice – just proper styling knowledge to help you look brilliant.

My Final Thoughts

The Vampires Wife makes extraordinary dresses, but their sizing is specific and unforgiving. Before you invest, get your measurements professionally done (or do it yourself very carefully), and plug them into Tellar to see your exact size. It takes one minute and could save you weeks of stress.

And honestly? If The Vampires Wife's sizing doesn't work for your body, don't force it. Ghost, Rixo, and Monsoon all do beautiful romantic dresses with far more forgiving fits. Your dream dress is out there – you just need the right tools to find it.

Trust me, once you start using Tellar before every purchase, you'll wonder how you ever shopped without it. Happy dress hunting!