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Runway Purple Bandit Gown
Rental $110 Retail $415
info
  • Stylist Notes
  • Product Details
  • Size & Fit
Rock this cobalt purple gown at the black tie affair by Theory. An edgy but sexy choice for the event. Go with similar color toned accessories like the Rodrigo Otazu's Sapphire Crystal Stunner Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane's Polished Gold Links Cuff, and kate spade accessories' Sapphire Treasure Chest Necklace.
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Purple crepe. Ruched scoop neckline. Low back with black cross straps. Imported. See size and fit tab for length.
Chat with a fit specialist
This dress runs true to size. We recommend going one size up for backup. (see following fit notes for exceptions). Sized P-L.

BUST: Great for any cup size - room at bust but a NuBra is recommended due to the exposed back
WAIST: Fitted - fitted at empire waist with elastic band
HIPS: Not fitted - full length skirt conceals hips and backside
LENGTH: Floor length - One length available. Measures 58'' from shoulder to hem(recommended for heights 5'2'' to 5'7'').

UNDERGARMENTS: Should be worn with no bra or a NuBra due to the exposed back
FABRIC: Fabric has no stretch except for the black banding
GREAT FOR: Apple, Athletic, Full Bust, Hourglass, Pear, Tall, Straight & Narrow body types

Model's height is 5'10''.
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Reviews
Average Rating
Overall Fit
Runs small
True to size
Runs large
Customer Photos
Lindsey
Top Contributor
Age: 27
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 110 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 34B
May 6, 2013
Very fun dress!
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The color of this dress is beautiful! The material is pretty thin and almost sheer but not in a bad way. The dress was very flattering and didn't show any flaws. It's very static-y so make sure you buy a can of static guard. I bought a NuBra but almost wanted to go braless as you could see the sides of the NuBra tape...The dress was a little big on me. Overall, the dress was a lot of fun.
stayathomefiance
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 105 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 32C
Dec 29, 2012
The open crisscross back really makes you feel super sexy without revealing too much skin. Beautiful
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I wore this dress to a November wedding. Between the Petite and the Small sizes, I ended up wearing the Small. It fits beautifully, not tight, but not loose enough to add pounds either. Its an empire waist and is really flattering on lots of body types. The crisscross design on the back is a stretchy elastic material and really makes the dress. The only complaint I have is the material is quite thin and you might want to wear a slip. Its also very very static-y. The more you walk the worse it gets. I bought a cheap can of static eliminator from Target and it solved the problem. All in all I received lots of compliments and felt beautiful in this dress. I highly recommend!
Joelle
Top Contributor
Age: 31
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34C
Nov 25, 2012
I avoided maternity dresses at all costs...
Size worn: 4R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I wore this dress 8 months pregnant and it was perfection...so comfortable, empire fit for my belly and very flattering. I highly recommend even if you're not pregnant, the back is open and the color is beautiful and rich. Fits true to size! I wore 4R with flats.
Monica
Top Contributor
Age: 18
Height: 5' 3"
Usually wears: 0
Bust size: 34B
Nov 20, 2012
Will make you feel flawless.
Size worn: P
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I recently rented this for a formal affair that required to wear floor length gowns. The dress was perfect but had the least amount of flaws. The color is definitely a cobalt/purple. It depends on the light change but is still tricky and will still change from purple to blue.The fabric is really thin and wrinkles easily so be careful and make sure to wear something if you're going braless! Back to it being perfect, the back showed just the right amount of skin and the fit was spot on. This is a MUST wear dress; you will feel perfect.
Kate
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 143 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34A
Nov 19, 2012
Beautiful Dress!
Size worn: 6R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I got so many compliments on this dress. I am 5'9 so I was worried it was going to be too short, but it was the perfect length! Only issue was that it was a little wrinkled when I received it, but I just hung it up in my bathroom while I ran hot water from my shower to steam it out and it worked perfectly! Definitely recommend this dress.
Laine
Age: 22
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 135 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34A
Nov 18, 2012
Extremely comfortable dress! Loved it and got so many compliments!
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Fits true to size. Wear a NuBra because the back is so low. DO NOT WORRY about the dress being so sheer when you first get it and look at it in person. When it is on the skin it is fine! Wear spanks too! You will love this dress!!
