We had an outdoor date planned and there was a cold front! So I picked a cozy-yet-sophisticated sweater that I knew could be dressed up or down. It was perfect for a chilly April (around 55*) that I paired with a leather motorcycle jacket as it got colder in the evening. I loved that the peplum gave me an accentuated hourglass figure; as a petite, pear-shaped woman, I used to believe that peplums would make me look short-waisted but this made me feel great.

Oat Milano Peplum Sweater

Club Monaco

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Size Worn: M

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34D

Rented this for my mother-in-law's small, March wedding. I'm 7 wks postpartum in this photo (5'2", roughly 145 lbs, and still rocking the mom pooch). What I liked most about this was that it had some shape without clinging to my body. The color is vibrant without being too bold; like a dark raspberry purple. It also has POCKETS. Maybe it's just me, but being able to have pockets is important, whether it's to stash my phone, tissues, toy car, pacifier ... definitely keeping this on my favorites list for future rentals. I think it would work year round, dressed up and down.

Plum Blossom Joyous Dress

Trina Turk

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Size Worn: M

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 145lbs

Bust: 36D

Originally rented a different long gown that was supposed to work for 5'2" women with heels (according to fit notes and other reviews). Unfortunately that didn't work out but I called RTR and one of the stylist quickly helped me find this style and guaranteed it would suit me. Well it fit great and looked amazing! The slit started pretty high on my thigh but a small safety pin remedied that. Overall, I loved the one-shoulder look and simplicity of the dress.

Berry Wild Lace Gown

Robert Rodriguez Black Label

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Size Worn: 4R

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 120lbs

Bust: 32C

I LOVE this statement necklace. It was large yet still simple; eye-catching but not gaudy. Perfect complement to my already bright and beautiful dress.

On the Town Necklace

kate spade new york accessories

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Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 140lbs

Bust: 36C

As shift dresses are rather straight forward in cut and shape, I was very happy with this!! Normally I go for a-line dresses that flow away from my hips and thighs (I can wear xs/small tops but need to wear size 8 pants with the waist band taken in). I picked this dress for its color and material but was concerned that it may look shapeless, or sit on my body (particularly across my hips) oddly. But the addition of the skinny belt and fab necklace helped punch up the look and make the silhouette more feminine.

Peony Lace Shift

Robert Rodriguez Collection

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 140lbs

Bust: 36C

I rented this dress for a night out in NYC. It was my girlfriend's bachelorette and we all just wanted to do it up! So in the spirit of the night, I knew I wanted a form-fitting Herve Leger for some class and some sass! The dress itself was heavier than expected but not in a way that it looks cumbersome. The model makes it look effortless and I believe I carried that same look. Because of the thickness of the bandages, I didn't feel paranoid about strap or panty lines. It is tight enough to manage soft curves. I am petite but not all bones. However, if you feel that you want a little help, some spanx would certainly do the trick.