Introduction

For over six decades, Roman has been a mainstay of the British high street, offering stylish and affordable women’s fashion. Known officially as Roman Originals PLC, the brand has evolved from a small family-run manufacturer into a design-led retailer with a strong presence across the United Kingdom.

Roman is a British women’s fashion retailer headquartered in Birmingham, England. The brand is known for its range of dresses and everyday clothing, operating over 90 retail stores across the UK. It is a design-led and fashion-forward retailer, but its core principle has always remained the same: to offer affordable, timeless clothing alongside impeccable personalised customer service.

This guide provides a complete overview of Roman clothes in the UK, covering the brand’s history, its diverse sub-brands, the product ranges available, and what makes it a favourite among British shoppers.

The History of Roman Originals

From Humble Beginnings to High Street Staple

The company was founded in 1957 as a family-run business focused on manufacturing women’s clothing for wholesale distribution. Over the decades, it evolved from a supplier to a retail brand, offering its products directly to consumers.

The business is headquartered in Birmingham, at Unit 1, Vantage Point, 5 Wingfoot Close, Birmingham, B24 9JH. It is a public limited company (PLC) with over 1,000 employees.

The Viral Moment: “The Dress”

In 2015, Roman Originals gained international attention when one of its dresses became a viral sensation. Commonly referred to as “The Dress“, it sparked an online debate over whether its colour was black and blue or white and gold. The debate even caught the attention of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber.

A decade later, Roman still celebrates the cultural phenomenon, recognising it as the moment that “broke the internet, sparked debates at dinner tables, and changed the way we see colour”. The brand continues to trade on this moment, with a turnover of £141 million in 2023.

The Roman Brand Identity: Design-Led and Customer-Focused

Since it was first established, Roman has developed a strong identity as a design-led and fashion-forward retailer. The company’s philosophy is rooted in providing “ageless sophistication and style, for the customer that wants to feel special and get noticed, whatever the occasion”.

A Growing Product Range

In line with its growth, Roman has expanded its product offerings to include shoes and handbags, ensuring customers can create a complete “head-to-toe look”. The brand aims to provide a comprehensive and personalised shopping experience, whether in stores, online, or by phone.

Roman’s Four Sub-Brands: Fashion for Every Body

To cater to a diverse customer base, Roman has developed four distinct sub-brands, each with its own unique identity and purpose.

DUSK: Effortless Style for the Modern Woman

DUSK is designed to offer joyful, feminine, and effortless style regardless of the season or life’s demanding schedules. The collection is curated for young professionals, the modern mother, and the fashion lover. It focuses on versatile staple pieces that ensure customers look and feel their best, no matter where life takes them.

ARIELLA: Luxury Occasion Wear

ARIELLA offers a curated collection of occasion dresses designed for fashion-forward women. The brand focuses on high-quality, luxury styles perfect for special occasions, from elegant cocktail parties to glamorous galas. The pieces are designed to capture attention and make every occasion unforgettable.

PETITE: Celebrating Petite Figures

PETITE specialises in embracing and enhancing the beauty of petite figures. The collection is designed to foster a community that celebrates the petite frame and encourages self-expression. The goal is to offer pieces that not only fit the body but also speak to the wearer’s style.

CURVE: Plus Size Fashion Without Compromise

CURVE is designed to celebrate and accentuate the beauty of curvy women. The brand’s mission is to provide a platform where curvy women can embrace their bodies, experiment with fashion, and celebrate their unique beauty without compromise. The range includes everything from exquisite evening gowns to everyday essentials.

What Roman Sells: A Guide to the Product Range

Roman’s product range is extensive, covering all aspects of a woman’s wardrobe.

Dresses

Dresses are the heart of the Roman brand. The collection includes a wide variety of styles, from flirty minis and chic midis to elegant maxi dresses. Popular styles include the Multi Floral Print Ruched Stretch Dress, featuring a sweetheart neckline and stretch jersey fabric, and the Floral Print Cowl Neck Midi Dress, crafted from soft chiffon.