Shelby
Age: 21
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34D
Nov 12, 2012
Backless and Perfect!
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
At first, I was nervous about having the petite size and not the small, so I had a medium sent as well, just to be safe. I was pleasantly surprised that the petite fit perfectly. No awkward bumps or anything! My boobs are a little on the bigger size so the front material did keep rising throughout the night, but being mindful of that anyway isn't a bad thing. I'm about 5'5" and the length didn't run the floor any with my shoes! Super comfortable, easy to move around in. I really don't have any complaints about the dress, I loved i!
Meredith
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Nov 12, 2012
Effortless, comfortable and eye-catching color
Size worn: SR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
You definitely need to buy a backless, strapless bra (nu-bra worked perfectly). I absolutely loved the color and the length was perfect with heels. The one con was that it wrinkled pretty easily, so try and put it on at the last second before you go to your event.
Jana
Age: 22
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Nov 6, 2012
Loved wearing this color!
Size worn: P
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Loved the dress! I would have liked to see it a size up because I think it's supposed to be a little baggy on the top but it looked good tight as well. I felt comfortable in it and got tons of compliments, everyone loved the purple!
Andrea
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 34D+
Oct 31, 2012
Comfort and a barrage of compliments- the perfect combination!
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Out of the garment bag this dress (my backup for a black-tie gala) looked see-through and I was concerned. It just needed a good steam and when I put it on I knew this was the dress I would wear. The elastic straps and waistband made it so comfortable, and the neckline was really flattering! I got so many compliments about the color (its a vivid royal purple) and the back was a hit with everyone too. Would recommend to anyone!
Mel
Age: 24
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34C
Nov 2, 2012
The dress was the perfect amount of classy and cool, and the back was to die for.
Size worn: M
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
The fit was great, I had a Small and Medium sent to me, but honestly I liked having the extra breathing room. Unfortunately it was a little chillier than expected that evening, so a jacket was necessary. I would've taken better pictures but the party was my birthday party inside an upscale sushi lounge in Washington D.C. (Terrible Lighting!)
Kate
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 6"
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Oct 28, 2012
great dress for a wedding
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Very cool dress, different from everyone else's. Had to wear a sticky bra, and the material was very thin. Chunky necklace completed the look and it was a hit!
Sonya
Age: 31
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 132 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34A
Oct 18, 2012
Someone told me that I looked like a Greek Goddess in it, so how could you not rent this one!?
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I got the small and the medium in this and the small was the best fit for me because I am small busted and the medium was a little long and the straps were loose in the back. I wore 3.5 inch heels and it was perfect. It was super comfortable and I did not stop receiving compliments all night. I wore it to a formal work event and everyone just kept telling me how pretty and flattering it was. The straps are stretchy material and so it probably wouldn't cut into your shoulders or back if you're worried about that. It is rather revealing in the back, but it didn't make me feel uncomfortable.
Kate
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32B
Sep 24, 2012
Not the best photo, but a pretty pretty flowy dress (sorry about the messy room :-p)
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I enjoyed this dress - very grecian goddess meets modern day. I am really short so I had to wear my highest heels in order to not trip on this - but I ended up wearing the two I believe because the four was just a tad billowy. I am/was (at the time of the party) a 2-4, 5"3, about 120 (small chest, large butt/thighs).
Ashley
Age: 28
Height: 5' 5"
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Sep 19, 2012
It's fun to wear a new dress to a party!
Size worn: S
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Formal Affair
I wasn't too thrilled with this dress. There's no lining (it's really thin) and I found the fit to be awkward. I usually wear smalls or mediums, so I ordered both, but the medium was really big, so I went with the small. The regular length fit me fine - I'm 5'5" and wore high (3 in+) heels, and didn't have a problem. The color is pretty - it's more of a blueish purple than a true purple.
Shannon
Age: 21
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 135 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34C
Sep 7, 2012
Getting to wear the dress with no bra (;
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I wore this dress to our military ball and it was phenomenal. I felt beautiful all night but I was still able to move around comfortably. Felt like I was wearing pajamas! It flows with your body quite nicely. I highly recommend it for girls that aren't big into super fancy dresses. The color is fantastic and the cut is simple, yet sexy (especially the back!).
