I’ve shared my love for Madison-Mathews a lot the past 5 years, but I recently realized that I’ve never done a dedicated sizing guide for you. The majority of the clothing from this Charleston-based clothing shop runs true to size, but there are some things that run large and some things that run small, so I thought it would be helpful to share all of the information I’ve learned firsthand here today, since most people end up shopping online these days. If you do decide to shop be sure to use my code KATIE to save 10% on your order. I don’t earn commission on the sales, just a nice thing they’ve done to allow my readers to save some money 🙂 And if they don’t have something online that you’re looking for don’t be afraid to give them a call or send them a message on Instagram. The ladies there are so sweet and they often have things in store that haven’t made it online yet. They’ll honor the discount code if you call too, so just ask!
For sizing purposes, I am 5’5″, weigh ~132 pounds, and typically wear a size small or size 4 at most clothing retailers.
One or two of these pieces were gifted over the years and a few were discounted because I’ve gotten to become friends with the owner and the ladies who work there, but this post is in no way sponsored by Madison-Mathews. I just love the clothing for its classic style and enjoy sharing this brand with you because I’m such a huge fan and always enjoy sharing the things I love.
1. The Catherine Top – Runs Large, Size Down One Size (pictured below) or even 2 Sizes. I have this top in 4 different colors and it’s one of my most-worn styles of tops when the weather is warm. The navy and red top is 1 size down (XS) and the gingham and white top is 2 sizes down (XXS).
woven mules (mine are old from Target but these are the exact same and only $9) | headband (Amazon in a 3 pack) | demi-boot crop jeans (current version)
white demi boot crop jeans | woven sandals (my favorite shoe purchase this summer)
2. The Juliette Dress – Runs True to Size (pictured below in size small). This dress is nursing friendly and I wore it for the first half of my third pregnancy too. Probably my favorite silhouette these days and I have it 5 different colors because I’m obsessed! I always wear these Amazon bike shorts underneath it since I’m always chasing around kids and don’t want to give anyone a show. Size up 1 size in the shorts (I wear medium in the shorts).
woven mules (mine are old from Target but these are the exact same and only $9) | headband (Amazon in a 3 pack)
sweater blazer | tote (timeless! Mine is nearly 10 years old.) | scarf (current version) | earrings (similar, mine are old from Walmart)
brown suede Tretorn sneakers | headband | mug
3. The Mabry Dress – Runs True to Size, though Narrow in the Hips (Pictured below in a small. My hips and butt are a little fuller than they were before I had my third child and because this style is so straight I currently can’t wear them comfortably. It’s an old style, hopefully it’ll come back one day!) This was the first style I fell in love with and you can probably find it on Poshmark or another second hand site like that!
basket bag | sandals (current version)
woven sandals (similar) | basket bag with ribbon handles (similar, mine is old from Joules) | sunglasses (c/o Mohala Eyewear and code katiev saves you 10%) | raffia earrings
Saltwater sandals | basket backpack bag | similar hat
cork Jack Rogers sandals | Apple Watch band (Amazon) | current version of raffia earrings
4. The Folly Midi Dress – Runs True to Size (pictured below in a small). This dress has a slight puff shoulder and has a few tiers. Also comes in a short sleeve version (second photo), which I prefer more than the longer sleeve version. This would be a great option for shorter ladies who often find maxi dresses too long!
woven mules (mine are old from Target but these are the exact same and only $9) | doormat (cheaper option) | seagrass wrapped stemless wineglass | rattan earrings (Amazon!)
raffia earrings (old from Tuckernuck, current options here and here) | raffia sandals
5. The Dolly Dress – Runs Large, size down one size (pictured below in XS) Similar to the Folly above but doesn’t have the puff shoulder.
sunglasses (c/o Mohala Eyewear and code katiev saves you 10%) | woven mules (mine are old from Target but these are the exact same and only $9)
6. Folly Mini Dress Short Sleeve – Runs true to size, though it is a little short. I’m 5’5″ and it’s definitely a mini dress on me! Same as Folly midi dress, but shorter.
