Size guide

The letters, in numbers

Measure over underwear, tape parallel to the floor, and do not pull it tight. Bust at the fullest point, waist at the natural narrowest (usually an inch above the navel), hips at the widest point of the seat.

Cut by cut

Velvet and bodycon

No forgiveness in the fabric, so the bust number decides alone. If your bust says M and your hips say L, take the M in an A-line velvet cut (the skirt flares past the hips anyway) and the L in the sweater dresses.

Smocked and empire waists

The smocking panel stretches a full size in both directions. Between sizes, the smaller one holds its shape better through the day; the larger one is the call only if you dislike feeling the elastic.

Rompers

The one category where height matters more than width: the torso length is fixed. Over about 5'8", size up even if the chart says otherwise; the extra room goes into the rise, not the waist.

Oversized crewnecks and the wide leg pant

Already cut a size roomy. Order your letter for the intended slouch, one down for a standard fit. The pants have an elastic waist: pick by hips, not waist.

The knit hat

One size, stretching from about 48 to 60 cm of head circumference, which covers nearly every adult. The pompom detaches for washing.

If it still feels like a coin flip

Order both sizes and return one. Returns run through the retailer’s order page and cost a few minutes; a dress that fits wrong costs a whole evening. Keep the tags on until the winner is decided.