Needing a little bit of a pick-me-up, I was looking for a dress that'd make me look good for a very important art show for artists with disabilities. I would not have selected this dress looking at it online because it looked too "poofy" in the skirt, but I happened to go to the RTRW flatiron store to try a few styles on. It fit me like a glove - form fit my small top, flowing skirt with room for my pear shape. The best part is that the "necklace" part is built into sheer mesh, so no matter how I moved around, everything stayed in place. Dress and go! I received many compliments on the look - if I could afford to do so, this would have a permanent place in my closet.

Delighted Dress

Marchesa Notte

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Size Worn: 2

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

This dress glitters beautifully, but for some weird reason the lining wasn't sewn to the layer of sequins above, so from the moment I put it on, to every moment I sat down, the sequins layer would pop up, and the lining would be exposed. When I tried the size up, I found that the chest was bigger, but the thigh area had the same problem and didn't feel like much of a size difference. It's no wonder the model had her legs crossed in the photo - I'd say this dress wasn't meant for pear shapes. That being said, I made it through the night with ample amounts of Hollywood fashion tape to keep the layers together, which worked. I received many compliments on the look, even if I felt awkward.

Time Will Tell Sheath

David Meister

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

This headband looks even better in person than in the photo. It is very elegant, and instantly adds a brilliant accent to your look. It stayed on my head all day without slipping and felt like nothing was there at all. I'd highly recommend it!

First Dance Headband

RTR Bridal Accessories

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Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

I got compliments galore on my professional look for an important business presentation with this dress. It is a forgiving material and kept me very comfortable. However, every photo I took in it... well, I felt it accentuated my already wide hips as a pear shape and was unhappy with how it photographed. Other may wish to keep the kind of occasion in mind when choosing this dress.

Hello Gorgeous Peplum Dress

Lela Rose

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

Very easy to wear dress left me comfortable all day. It could be easily worn in most weather - just as leggings for colder months. You wouldn't know it by the photos, but this dress is very stretchy - I suggest using the smallest top size you wear as a guideline. Since the eyes go to the cut outs on the shoulders, I say those of you with modest bust size, be bold and just wear silicone covers, otherwise go with a strapless bra. The place I went to was too dark to take a nice photo, but I got many positive compliments on the dress. Great for a day of fun or a date night!

Cookie Cutter Perfection Dress

Opening Ceremony

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

I love Spanx because it has the ability to smooth out your shape, without being as compressing as old fashioned kinds of girdles/compression hose. And even if you are not plus sized, it will make your figure even more flattering (especially so for us pear shaped ladies!). I hope Rent The Runway will carry some more of the other colors and styles soon!

Black Super Shaping Sheers

Spanx

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Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

I wore this dress for a career moment, and got many compliments on it! The color is very flattering, and the dress is very comfortable. All I did to make it business presentable (because that v cut is low!) was to add a small black tank underneath. I found a necklace was unnecessary. If you're pear shaped like me, Spanx are a MUST- this shows off every feature. If you have a small backside, you do not want to wear undies with this - panty lines will show. I fit in the size 4, but felt the 6 rested on my thighs better. One more thing! One detail I did not notice when I ordered the dress was that there is a little fringe on the edges of the skirt. At first I panicked, thinking that the dress was frayed. In fact it gave the outfit a fun, softer note. If I could afford it, I would buy this dress in a heartbeat because it is so versatile. Overall, I loved it!

Here Comes the Sun Dress

Z Spoke Zac Posen

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B

I rented this dress for an evening wedding reception, but think it could easily work for other formal occasions. Up close, the outer material looks and feels like a soft cotton tee, covered in a pattern or little silver sequins. Inside, nice and satiny smooth. Because the sequins are small, you don't outshine the bride or look gaudy - it glimmers beautifully! My soul mate couldn't keep his eyes off of me, and I was complimented by others on the look - but I didn't have to suffer for it (dress wise, anyway). Hooray! A few tips: if you have a modest bosom, a padded pushup bra is a must. With a size 2 top, and pear shaped 4/6 hips, I found the 4 just made it (very close to true). If you are unsure, size for your hips. This dress hangs beautifully, but take note- when taking photos in the dress, face forward or left side (where the neat dangle part is), otherwise it will artificially emphasize the appearance of your belly due to the way it drapes (see my two photos for a comparison). Don't let that one down side discourage you from getting this dress though - when you are in it, you'll love it and so will others!

Charcoal Cocktail Sequin Dress

David Meister

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 118lbs

Bust: 34B