Sophia
Age: 19
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 32A
May 12, 2012
I had trouble finding a prom dress that didnt look tacky, and was also in my price range until I found Rent the Runway, I was so happy with my look, and got tons of compliments from everyone!
Size worn: SR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
The dress fit perfectly, it is a very forgiving fabric, and the back isn't as low as it looks in the picture, and i am 5'5. If you rent it, you will probably have to steam it before wearing because it gets very wrinkly in transit.
jordan
Age: 20
Height: 5' 5"
Usually wears: 12
Body type: Hourglass
Aug 20, 2012
a
Size worn: LR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I wore the dress for my junior prom and i enjoyed the dress. However, the horizontal black band under the bust was a little to uncooperative. it always folded over on itself and got twisted up throughout the night. But over all, i liked the dress
Katherine
Top Contributor
Age: 24
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 34C
Jul 23, 2012
My order was at my hotel waiting when I got there (meaning I didn't have to transport my dresses the 6 hour drive!) and I felt comfortable and fabulous in both dresses. I got tons of compliments on both dresses I ordered.
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I absolutely loved wearing this to my friend's wedding. It was pretty wrinkled when I got it but I fixed that by leaving it hanging in the bathroom while I took a shower and the steam did the trick. I also had to wear those little petal nipple covers but it was 7 bucks for 3 pairs and they worked perfectly. I felt absolutely beautiful and I got compliments all night long!! I ordered the SR and the PR as a back up and ended up wearing the back up. I would have been just fine wearing the other one but the PR fit me better in the bust area. All in all it was an amazing experience and even my boyfriend has been telling people about it! He thinks this website is genius and believes I will save lots of money over the years instead of buying dresses that would sit in my closet after wearing them once. He is absolutely right! I LOVE YOU RTR!
Jenny
Age: 24
Height: 5' 2"
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Petite
Jul 2, 2012
I wore this to a black tie wedding and felt amazing!
Size worn: SR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
This dress fit great!
Alyssa
Top Contributor
Age: 22
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 122 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34B
Jun 18, 2012
The overall experience could not have been better!
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I absolutely love this dress! It was one of the simplest dresses to put on and wear. The silk was so comfortable and the straps were elastic! I wore a 2R with 3" wedges and it fit perfectly. I would either wear a nubra or none at all, and spanx to make sure that the dress falls smoothly. I had trouble parting with this dress. It is incredible!
Natalie C.
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 118 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 32C
May 6, 2013
Beautiful dress!
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Loved this Theory dress. Great color, great fit. Only issue is that it wrinkles very easily. Just sitting in it will wrinkle it. Looked a little less polished than I would have liked, but it was still very chic, modern and comfortable. Beautiful cut in the back. Not for busty girls at all.
Alexis
Top Contributor
Age: 36
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 34C
Mar 3, 2013
effortless, comfortable and elegant.
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Great dress, incredibly comfortable and the color is beautiful. Very long, I'm 5'4" and with 4 inch heels I still had to pick it up to walk and dance. I wore the smaller size 2R since it was a bit shorter than the 4. The elastic waistband is adjustable which helped with managing the length.
Natalie
Age: 25
Height: 5' 8"
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 32B
Feb 25, 2013
GORGEOUS COLOR!
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
It is a beautiful dress, but the fabric is very thin! and the dress was a little worn out. Besides that it is a beautiful dress and gorgeous color. Also if you are tall i recommend a size bigger since it does run a little short!
Melia
Top Contributor
Age: 27
Height: 5' 1"
Weight: 105 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32B
Jan 3, 2013
Beautiful dress, but a bit casual for a black tie event
Size worn: 0R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I really loved the color and fabric of this dress. It was incredibly comfortable and lightweight. And the fit was great - because of the flowy design and elastic band in the middle, I think it would look good on a lot of girls. I rented this as my backup for a NYE formal event. My other dress seemed much dressier in comparison, so I didn't end up wearing this one. I would definitely consider it again for a party or wedding.
H
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 135 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34C
Dec 13, 2012
I wound up going with my 2nd choice but I loved this dress and would rent again!
Size worn: M
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I didn't wind up wearing this and wore my 2nd choice instead so I didn't have to worry about bra issues. But I do love this dress and the open back is very sexy! I would definitely rent again to wear!
