ORDERS & MAKING
What does made to order mean?
Quite literally, we do not begin making your piece until you choose it. Every State of Dress piece is cut and made in London, one at a time. It is not taken from a rail of finished stock. It is made for you by someone who has been given the time to do it properly.
How long will my piece take?
Depending on the garment and the current queue, standard-size pieces are usually ready to dispatch within two to four weeks. Pieces made to custom measurements, or with adjustments to their original proportions, may take between four and six weeks. We will confirm the expected timing once your order has been placed. Delivery time begins once your piece has left us and is on its way to you.
Can I order a piece for a particular date?
Possibly. Please contact us before ordering and tell us the date you have in mind. We will check the current making schedule and let you know what is possible.
When will I be charged?
Payment is taken in full when your order is placed. For a custom order, we will first agree the measurements, requested changes, price and expected making time with you. Payment will then be taken before work begins.
Can I change my order after placing it?
Please contact us within 24 hours if you need to change a size, measurement or other order detail. After that, your piece may already have entered the cutting room and we cannot promise that further changes will be possible.
How do I choose the right size?
Our standard UK sizing runs from 6 to 14. Please use the size guide on the product page to find your size. International conversions are included. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering. It is much easier to have the conversation before the scissors come out.
What if the size chart does not quite work for me?
Size charts are useful. Women are more complicated. If you would like a piece made to your measurements, please submit a custom-order enquiry before purchasing. Where the design allows, we are very happy to accommodate custom measurements or changes to the original proportions. Prices and making times may vary.
Can every design be made to custom measurements?
Not always. Some designs are more accommodating than others, and not every dress can be altered in every way. Tell us which piece you are considering and what you would like changed. We will look at the design and let you know what is possible.
What happens after I submit a custom-order enquiry?
We will review the piece, your measurements and any changes you have requested. If the order is possible, we will confirm the agreed details, price and expected making time in writing. You will be asked to approve these before making payment. Work begins once payment has been received.
What counts as a custom-made piece?
A piece is considered custom-made when we alter the original pattern, measurements or design specifically for you. This may include changes to the bust, waist, hip, shoulder, sleeve or finished length. Choosing one of our standard UK sizes is not considered a custom order, even though the piece is made only after you have ordered it.
Delivery
Where do you deliver?
At launch, we will deliver to the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If your country is not listed at checkout, please contact us. We may still be able to help.
How much is delivery?
Delivery charges are calculated according to the destination and will be shown at checkout before payment.
How will I know when my order has been dispatched?
We will email you as soon as your piece is on its way. The dispatch email will include a tracking link so that you can follow its progress.
Will I have to pay international duties or taxes?
Orders delivered outside the UK may be subject to local import duties or taxes when they reach their destination. These charges are not included in the price of your order and are the responsibility of the recipient. As the rules vary by country, we recommend checking with your local customs authority before ordering.
Payments
What payment methods do we accept?
We accept payment from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Maestro, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay, & Klarna.
Do you accept Klarna?
Yes, we accept Klarna at checkout, so that you can spread the price of your purchase over 3 months.
Do you accept AmEx?
Yes, we accept American Express card payment at checkout.
Can I return a standard-size made-to-order piece?
Yes. Although your piece is made after you order it, choosing one of our standard sizes does not make it a custom order. Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your piece. You will then have a further 14 days to return it. It must be unworn, other than trying it on, and returned in its original condition with all labels attached. Return postage is the customer’s responsibility unless the piece is faulty or we have sent you the wrong item. We strongly recommend using a tracked service.
Can I return a custom-made piece?
Pieces made to your measurements, or altered from the original design at your request, are created specifically for you. They cannot be returned or exchanged if you change your mind. You have 24 hours after placing your order to request an amendment or cancellation. After that, fabric may have been cut and work may have begun. This does not affect your statutory rights. If your piece is faulty, not as described or has not been made to the measurements and details agreed with you, please contact us.
What if the fit is not right?
A standard-size piece may be returned or exchanged in accordance with our returns policy. If a custom piece does not match the measurements and details we agreed with you, please contact us. If it has been made correctly to the measurements you approved but needs a further adjustment, we will look at what is required and advise on the best way forward. Additional alteration costs may apply.
What if my piece is faulty?
Please contact us as soon as possible and include photographs of the problem. If the piece is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered, we will arrange the appropriate repair, replacement or refund and cover the reasonable cost of returning it to us. Your statutory rights are not affected.
How will I receive my refund?
Eligible refunds will be made to the original payment method. Once we have received and inspected your return, we will email you to confirm the outcome. Please allow your bank or payment provider a little additional time to process the funds.
How should I care for my piece?
Please follow the care label inside your garment. Materials and construction vary between designs, so the correct care will depend on the piece you have chosen. If you are uncertain, contact us before cleaning it. Some experiments are best avoided.
Can you help with a repair or alteration after purchase?
Please contact us and tell us what your piece needs. We will look at the garment and advise on the best way forward. Where we can arrange the work, any cost will be confirmed with you before it begins.
GIFT CARDS
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. State of Dress gift cards can be redeemed against any piece on our website. They are delivered by email and may include a personal message. Our gift cards do not expire. They can take their time.
