Michael Kors Sizing: Does Michael Kors Run Small, Big or True to Size?

Across the Michael Kors dresses I checked, the answer is usually true to size, but the cut matters more than the label. There is no useful blanket rule to size down: a relaxed georgette dress and a belt-shaped midi ask different things of the body. The brand's women's size chart maps U.S. 00 through 16, with an additional XXL row, to bust, waist and hip measurements, alongside international conversions. Michael Kors says its size guide appears on most product pages and includes body measurements, U.S. and international conversions, and fit recommendations by product type. If you sit between sizes, the FAQ recommends sizing up for comfort. Bloomingdale's describes its Long Sleeve High Low Maxi as true to size and relaxed through the bust, waist and hips, while Macy's Long-Sleeve Ruffle Tier Maxi has an elastic waistband and a fit-and-flare shape. Those notes are more useful than a broad guess about whether the brand runs small or large. When you check the michael kors size chart, measure bust, waist and hips first, then compare the garment's shape and length with a dress you already like.

Maxi dresses are where length and torso ease matter most. Bloomingdale's Long Sleeve High Low Maxi is marked true to size, relaxed through the bust, waist and hips, and designed to reach the ankles. Its Smocked Cotton Poplin Maxi is also true to size, with a closer bust and waist and more room through the hips. Macy's Long-Sleeve Ruffle Tier Maxi is fit-and-flare with an elastic waistband and a listed length of 56 inches; its Leopard-Print High-Low Smocked Maxi adds a smocked bodice, removable belt and a longer back hem. Those details give you a better decision than a blanket size-down rule: look at whether the waist is gathered, belted or loose, then check the length. The two more relaxed options can suit someone who likes volume through the body, while the belted style is an easy starting point if you prefer visible waist definition.

Mini length does not automatically mean fitted. Bloomingdale's Printed High Low Mini is described as true to size but designed loose, with relaxed room through the bust, waist and hips and non-stretch fabric. Macy's Long Sleeve Tie Neck Mini has shirring at the waist and sleeve caps, plus a removable tie, and its listed length is about 34.5 inches. That combination is why I would not drop a size just to make it feel sharper; a smaller size may change where the gathered waist sits. The Tiered Floral Mini is a softer choice, while the Printed High Low Mini and the Sequin Flower V Neck Mini cover different levels of detail. If you prefer a cleaner line, check the actual waist measurement against your own, and consider how much room you want at the hips before ordering.

Midis are a useful first fit check because their waist shaping changes how the size feels. Bloomingdale's Polo Flared Midi is noted true to size and made with stretch fabric, with an approximate 52-inch length; its Printed High Low Midi is also true to size but relaxed through the bust, waist and hips. Macy's Long-Sleeve Midi Fit-and-Flare Shirt Dress uses princess seams, skirt godets and a self belt, with an approximate 48-inch length. The Leopard-Print Puffed-Sleeve Fit & Flare Midi Shirt Dress has the same listed length and a belt to define the waist. I would start with the shirt dress if you like a cinched waist and skip the relaxed printed option if you dislike volume through the hips. Overall, the fit notes I read lean true to size, but the cut should decide whether you want your usual size or more room. If you're between sizes, Michael Kors recommends sizing up for comfort.

If you are still deciding, I also wrote Is Free People Worth It? An Honest Look at Quality, Fit and Price, Where to Buy Doen on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen) and Where to Buy Oh Polly on Sale (and When the Best Sales Happen).