Tops and Blouses

Roman offers a diverse range of tops, including floaty summer blouses, abstract print tops, and versatile longline shirts. The Khaki Abstract Print Top, priced at £35, has been praised by shoppers for being “cool and airy” with a looser fit that covers the tummy. Shoppers have also praised a £20 breezy summer blouse for being “ideal for hot and humid weather”.

Trousers and Jeans

From comfortable stretch trousers to on-trend denim, Roman covers all bases. The Stretch Capri Trousers are available in over 30 different shades and have been hailed as so comfortable that customers buy multiple pairs. The Cotton Denim Stretch Cropped Culottes are another favourite, available in 10 different shades.

Jackets and Coats

Roman’s outerwear collection includes everything from lightweight spring blazers to cosy winter coats. The Petrol Blue Knitted Zip Detail Jacket has been described as “ideal for work”, while the Hooded Chevron Quilted Coat in Midnight Blue offers warmth for colder days.

Loungewear

Recognising the importance of comfort, Roman also offers a range of loungewear, including harem trousers and fleece-lined jeans.

Where to Shop Roman in the UK

Roman has a significant physical retail presence with over 90 stores across the United Kingdom. Customers can also shop online at the official website, www.roman.co.uk, where they can browse the full range, including the four distinct sub-brands.

Store Locator

Roman has a store finder on its website, allowing customers to locate their nearest branch. Examples of locations include the Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village in Castleford and the East Midlands Designer Outlet in Mansfield.

Online Shopping

The online store offers the complete Roman experience, including the main collection and the PETITE, CURVE, DUSK, and ARIELLA ranges. The website is designed to provide a comprehensive shopping experience, from browsing to delivery.

Common Questions About Roman Clothes UK

Is Roman a UK brand?
Yes, Roman is a British women’s fashion retailer. It was founded in Birmingham, England, in 1957 and remains headquartered there.

What is Roman Originals known for?
Roman Originals is a British women’s fashion retailer known for its range of dresses, everyday clothing, and affordable luxury. It also gained international fame for the viral “The Dress” optical illusion in 2015.

Does Roman have plus size clothing?
Yes, Roman has a dedicated sub-brand called CURVE, which specialises in plus size fashion for curvy women.

Does Roman have petite clothing?
Yes, Roman has a dedicated sub-brand called PETITE, which specialises in clothing designed for petite figures.

What are Roman’s other sub-brands?
In addition to CURVE and PETITE, Roman also has DUSK (effortless style for the modern woman) and ARIELLA (luxury occasion wear).

How many stores does Roman have in the UK?
Roman operates over 90 retail stores across the United Kingdom.

Does Roman sell online?
Yes, Roman has a comprehensive online store at www.roman.co.uk.

What was “The Dress” viral moment?
In 2015, a photo of a Roman dress sparked a global debate over whether its colour was black and blue or white and gold. It became one of the biggest viral moments in internet history.

Is Roman a family business?
Roman started as a family-run business in 1957. While it is now a public limited company, it retains its family-oriented ethos.

What sizes does Roman offer?
Roman offers a wide range of sizes across its sub-brands. The main collection and CURVE (plus size) and PETITE (petite) ranges cater to different body types.

Conclusion

Roman clothes in the UK represent a success story of British retail. From its humble beginnings as a family-run manufacturer in Birmingham in 1957 to its current status as a design-led retailer with over 90 stores, Roman has consistently offered affordable, timeless fashion.

The brand is defined by its commitment to inclusivity, demonstrated through its four distinct sub-brands: PETITE, CURVE, DUSK, and ARIELLA. It continues to evolve, expanding its product range to include shoes and handbags, and providing a comprehensive shopping experience both online and in-store. Whether you are looking for a floaty summer top, a comfortable pair of jeans, or a glamorous occasion dress, Roman offers a diverse range of high-quality, stylish options for women of all shapes and sizes.

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