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size) | Tuckernuck raffia earrings (old, similar options here and here)
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size)
7. The Chloe Dress – Runs small- especially in the armpits, size up one size (wearing size medium below)
nude TKEES flip flops (Pout shade) | sunglasses c/o Mohala Eyewear (use code katiev to save 10% on your first order)
8. Shorts – True to size though if you’re concerned about tightness in the waist I’d size up one size (pictured below in size small, taken by my friend Stephanie back in Hawaii and she’s the best photographer around if you’re looking for photos on Oahu!)
favorite white t-shirt (only $8 and I like to size up 1 size)
9. The Sophie Maxi Dress – Runs true to size (pictured below in size small). Has a cute tie back at the bra area with tassels on the two ties.
similar necklace | current version of earrings
10. Lia Maxi Dress – Runs true to size (pictured below in size small). I was pregnant in both of these photos so it works with a bump for a while!
current version of earrings | similar necklace
tote (timeless! Mine is nearly 10 years old.) | sun hat (my favorite because it’s packable and adjustable) | rattan earrings (Amazon!) | similar necklace | woven mules (mine are old from Target but these are the exact same and only $9)
11. Roper Long Kaftan – One size fits most (runs quite long, I wouldn’t recommend for under 5’4″)
12. Diane Maxi Dress – Runs true to size, though quite roomy and I probably could have sized down (pictured below in size small, shirt version and short dress are linked)
13. Short Tunic (not sure the name since it’s an old style) – runs true to size, wearing size small below
sun hat (my favorite because it’s packable and adjustable) | sandals (similar, mine are old from Walmart) | basket bag | rattan earrings (Amazon!)
14. Caroline Dress – Runs true to size (wearing size small in photo below). This dress is my newest love- it is absolutely stunning! The shoulder ties and ruffles make it so feminine!
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size) | Tuckernuck raffia earrings (old, similar options here and here)
15. Jane Dress – Runs true to size (wearing size small, below). The smocking on the waist gives it a really fun silhouette.
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size) | Tuckernuck raffia earrings (old, similar options here and here)
16. Amelia Skirt – Runs true to size, or size up 1 size for extra length (wearing size small in first photo below and size medium in second photo. I opted to get the medium). The smocked waistband is really comfortable and makes the style really fun. A bit on the shorter side but absolutely darling with a white t-shirt or tank tucked in!
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size) | Tuckernuck raffia earrings (old, similar options here and here)
17. Ginger Mini Dress – Runs true to size (pictured below in size small). Really fun style and incredibly comfortable. Very easy breezy and it’s a great practical length if you have kids (I wore these nude bike short style underwear underneath, size up 1 size). Has a small ruffle neckline, elastic arm bands, and a tassel tie.
nude TKEES flip flops (Pout shade)
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size)
18. Darren Midi Dress – Runs large, size down 1 size (pictured below in size XS). Cute preppy option with a collar, side slits and tassels on the side at the bottom.
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size)
19. Ashley Mini Dress – Runs true to size (pictured below in size small). Really cute dress but I thought the smocked waist wasn’t super flattering on me since my lower belly isn’t totally flat after having 3 kids in 4 years. Has a flutter sleeve and tassel tie.
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size)
20. Catherine Dress – Runs true to size (pictured below in size small). Similar in style to the Catherine top, just longer! I loved the Catherine top so knew I’d love this one. The top is not quite sleeveless, yet not quite a cap sleeve. Really beautiful, casual, and easy to wear dress!
raffia mules (only $39 on Etsy and they run true to size)
21. Mathews Mini Smocked Dress – Runs true to size or size up 1 size. (pictured below in size small but a medium probably would have been more flattering and comfortable). I was hopeful about this dress but the style is just too young for me, I think. I wasn’t crazy about how the straps fit me and the mostly smocked body seemed to accentuate the fact that my tummy isn’t totally flat right now. Really cute but not for me.
