Though the fit around the rib cage started off tight, it ended up being just right to feel comfortably in place for the whole night. The bright color was eye catching, the dress pockets were clutch for holding phone and lipstick, and the fit was perfect. I didn't even need a bra. I would've preferred a little more length, but it didn't detract from the overall impact.

Dayglo Gown

Jill Jill Stuart

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Size Worn: 10R

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I wore this to a celebration dinner at the Georgia Aquarium, an event attended by about 200 women engineers and their dates. People wear whatever they deem festive, with some in pant suits and plenty in cocktail dresses. I'd been eyeing this dress for months, and this seemed the perfect occasion to rent it. It was all that I hoped it would be an more. After practicing a few times the night before, it was "easy" to figure out how to put it on. The zipper does stick a little on the side on account of all the layers, but once it is on, it's simply marvelous. A sturdy skirt with generous pockets made it easy to hold my phone, ID, and lipstick, without making any difference to the silhouette. The skirt with asymmetric hem was so fun, great for gliding across the room as elegantly as the whale sharks we were viewing.

Floral Jadore Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 8L

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I wore this dress to the Gold & White Gala, and this was the perfect white dress to pair with gold statement jewelry for such an event. The winter white was perfect for a Southern January evening, and I felt polished without being dramatic. The dress is quite comfortable, and the skirt twirled perfectly.

Catch the Wind Dress

Trina Turk

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I rented this for a black-tie awards dinner where my husband was being honored. Though the sparkly layer hangs loose over the chest, there is an underlayer that fits snugly. I went with the 8L so that I would be comfortable sitting through the presentations and speeches. I wore a strapless bra. While the dress is sparkly, the dark color means that it's not too flashy, especially in a dimly lit room.

Midnight Swirl Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 8L

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I rented this dress for a black-tie event for Georgia Tech, where all things gold are encouraged. I'm only a B cup, so I was able to go without a bra, thanks to the lined black fabric and snug fit. I felt festive but not over-the-top, and was comfortable enough to dance and have a good time. I wore 3 inch heels and the length was just right.

Golden Blossom Gown

Theia

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Size Worn: 8L

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I wore this dress for a gala. Pros:I loved that I could fit my phone, lipstick, ID, and credit card in the pockets so that I didn't have to carry a purse. I loved the pink color of the fabric underneath. I loved the length of the skirt and drape of the fabric, including the weight added by the sequins that moderated the flare. Cons: The dress itself was a little tight in the rib cage and a little loose in the bust for me (which is a common problem for me). The lining fabric got stuck in the zipper more than once. The sequins are big and did catch on others clothes when walking past people during the silent auction, fortunately never really getting stuck. And some of the sequins were pretty loose.

Celebrate Good Times Dress

kate spade new york

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 145lbs

Bust: 36B

I love the color and the comfortable feel of the dress. However, there was a little too much material in the armpit area, while the skirt was a little shorter than I would have liked. I'm a bit bigger in the bust these days since I'm nursing, but I didn't fill out the bust area and/or the material bunched funny unless I held rigidly perfect posture.

Key To Success Dress

Trina Turk

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 145lbs

Bust: 36B

This dress was form fitting with little stretch, meaning it held me in/helped cover my least favorite spots, but it was still quite comfortable while sitting through a dinner and formal presentation. It was fancy enough to feel special but still fit my simple and elegant style.

Adore Me Dress

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B

I was the opening speaker for a Women In Engineering banquet. Rather than go with the traditional and expected suit, I wanted an elegant and feminine cocktail dress to show off that women engineers care about fashion, too! The dress was nicely lined and quite comfortable. You can't wear a normal strapless bra with it, since the back is low cut. While I like the lace details, they edges were quite frayed, looking more "worn" than I expected. I got several compliments, so no one probably noticed it besides me.

I'm 5'9", 155lbs, and had a baby in the last year, so I was looking for a dress to cover my mommy tummy. I ordered a 10 and a 12. As others have mentioned, it was a bit tighter and shorter than I expected around the legs and butt. I went with the 12 for that reason and used the fashion tape to hold the top in place since the girls didn't quite fill out the top on the larger size.

Teal Tart Dress

Nicole Miller

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Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36B