We are just a few days out from the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale and I’ve been getting quite a few questions about sizing, so I put together this Lilly Pulitzer Sizing Guide to hopefully help you if you are new to shopping Lilly or new to some of these styles.
Don’t forget to check out part 2 of this sizing guide for new items I’ve recently added to my closet as well as reader-submitted recommendations.
My measurements:
Size 4
5’2″
34A Chest
26 waist
Lilly Pulitzer Sizing Guide
Skipper Popover
Print: Cheek to Cheek
This is my first time owning a Skipper Popover from Lilly, but I really like it. It’s a good weight where you cans till layer underneath it but also wear it on its own. I am wearing a size small and realistically I could have done an XS since it is a little long and big in the sleeves but I figured it would shrink a tad in the wash so I sized up just to be safe.
Madia Tunic Dress
Print: Scuba Doo
I was hesitant about this dress when I initially pulled it out of the package but when I tried it on I had a change of heart. It is very thin and unlined, but perfect for those super hot summers in the south or a beach vacay when you are sunburnt and need something lightweight.
It’s a little bit longer in length too than some of the other Lilly dresses which I actually really like. I am wearing a size small and I would say it runs true to size.
Elsa Tops
Print 1: Sweet Pea
Print 2: Toe In
Elsa tops are one of my favorite items from Lilly because I think they are so easy to wear and style. If you are new to Lilly I highly recommend starting with one of these tops first.
They are 100% silk and dry clean only but they are very lightweight and always come in so many different prints during the sale. I also love the bubble sleeves and the gold button detail.
Runs true to size – Wearing a Size Small
Marli Stretch Shift Dress
Print: In The Beginning
This Marli Stretch Shift dress definitely runs on the shorter side, but still true to size. I am wearing a size 4. Unlike the regular Marli, this is the strech version so has a little more give to the fabric. The print is a pop-up print from a collection in the summer of 2019. The In The Beginning print tells the store of Lilly and how it all started with a juice stand in illustration/print form. This is definitely a staple piece for Lilly lovers.
Luxletic Leggings
Print: Coastal Blue Lion Around
This is my first time to try the Luxletic leggings from Lilly and I really like them. They are high waisted and run true to size (wearing a small). I believe they are supposed to be capri length but they hit right above the ankles on me.
The next few pieces are pieces that are unconfirmed in the After Party Sale but I believe will be in the sale.
Holloway Maxi Dress
Print: Flamingle
This maxi dress is unique for Lilly because of the collar, the sleeves, and the maxi length. I am wearing an XS and it fits snug but perfect. It’s cotton stretch material so there is a lot of give in the fabric. I opted for the XS mainly for length and it’s still VERY long, luckily it can be hemmed pretty easy or you can always wear wedges.
Izzy Skirt
Print: Blue Haven Little Flamenco
Lenox Button Down Top
Both of these pieces from true to size and I am wearing a 4 in both. The skirt sits right at the top of the hips and the top is unlined but with nude undergarments, you can’t see anything in detail. Honestly, perfect for REALLY hot days, but not work appropriate.
Dasha Sweater
I bought the Dasha Sweater in March/April of this year, so I have a really good feeling this is going to be in the sale. Since it is more of a fitted sweater I went for a size small and it fits perfect. This sweater originally came in 3-4 colorways so I am expecting to see some of them pop up again in the APS.
Martine Sweater
The Martine sweater has more of an oversized fit so I opted to get an XS, so I would definitely recommend sizing down on this one. I am thinking it’s going to make an appearance in a different color for the sale.
I also was asked how I wash this one. I wash this on cold delicate and lay flat to dry.
Elba Sweater
The Elba Sweater fits almost identical to the Martine Sweater with it being oversized. This sweater’s sleeves are 3/4 rather than long sleeves though. also got a size XS in this sweater and I am predicting it to be in a different color for the sale.
These next few items are styles that I think might make an appearance but the prints are very old so very unlikely to appear. I still want to share about the fit though so if you find a piece in this style you know how to shop.
Meg Top
Print: Beach Bathers
The Meg Top is actually one of the first pieces I bought from Lilly during the After Party Sale. I thought I was buying an Elsa and didn’t realize it until it came in. The Meg is VERY similar to the Elsa but generally cheaper because instead of silk it’s cotton and it also doesn’t have the gold buttons. If you are looking for a cheaper lower maintenance option than the Meg is perfect for you.
Typically these show up in a few prints and a few solid colors.
Jackie Shift Dress
Print: It’s Impawsible
Jackie Shift Dresses typically come in 100% silk similar to the Elsas, however, this print came in 100% rayon. I am wearing an XS and would probably recommend getting my normal size of a small because it’s a little tight around the arms.
This print is unlikely to be included because it was in the last sale but if you see snag it because there are probably a limited number of them.
Cathy Shift Dress
Print: Southern Charm
There is a 99.9% chance this print will not be included. I don’t want to say 100% because Lilly always has surprises but I highly doubt it! However, this style has a strong chance of showing up because it’s a classic silhouette.
The Cathy Shift Dress is the epitome of what I think of when I think of Lilly Pulitzer. It runs true to size and is lined and more structured. I’m wearing a size 4.
Mango Lace Shift Dress
The Mango Lace Shift Dress brings me so many memories because I wore it a lot as a bride. It is several years old but this style seems to always pop up during the sale. I am wearing an XS and it runs a bit snug more like a true 0. I would recommend getting your normal size or even sizing up one to be safe if you on the fence.
Fontaine Dress
The Fontaine Dress is my go-to wedding guest dress and I definitely don’t think this color will be available I think we might see limited sizes of a different color. It doesn’t scream Lilly but the quality and the fit is spot on. I highly recommend keeping your eyes out for this one!
If it does come in white than my brides NEED to snatch this one up for showers and your rehearsal dinner!
I hope this is helpful and helps you feel more prepared for the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale! As you can see, I pretty much jump back and forth from an extra small to a small pending the item and the fit. During the After Party Sale, all sales are final, so when in doubt I always size up because I would rather it be too big and I get it altered than too small.
Get ready for the After Party Sale with some other helpful blog posts:
Lilly Pulitzer Sizing Guide Part 2
Inside Scoop of the Lilly Pulitzer Sale September 2020
6 Things To Know Before Shopping The Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale
Tips For Shopping The Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale
7 Things To Stock Up On During the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale
Get the scoop on Lilly’s After Party Sale FAQ’s here!
Laura says
Hi I’m 5’1 about 132 lbs how much do u weigh just wondering if the size u bought would fit me as well cause u are 1 inch taller than me
Linda Makofski says
I’m 5’1″ 120 lbs 39-40″ bust but wear a normal 6 to 8 size bottom. When I try to buy size 12 Lilly dresses or XL Lilly dresses I find they don’t always fit my bust size. This is very irritating. Especially if I want to buy my Lilly Pulitzer Second Hand. I can’t afford them new.
I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOUR SIZING AT ALL! Some size 12’s can vary from 34″-40″ It is exhausting.
Kindest Regards,
Linda Makofski
Angela says
Hi Linda! I think Lilly sizing definitely varies by style. I do not work for Lilly, I just share my knowledge to hopefully help other shoppers. I would recommend joining one of the Lilly Facebook groups (there are several) to see what other women recommend. I find the groups to be very diverse in age, size, etc. and find it to be a great resource!