Pros: 1) The lining is thick so the dress has a smooth silhouette - I didn’t need Spanx. 2) The material has a bit of stretch so it is very comfortable to sit in. 3) The length was nice - I’m 5’4” and I wore 4” heels and it was just a skosh too long (less than an inch) but I was able to easily walk in it. 4) The boning didn’t poke! 5) The peplum ends right below the mid hip so it’s just long enough to cover the belly. Cons: It runs a little small everywhere except in the bust - I wear an 18/20 but I wore the 22 in this dress and it fit just right. I wear a 42DD and the top fit well too, but the scalloped edge is not fitted so make sure to wear a black strapless bra because it will peak out a bit as you move. All in all, I’m just waiting on this one to go on clearance so I can snap it up. It’s the formal version of a LBD.

Rosalind Peplum Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 22WR

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"

The gown became unavailable in my first choice size about a week before my event so I worked with a stylist to find a replacement (the gold gown I’m wearing). My friend realized that she forgot to pack her gown so she ended up wearing the purple one. I was surprised that the gown fit her so well because she wears a 16 and the gown is an 18R. I’ve rented several gowns from this particular designer and they usually run large. Pictures do not do the fabric justice. It’s luxurious and the pattern catches the light as you move in it. My friend is 5’5” and she wore flats so I would suggest renting a long if you’re any taller. As for the bust - there was a lot of tape involved because the dress is too low cut for a bra, even with a converter. Oh, and my friend was also pleasantly surprised to discover the dress has pockets since also forgot to pack her clutch.

Tena Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 18R

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"

I originally rented the purple gown but my size became unavailable a few days after I reserved it. I gave the stylist the dress requirements for my event and she prepared several options for me to choose from. I chose this gold number and my stylist sent it in my size and a backup size. In addition, she also sent the purple gown in the backup size, which was extremely fortunate since my friend forgot to pack her gown. This dress is extremely comfortable. The sheath underneath has stretch so sitting/bending/dancing in the dress is really comfortable. I’m 5’5 so following the advice of the reviews, I ordered a long. I wore flats and the gown was about 2 inches too long so it would have been perfect had I worn heels. The sequins were a bit itchy under the arms, but overall the dress wears well. The bust has plenty of room and the dress doesn’t have cutouts so you don’t have to wear a bra engineered by a NASA scientist. Overall this was a great dress and I would definitely rent it again.

Glitz Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 22WL

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"

This gown (I've named the gown Ramón) and I are planning to run away together and live in an Italian villa - that's how much I love this gown. The fit: The strap slipped a couple of times throughout the night. I'm a 42DD and the fit was a little loose at the top but it's nothing that could not have been remedied by some tape or pins at the shoulder (neither of which I had). Ramón is not too low in the front so he can be worn to more conservative events. The bottom fit beautifully - no Spanx required! I'm 5'5 and I wore flat sandals because Ramón kissed the floor ever so slightly. The look: The color/fabric combo is perfect. I paired Ramón with a red lip and nothing else. And he has pockets! In this picture, I'm carrying my phone/wallet case combo, a lipstick, and a perfume spritzer, and other miscellaneous items and I had room to spare. Ramón's volume disguised my pack-mule nature and camouflaged all sins (did I mention that I didn't have to wear Spanx?). The back is made of red tulle but I was able to wear a red mesh bra underneath with no problem. I received at least 30 compliments regarding Ramón and as I previously mentioned, we are in the process of booking our flight to Italy.

Pomegranate Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 20WR

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"

I rented this dress for an After 5 event at a museum. This dress was perfect. I rented the 22W as a backup but did not need it because the 20W fit so perfectly. I'm 5'5" and as you can see from the photo, the dress came to my knee with 2" heels on. I carried the little red clutch more as an accessory than for function because the pockets in the dress allow you to carry everything you need and without adding bulk around the hips (no woman wants that). I received a lot of compliments and I am seriously just waiting for this dress to be featured in the clearance sale because it is one that I would/could wear again.

Back Down Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 20W

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 5"

This dress is GORGEOUS! But it did not work for my body type because I carry most of my weight in my lower abdomen and upper thighs. The peplum just wasn't long enough to cover my problem areas. But if that is not your problem area, then you should have no issue with this dress. I ordered a 20W and it fit beautifully everywhere else. The material is of good quality, but I could still see outlines of my undergarments when I tried it on, so just be mindful. I'm 5'5" and it hit me right at the knee. Overall it is a good dress, it's just not for me.

Indie Sheath

ELOQUII

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Size Worn: None

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 5"

This dress fit me perfectly...from the waist down. The top of the dress has no give and I wear a DD cup size so although I was able to get into the dress, there was NO way I could have worn it all night because I could not breath in it. The dress itself was quite beautiful though - I actually saw someone wearing it at a different function a week later and she looked great. I would go with the long length if you are over 5'5" and/or plan to wear heels because it was barely touching the floor in my stocking feet.

Screen Siren Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: None

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"

This dress is a dream! The ONLY reason I'm rating it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it was my backup dress; my primary dress did not arrive in time (ALWAYS leave a day for overnight shipping). My picture does not do the dress justice. I'm top-heavy but this dress fit wonderfully and looked great because of the diagonal ruching on top. It comes up high enough in the back to cover a wide-banded strapless bra. I'm 5'5" and I wore flats and the dress just kissed the floor, so I would suggest the long if you are any taller or you plan to wear heels. The color is more vibrant than what is depicted on the model (less of a red undertone and more of a purple one). I would definitely rent this gown again.

Berry Bacall Gown

Donna Morgan

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Size Worn: 22WR

Usual Size: 22

Height: 5' 5"