1
Bust
Around the fullest part, tape level and parallel to the floor all the way around.
The Fit Guide
How to choose the right size the first time — and exactly what to do if it isn't quite right.
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Start here
The mistake almost everyone makes
Order the size your measurements say. Not the size you usually wear, and not a size up “just in case.”
We see it constantly: a gown comes back because it was too large, not too small. Formalwear is cut closer than everyday clothing, and a gown two sizes too big rarely reads as forgiving — it loses the line it was designed to have.
Sizing up is not the safe choice. A gown that fits closely through the bust and waist can be taken in beautifully. One that's significantly oversized has to be rebuilt rather than altered — and letting out is limited by the seam allowance that exists.
Take your measurements, trust them, and check them against the size chart on that specific gown's page. If you fall between sizes, that's the moment to ask us.
Important
Our gowns don't all size the same
Lara gowns are made in two different ateliers, and they use two different size charts.
This is why you'll find the size chart on each individual product page rather than one chart for the whole site. A size 12 in one gown may not be a size 12 in another.
Please don't skip this
If you've ordered from us before, don't assume your Lara size carries over. Check the chart on the gown you're looking at — every time. This is one of the most common reasons a gown arrives fitting differently than expected.
Step one
How to measure
Wear the undergarments you plan to wear on the day — especially shapewear, which changes everything. Have someone help if you can, and keep the tape snug but not tight.
2
Waist
The narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel. Don't hold your breath.
3
Hips
Around the fullest part, roughly 7–9 inches below your natural waist.
4
Hollow to hem
From the hollow at the base of your throat straight to the floor — in the shoes you'll wear.
Then compare those four numbers to the chart on the product page. Where they fall across two sizes, choose based on the largest measurement — it's easier to take in a waist than to let out a bust.
Our promise
Every size. Every body. Same price.
We don't charge more for a larger size. We never have.
Plus sizes cost the same as straight sizes at Lara, across the entire collection. Some of them cost us more to make. We think charging a woman extra because of her body is the wrong way to run a formalwear house, so we don't.
Practically: order the size that actually fits, without doing arithmetic about it.
Step two
When to order
The biggest source of stress we see isn't fit — it's time. Alterations take four to five weeks. Work backwards from your date.
6+ months out
Explore freely
Widest selection, every size in stock, no pressure. The best time to be particular.
3–6 months out
The sweet spot
Order now and you have room for everything — delivery, a size exchange if you need one, and a full alteration window without rushing.
2–3 months out
Order now if you plan to alter
Alterations run 4–5 weeks, plus 3–6 business days to reach you. Still comfortable, but the exchange window is closing.
6–8 weeks out
Get the size right first time
There's room for alterations or an exchange — but not both. Measure carefully, and email us if you’re between sizes.
Under 30 days
Talk to us before you order
Choose express shipping (2–3 days with faster processing), and don't count on a full alteration. We'll tell you honestly what's achievable.
| How long things take | Time |
|---|---|
| Standard / ground shipping | 3–6 business days |
| Express shipping | 2–3 business days |
| Alterations at our showrooms | 4–5 weeks |
| Exchange, round trip | up to 10 business days |
Step three
Plan for alterations
Nearly every formal gown needs some alteration. That's normal, and it isn't a sign you chose wrong.
We do alterations in house at both showrooms — NYC and Mineola, by appointment only. If you bought online and want us to alter it, email contact@lara.com.
Before you alter
All sales are final once a dress is altered. Make absolutely sure the gown is the one — size, style, colour — before any work begins. If you have any doubt, exchange first and alter after.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hem, plain dress | $90 + tax |
| Hem, beaded dress | $120 + tax |
| Add sleeves | $120 + tax + fabric |
| Alter neckline | $90 + tax + fabric |
| Add lining to sleeves | $90 + tax + fabric |
| Add lining to entire dress | $140 + tax + fabric |
What alters easily
- Hem length — almost always adjusted, because it depends on your shoes
- Taking in at the waist and bust
- Strap and shoulder adjustments
What's harder
- Letting out — limited by the seam allowance that exists
- Heavily beaded or appliquéd areas, where embellishment follows the original seam
- Structural changes through the bodice
Which is the practical reason not to size up: taking in is routine, letting out often isn't.
If it's not right
Exchanges & returns
If the size isn't right, exchange it. Exchanges are free — and because we price every size the same, a size swap never costs you a penny extra.
An exchange takes up to 10 business days round trip. A straight return — where you want your money back rather than a different size — costs $30 for return shipping.
In a genuine rush? Don't wait out the exchange. Place a new order for the size you need straight away, then return the original separately. You'll have the right gown in days instead of two weeks.
The trade-off is honest: going this route means paying the $30 return shipping, where a normal exchange would have been free. When the date is close, that's usually worth it — but if you have time, exchange and keep the $30.
14 days
You have 14 days from the day your package arrives to start a return or exchange. Open the box and try the gown on as soon as it lands — even if your event is months away. That window is short, and it starts on delivery, not on your event date.
Start either one from lara.com/apps/returns.
Best option, if you can
Try it on in person
If you're anywhere near New York, come see us. It removes the guesswork entirely — and you can plan alterations in the same visit.
Two showrooms, Mineola on Long Island and New York City. Someone who does this every day will be with you, you'll try real gowns in real sizes, and you'll leave knowing exactly what works.
Still unsure
Ask us. A real person answers.
Between sizes? Not sure a silhouette will work for you? Worried the timeline is too tight? Ask before you order.
You'll get a straight answer from someone who knows the gowns — not a bot and not a form. If we think a style won't work for you, or your date is too close, we'll tell you.
Outside those hours, email is the fastest route — we'll pick it up the next working day. If your event is inside 30 days, say so in your first message and we'll prioritise it.
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