SMJ
Top Contributor
Age: 38
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 110 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32C
Dec 7, 2012
I loved this dress - it's simple yet elegant.
Size worn: 0R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The color is regal and the back of the dress is stunning. At 5'2" the regular length was still a little on the long side, but I was able to pull it off.
Christine
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34C
Nov 26, 2012
Great to be worn casual or form. Perfect for an outdoor fall wedding.
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
This dress ran true to size, but I would say it's rather long. I was thanful I had brought very high sandals to wear with the dress. Gorgeous color and material.
megan
Age: 25
Nov 21, 2012
Great dress for a black tie event.
Size worn: P
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I wore 3 1/2 inch heals and it hit right at the floor. The dress is very thin so beware. I wore a sticky bra and tights underneath since it was November and got a ton of complements. Overall, happy with the purchase.
meredith
Top Contributor
Age: 18
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Nov 17, 2012
Stunning color!!
Size worn: 4R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I rented this dress as a back up for prom and did not end up needing it. The material is fairly thin and light, but the opened back is to die for!
Linsey
Top Contributor
Age: 29
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Nov 11, 2012
Not what I expected..
Size worn: 2L
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The material of this dress was extremely thin and unflattering. I didn't end up wearing this dress because it fell oddly on my body--as there was minimal structure with the thin fabric.
Mimi
Top Contributor
Age: 33
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 105 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Oct 30, 2012
Very flowy and comfortable. Overall fit is great but was a little bit long. Color was beautiful!
Size worn: 2R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Because it's a lighter material, there were some parts of the dress (espeically at the bottoms) where it looked a bit worn and used. Since it was for an evening formal affair, you couldn't tell too much because it was lower lighting.
Allison
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Hourglass
Sep 28, 2012
Great dress
Size worn: 0R
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Super flowy and flattering. A little less formal in person than in the picture, but a gorgeous dress.
Amanda
Age: 33
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 136 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 34B
Sep 27, 2012
I LOVED this dress!!!!!!
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I could not have been happier with this dress. I was so nervous and it was perfect. The reviews i read helped so much! I have a smaller bust and a bigger butt, and this dress was so flattering. I loved it. I wore those stick on bra cups, worked perfect, and like a 4inch heel..perfect. Loved it, just wish i owned it!!
Joanne
Age: 38
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 34D
Sep 27, 2012
I rented this dress for a beach wedding and absoutely loved it!
Size worn: SR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I recieved many compliments on it throughout the evening. The fit was true to size. I would definitely use Rent the Runway again!
Elizabeth
Top Contributor
Age: 29
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Sep 20, 2012
Beautiful!
Size worn: SR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I rented the SR & MR just in case. I wore the SR which is my size, I would say True to size. The dress was so comfortable, no bra, it was perfect. Overall I am so pleased. Thank you rent the runway!
vicky
Top Contributor
Age: 29
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Sep 6, 2012
beautiful dress.
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Formal Affair
this dress is exactly as pictured, which i love! i think it's def more blue than purple but in a good way. the petite regular is long enough for me and fits really well. this is truly a great dress!
Nisey
Top Contributor
Age: 31
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Petite
Sep 5, 2012
Great Dress
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
A very simple and elegant dress, wore it to a wedding. Received tons of compliments. While the color indicates purple its more of a royal blue tone.
AJ
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 32D
Sep 2, 2012
Purple passion!
Size worn: PR
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Wedding
When I was asked to wear purple to read in a friend's wedding, I knew this dress would be perfect. But as anyone with any kind of boobs can attest, going backless is a little terrifying. NuBra saved the day on this one. I found a style that looks like a regular underwire strapless bra, but has transparent super-stick sides. You could see the edges of them only very slightly when I moved my arms, but it was SO much more supportive than those stick-on cups. The NuBra stayed up all day and night (4pm - 1am) even as I got more than a little tipsy and danced the night away, and the dress looked great. Comfortable, easy, so cool from the back -- perfect for an outdoor late-summer wedding. Length was perfect on me with 3.5 in. heels.
kat
Age: 29
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Aug 24, 2012
LOVED this dress!
Size worn: MR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Super flattering and elegant. The open back was classy but also sexy. I felt great the dress all night.
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