I am 7 months post-partem and am hanging on to those pesky last 10 (ok, 13...) pounds, and I needed something that I'd feel cute and comfortable in for a work party. This dress worked perfectly. There was enough coverage that I didn't feel self conscious, but the sheer parts at the top made it fun and not at all matronly. With some spanx I also felt like it was super flattering. Before pregnancy I easily fit into a 6 in this brand, so I felt like the 8 fit pretty true to size given where my body is at the moment. The only downside was the need to wear a strapless bra, but all in all that really isn't too bad :-) I'd definitely rent this dress again.

Navy Beaux Dress

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 7"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I got this dress as a backup dress for a black tie wedding. The fit was very flattering and forgiving, and I loved that the straps allowed for a regular bra. In the end, I chose not to wear this dress for 2 reasons: 1. It was a bit short on me. I am 5'7" and planned to wear 4 inch heels, and the 4L was about 1.5 inches too short. It looked OK with 3 inch heels though, so it was a good backup. 2. It was sexier than anticipated! I hadn't paid attention to the photos closely enough to realize how high the slit is (mid thigh). That, combined with the low V neck, made it a bit too sexy for wearing to a winter wedding. But I would definitely get it again for a different formal event! Overall, a very flattering, sexy dress!

Galaxy Dust Gown

Robert Rodriguez Black Label

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Size Worn: 4L

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 7"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I wore this dress to my friend's black tie wedding and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a sleek and classy formal dress. Some things to note when choosing your size: - The fabric is great, and the shape is very flattering. I did choose to wear Spanx, but could have gone without them. The dress creates a nice hourglass look. - I am generally a size 4, sometimes a 6 in high end designer wear. I wore this in a 4L and the fit was great everywhere but the very top. I am a 34C, but it was a bit big on me and I had to pull it up multiple times through the evening to keep my strapless bra from showing. If you have a smaller sized chest, you may need to include padding (or opt for a different dress). - The dress is LONG! I am 5'7 so chose the long length, but it was at least 3 inches too long even in my 4.5 inch heels. I used hem tape and safety pins to keep the front off of the ground so I wouldn't trip, and just made sure to be careful with the remaining mini-train in the back. Overall, I recommend it, and would order it again (in a 4R) for future events.

Rosalind Peplum Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 4L

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 7"

Weight: 135lbs

Bust: 34C

I am a size 4/6 and the small fit perfectly. It really sucks you in and made my waist look really small - I got tons of compliments! My only gripe was that it was really difficult to find a bra that worked given how bare the sides are. I tried a variety of strapless bras and all of them were clearly visible. I am a C cup so didn't feel comfortable going without a bra; in the end, I found a low cut, bare sided bra with clear straps at victorias secret that worked out OK with a little double sided tape. All in all I'd say its a HOT dress, very flattering, but be prepared to go braless or use a Nu-bra.