I rented this for a masquerade fundraiser around Halloween- I got a TON of compliments on it and felt amazing. Dramatic but still black tie, all sorts of grown up goth queen feels. Things to note- I ended up wearing the 20 instead of the 18 which fit, but was a little more form fitting and most of my shapewear sits too high up to not be visible in the open lace back- the 20 glided, the 18 hugged. All depends on your bodycon comfort level. You will get things caught in the lace. It's a GORGEOUS brocade style lace, but chain type things, heels, etc all tend to get caught. If you are busty you will need to either use breast lift tape (it does exist and it does work) or feel comfortable going braless- the back is sheer and there is no built in shelf bra. I'm an H cup and found lift tape on amazon that worked really well. It has a heavy liner so you're not poking out everywhere. I ordered the long and had a kitten heel on- I'm 5'8 and the heels maybe made me 5'9-5'10 and the dress was grazing the ground. Consider your lengths depending on your look. Consider a little bit of starch to get the neck to stand up... I was a little bummed that I had run out and couldn't get it to really pop!

Black Trumpet Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 20WL

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

I struggled to put my phone, id, credit cards and a lipstick in this bag, but it looks so good I kind of didn't care. The chain is also so short as to make it pointless, as it is still handheld, and you may as well just carry the bag.

Floral Brocade Minaudiere

Sondra Roberts

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Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

Gorgeous, though a little hard to open. Fit quite a bit of stuff in it, and really completed the look!

Wine Pleated Minaudiere

Sondra Roberts

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Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

I received this dress as a back up after my original dress was shipped too late to arrive for my event, customer service worked with me to find something that was similar in style to my original order. I ended up really liking this! It was for a late afternoon to dinner wedding, and it went from afternoon to cocktail really well. I love the details in the embroidery and even though I am generally not a fan of the cold shoulder trend, it worked on this dress (and I could still lift up my arms). It was true to size, though a little loose in the middle, but that tends to happen with me... if there was an 18 available it probably would have looked more tailored to my body. It was comfy without shapewear, though it was hot out and the lining tended to stick to my backside when I would stand up. The only other true con was that the hook at the neck tends to pull on your hair. All in all, while I was disappointed I had to track down customer service when my original dress' delivery date was after the event I was ordering for, they did a really good job making up for it!

Black Floral Garden Embroidered Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 20W

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

This is a beautifully made dress that fits true to size. I ended up not wearing this because the long sleeves would have been simply too hot, and once I saw it on, it would not have been formal enough for the event. This would be great for a fall upscale cocktail party! Word to the wise, it is SHORT. I lifted my arms up to test its "dance-ability", and it definitely showed off my spirituality, if you know what I mean. Taller girls take note and do the bend test before you commit.

Embroidered Mesh Dress

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: NONE

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

Rented this for a black tie wedding and went full formal. It is MAGIC. Remember when Princess Diana wore that purple dress for a gala at Northwestern? No? Well I do. It makes you feel like that- all amazing shoulders, sleek lines and confidence. I haven't seen any Plus size girls rocking this dress in the reviews, so I wanted to share my experience- this dress is SUPER flattering for everyone, and comfortable too. I wore this on a rooftop on the hottest day of the year, but stayed fresh looking all night. The material is sturdy and form fitting but in a gracious draping way that complements your curves, not highlights them. Compliments all night, and the color is rich, bold and outstanding. I'm about 5'8, and this skims the floor in 2" heels, so consider that if you're shorter. There is some stretch to the fabric but it's not "stretchy", and there is a lining that is somewhat annoying but really helps with the drape. Excuse the obligatory bathroom selfie but every other photo I have was too full of laughs to really show the dress.

Cobalt Racing Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 20R

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H

This was intended to be my backup dress, but as the first one was wholly unflattering, I was REALLY glad I opted to get a backup. I am an 18 on top and a 16 on the bottom, so while the waist could have been a little more tailored before the drop waist, that's more of a body thing than a dress thing. I was initially worried that the drop waist would be too high and therefore little girl-esque, but it hit just right on my hips and really made for a nice retro look in a very current color and fabric. The embroidery is soft and not scratchy, and the drop waist enabled me to not need to wear shape wear. Comfortable, true to size, and really appropriate for black tie cocktail/dinner event.

Midnight Lace Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 18W

Usual Size: 20

Height: 5' 8"

Bust: 38H