Wedding season is stressful. The invites pile up, and suddenly you need four different outfits for four different ceremonies, all while trying not to bankrupt yourself.
My best friend is getting married this year. Naturally, the panic set in early. We needed bridesmaid dresses that looked high-end but didn’t require taking out a loan. That search led us down a rabbit hole of online retailers, eventually landing on Quiz Clothing.
If you have walked past their stores on the high street, you might think they only sell glittery Saturday night clubwear. You would be wrong.
While they do lean heavily into the “glam” aesthetic, Quiz has quietly become a powerhouse for affordable formal wear, footwear, and inclusive sizing. But is the quality actually there? And how do you navigate their constant cycle of discounts?
Here is the no-nonsense breakdown of shopping at Quiz.
The Vibe: High Glam, Low Budget
Quiz operates in the fast-fashion lane, but they carve out a specific niche. They aren’t trying to sell you basic white tees or office slacks. They sell events.
If you have a date night, a prom, a wedding, or a ladies’ day at the races, this is their playground. The aesthetic is bold. Think sequins, floral dips, rhinestone embellishments, and bright jewel tones.
Why this matters for your wallet: Because they focus on occasional wear, they bridge the gap between ultra-cheap sites like Shein and mid-range high street stores like River Island or Zara. You get a bit more structure and design intent than the bargain bin, but you aren’t paying boutique prices.
The Product Deep Dive
Occasion Wear & Bridesmaid Dresses
This is the brand’s bread and butter. The bridesmaid collection is surprisingly robust. You will typically find:
- Dip Hems: A signature Quiz style. shorter at the front, longer at the back.
- Fabrics: Lots of chiffon and satin blends. They photograph well, which is crucial for weddings.
- Color coordination: They are good at releasing the same colorway across different cuts (halter, off-shoulder, strap), allowing bridesmaids to mismatch styles while matching colors.
The Shoe Game
Do not sleep on the footwear. Finding wide-fit heels that are actually cute is a struggle for many. Quiz has a dedicated wide-fit range that mirrors their standard styles. You can often find matching bag and shoe combos, which takes the headache out of accessorizing a formal outfit.
Sizing and Inclusivity: The Real Truth
One of the most frustrating parts of online shopping is the “one size fits none” reality. Quiz combats this better than most competitors by segmenting their ranges.
The Curve Range
This isn’t just standard patterns made wider. The Curve range (typically sizes 16-26) is cut with fuller figures in mind. You will find wrap styles that accommodate larger busts and fabrics with a higher elastomer content (stretch) for comfort.
The Petite Section
If you are under 5'3", you know the pain of a maxi dress becoming a tripping hazard. The Petite range adjusts the hem length and, crucially, the torso length and armholes. You won’t need to factor in the cost of a tailor to hem a dress, which keeps the total cost down.
Is Quiz True to Size? Generally, yes, but with a caveat. Their fabrics tend to be synthetic (polyester blends). These don’t have the same “give” as natural fibers.
- Expert Tip: If you are buying a fitted item in a non-stretch fabric like satin, size up. If it’s a jersey or stretch material, stick to your usual size.
How to Never Pay Full Price
Here is a statistic that might shock you: Sales run at Quiz for roughly 90% of the year.
Buying something at full retail price here is almost a rookie mistake. The pricing model is dynamic, and there are multiple levers you can pull to lower the cart total.
1. The Welcome Strategy
If you are a new customer, do not just add to cart and checkout.
- Newsletter: Signing up for their emails usually triggers a 20% off code.
- App Download: This is often the better deal. downloading the mobile app frequently offers a 15% to 20% discount on your first in-app purchase.
2. The “QVIP” Delivery Pass
If you foresee yourself buying more than two items a year, look into the QVIP pass. Like ASOS Premier, this is a one-off payment that gives you free unlimited delivery for a year. Given that standard shipping costs have risen across the UK, this pays for itself after the third order.
3. Third-Party Voucher Codes
Before you hit purchase, spend thirty seconds on a voucher site. Quiz works extensively with affiliate partners. You can almost always find a code for free delivery or an extra 10% off sale items.
Pros and Cons
To give you a balanced view, here is what works and what doesn’t.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Price Point: exceptionally affordable for formal wear. | Fabric Quality: It is fast fashion. Expect synthetics that may not breathe well in extreme heat. |
| Inclusivity: excellent dedicated ranges for Petite and Curve. | Return Costs: Online returns often incur a deduction for the shipping label (check current policy as this changes). |
| Store Presence: Unlike purely online brands, you can go into a store to return items or try them on. | Trend Turnover: Styles move fast. If you see a dress you love, it might be gone in two weeks. |
| Matching Sets: Easy to coordinate shoes, bags, and fascinators. | Glitter Shed: Some sequined items will leave a trail of glitter in your car. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Fabric Composition Look at the label online. If you are attending a summer wedding, avoid heavy 100% polyester linings. Look for “chiffon” or lighter weaves.
Mistake #2: Forgetting Store Returns If you hate paying for returns, remember that Quiz is a high-street retailer. You can usually Click and Collect for free, and return online orders in-store for free. This saves you the postage deduction that most online-only retailers charge.
Mistake #3: Washing Incorrectly Many of their occasion dresses have glued embellishments or delicate lace. Do not throw these in a hot wash. Hand wash or use a delicate cycle inside a mesh bag. If you treat them roughly, the sequins will vanish.
Shipping and Logistics
Standard delivery is fairly reliable, usually taking 2-5 working days. Next-day options are available but cost extra (unless you have QVIP).
One thing to note: during peak sale times (Black Friday, January sales), dispatch times can lag by a day or two. If you have a wedding on Saturday, do not order on Wednesday and hope for the best. Give yourself a one-week buffer.
Final Verdict
Quiz Clothing is not where you go for a timeless cashmere sweater that will last twenty years. That is not their business model.
Quiz is where you go when you want to feel a million dollars for a single night, without spending a million dollars. It is for the bridesmaids who want to look unified and elegant on a budget. It is for the student going to prom. It is for the guest who wants a new outfit for the Christmas party.
If you leverage the app discounts, shop the petite/curve ranges for a better fit, and handle the garments with care, it is one of the best value-for-money options on the UK high street today.