John Charles

One of the things that really sets John Charles dresses apart from other collections is what you cannot necessarily see from the outside. These pieces are carefully constructed with internal corsetry, integrated bust cups and boning, creating a luxuriously supportive foundation beneath the fabric.

For the wearer, this can make an incredible difference. Rather than relying entirely on separate underwear or shapewear to create the right silhouette, the construction of the dress itself provides support and structure. This attention to detail shows how much love and thought goes into the creation of John Charles designs, not just about how it looks, but how it cares for the wearer.

This is especially useful as the John Charles collection makes a feature of off-the-shoulder and bardot necklines. These can be beautifully elegant for any special occasion, but we know the practicalities of what to wear underneath can make create hesitation to trying one. The careful internal construction is designed to make these dresses comfortable and wearable, while also helping the dress sit securely and fit beautifully.

The structured construction also explains why John Charles dresses can feel more fitted through the bust and waist than a softer, less structured style. It is part of what gives the dresses their polished shape, but it is worth taking into consideration when choosing your size. At Jane Young, we often recommend sizing up in John Charless dresses, to ensure a comfortable fit.

The luxe fabrics are equally considered. Crepe and satin-back crepe feature heavily throughout the collection, alongside signature plissé textures, mikado, chiffon, jacquard and lace. Some designs introduce delicate embellishment, while others let the texture or print of the fabric do the talking. Every John Charles dress comes with a fabric swatch to make choosing matching accessories easier, just another consideration this designer has for it’s wearer.

The John Charles aesthetic often leans towards the elegant bare shouldered, sleeveless and fitted styles. Off-the-shoulder and bardot necklines are a recurring feature of the collection, giving many of the dresses a beautifully demure and feminine feel.

If you would prefer more coverage, however, there are some lovely solutions within the range. Depending on the individual style, you may find detachable capes, three-quarter sleeves, collars, flutter shoulders and higher necklines, all providing that little extra coverage without changing the overall feel of the dress.

A soft pashmina or detachable cape is particularly useful if you like the look of an open neckline for photographs or the evening reception, but would feel more comfortable with your shoulders covered at other points during the day. It gives you flexibility without the fuss of a completely separate outfit.

And importantly, the careful internal construction of John Charles dresses works beautifully with these more open necklines. The corsetry, bust cups and boning provide much needed support underneath, allowing the dress to create a secure, comfortable foundation while leaving the shoulders completely free.

Choosing an occasion wear dress can feel daunting, particularly when you are buying for such an important event. John Charles dresses are carefully constructed, so it is worth paying particular attention to your measurements rather than choosing a size based solely on what you normally wear.

The supplied John Charles sizing chart previously published measurements from UK 6 to 22. We have now measured our own size 24 John Charles dresses and, having compared several styles, have been able to establish an average measurement for this size.

Because of the internal corsetry, bust cups and boning used in many John Charles styles, dresses can cut relatively close through the bust and waist. If you are between sizes, or your measurements are cutting things close, we recommend considering the next size up for a more comfortable and flattering fit.

Length is a little more complicated. John Charles does not publish standard dress lengths, and the shapes of the skirts themselves can make a single measurement difficult to interpret. Many of the styles feature dipped, asymmetric or handkerchief hems, meaning the length can vary considerably around the skirt rather than finishing at one consistent point.

To give our customers a useful guide, we have measured several different John Charles dresses across a variety of styles and sizes. Measuring from the mid-waist point down the centre-back zip seam to the hem, the dresses we have measured are approximately 38 inches (97cm) in length on average.

And if the length isn't quite right for you, don't let that put you off a dress you love. Our incredible in-house alterationists are here to help, and many occasion wear dresses can be beautifully tailored to achieve the right length and fit for you.

If you would like help choosing your size or checking the measurements of a particular dress, call our Newark boutique on 01636 703511. Our team can talk you through the fit and, where needed, arrange an in-person fitting.