22. Paloma Maxi Dress – Runs true to size, I’m wearing my normal size small. This dress is so feminine and beautiful! Perfect for a date night. Fuller maxi skirt, smocked waist, balloon sleeve, and elastic neckline that allows you to wear the sleeves up on your shoulder or pulled down for an off-the-shoulder look. I think this style would work nicely if you have a larger chest. I think it would be nursing friendly as well, since you can pull the elastic down to nurse. The newer ones have pockets!
23. Elizabeth Maxi Dress – I’m wearing a size down (XS). I didn’t try on my regular size so don’t have that comparison, but I do know that sizing down a size works. This maxi dress is a full button down dress, so it would be nursing friendly! It has a collar and the hem is slightly longer in the back than it is in the front. I would say this style would be best for 5’4″ and over.
24. Ivey Mini Dress – This dress runs true to size, I’m wearing my normal size small. The Ivey is a great casual dress, with a drawstring waist, a split neckline, one tier, and flutter sleeves. It has pockets! Very comfortable and easy to wear.
25. Sophie Midi Dress – This dress runs true to size. I have the velvet version which is great in winter, but it comes in lots of block prints for warmer weather. Square neckline, smocked bodice, slits on the side. Very comfortable and feminine.
26. Geneva Shirt – This shirt runs true to size. This shirt is full button down and has a feminine yet subtle ruffle at the neck. The sleeves close with a button.
27. Poppy Top and Kate Skirt – The Poppy Top and Kate Skirt are sold separately but they look great as a set. They both run true to size, though the waistband on the skirt is a bit tight and it’ll be best for 5’4″ and over. The skirt is made to wear high on your natural waist. The Poppy Top has elastic at the sleeves and at the bottom of the shirt, so you can wear it pulled down so it almost looks like a dress, or pull it up for more of a crop top. Very on trend for summer 2022!
28. Lindsay Maxi Dress – This dress runs true to size, though I’d say as with all MM maxi dresses it’s best for 5’4″ and over. This dress is practically backless and the straps feed through and criss cross in the back and tie where a typical bra closes. It has a deep V so if you’re larger chested I would wear silicone nipple covers with this dress, but I’m so small chested now that I can go without anything. It has 2 tiers and a subtle ruffle on the V neck, and it is really fun to wear. I wore it to an event at a vineyard at the beginning of summer!
29. Anne Maxi Dress – The Anne maxi dress runs true to size. The cut is very simple and straight up and down, so it probably works best if your shape isn’t super curvy. It has slits on the side and is very comfortable! It’s fully lined and does not have pockets.
30. Tanner Belted Dress – This dress is so cute and comes with a matching sash/belt that you tie (not the belt pictured below). It runs true to size, or size down a size. I’m wearing my normal size small but probably would have been better off with an XS due to where the shoulder hem falls. There is elastic at the wrist and the dress buttons down fully (does not have a collar). The skirt is very full and feminine. It’s fully lined and is very fun to wear.
31. Little Girls Smocked Dresses – These dresses run large, but they’re the style that will work when they’re really long, above the knee and then as a tunic with leggings. My girls are 18 months old and 3.5 years old and they’re wearing sizes 4XS and XXS, respectively, and I foresee them wearing these for the next 2+ years. You have to call about this style because they aren’t online at the moment. The smocking at the top is darling and they block prints are really unique for a little girl’s dress.
Sizing…I’m typically a medium (8-10) and Madison-Mathews states their medium is (6-8). I don’t know whether to go with medium or large. Can you help suggest a size for the Folley dress? Thank you
Author
Hi! I’d go with what your normal letter size is. So if you’re typically a medium I’d get a medium in Folly. But if you’re larger in the bust you may want to go up to large. Hope that helps!
Have you tried the Olivia ruffle dress??
Author
I have not tried the Olivia dress yet but I love the look of it!