I'm going to give this dress five starts despite the fact that I couldn't wear it with heels (I'm 5'8".). Quite simply, this dress to me is why designer costs more. The fabric is sumptuous and luxe, and the cut is beyond flattering. It just lays perfectly and is effortlessly sexy without being even a tiny bit over the top. The color is unusual enough to stand out in a sea of black and blue dresses, but has very simple ornamentation, which allows you to still look classically elegant. I wore this to dinner at a very old Michelin three star restaurant in Europe (the kind where men have to wear suits), and it was just perfect: I clearly understood the dress needed to respect this establishment, but I wasn't being showy about it. I can see myself renting this again for another special occasion.

Green Cold Shoulder Gown

Prabal Gurung

View Details

Size Worn: 8R

This dress has absolutely no give, and it is cut very ungenerously in the front. I managed to get it zipped up with help from a friend, but there was not enough fabric on the chest, so it pull the sleeves forward and held my arms at a very odd angle. Not attractive!

Floral Miller Sheath

Alexis

View Details

Size Worn: MR

There is just not enough fabric in the top and (if you are large busted, I'm a 32DDD), it will smoosh your boobs in a pretty unflattering way.

Burgundy Center Stage Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

View Details

Size Worn: 6L