Katie's Reviews
All reviews by Katie
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
22 reviews
unflattering midsection
The combination of a snug fit, unforgiving fabric and the vertical stripes create and draw attention to an unflattering bulge around the midsection.
Member Fit Notes
Vertical Stripe Knit Dress
RACHEL ROY COLLECTION
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Lovely color, beautiful fit
If you like this designer, you'll love this dress. Everything that's best about L.K. Bennett: Tailoring is perfect; the dress length, sleeve detailing and neckline are professional and classy without being matronly or unflattering; and the fabric is a fabulous color and really soft on the skin.
Member Fit Notes
Rebecca Sheath
L.K. Bennett
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Unusually snug fit for this designer
I really like Leota and have found their other A-line dresses to be super flattering and very easy to wear, but the combination of the ultra-thin, stretchy fabric and really narrow cut around the midsection made this one considerably less attractive. I felt pretty self-conscious in it generally and it was unwearable on days / times when my stomach was anything other than its relative flattest. It’s a pretty print but I’d either size up or, more honestly, opt for another choice from Leota entirely.
Member Fit Notes
Ilana Dress
Leota
Size Worn: MR
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 138lbs
Bust: 36B
lovely color, unique yet professional style
This dress is really a gem, especially for pear or hourglass shapes. The color is so pretty and the lightweight wool was very nice for transitional summer to fall weather (though it also looked lovely under a blazer and I imagine would be a good piece year-round). The neckline and shoulders are just unusual enough to add interest to an overall very classic (for good reason!) fit.
Member Fit Notes
Green Ruth Dress
M.M.LaFleur
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
runs wildly small
This one was unwearable for me, despite the size M being recommended as a good fit. The material is super-snug and the pattern seems to draw a ton of attention to the midsection... think Ali Wong's iconic look in "Baby Cobra" - except I'm not pregnant. This is one to avoid unless you've got a six-pack or a desire to show off whatever you ate for lunch.
Member Fit Notes
Leopard Scuba Sheath
Alexia Admor
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Versatile, classic and wildly easy to wear
Loved this dress for summer work events - it's incredibly comfortable and the fabric breathes even in heat and humidity. The bow does add volume at the waist, so it's not a classic sheath look, but the wide tie creates a generally flattering shape. If it were a little less spendy, I'd snap this one up... versatile for all kinds of occasions!
Member Fit Notes
Nuri Dress
Shoshanna
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
unusual, beautiful print and vintage fit
Fully fabulous 1960s vibes. The high, gathered neck and unusual, beautiful floral print make this dress such a stand-out. Expect lots of compliments! No stretch plus the high neckline do make the fit a little constraining - I sized up and still had to adjust every time I sat down - but the look is gorgeous, especially for summer professional events.
Member Fit Notes
Printed Corrine Sheath
Black Halo
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Beautiful! And not your average work blouse
I had modest expectations (who hasn't worn / tried on a million silky work blouses that all fit basically the same?), but this fits unusually beautifully. The drape is so nice, and the length (I'm 5'4", neither particularly long- nor short-waisted) is perfect: I was able to tuck it into trousers and jeans for a crisp look, without miles of extra fabric. It's soft and comfortable, and the print is interesting but timeless. I would have bought it if it were more affordable!
Member Fit Notes
Plaid Etch Top
Rebecca Taylor NYC
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 142lbs
Bust: 36B
Stylish + cozy
The oversized fit is very on-trend, but it's thoughtfully constructed and doesn't feel unflatteringly baggy. Wore with high-waisted denim - comfortable and warm, while still looking polished. and the color is stunning!
Member Fit Notes
Cropped Turtleneck Sweater
Peter Som x RTR
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 142lbs
Bust: 36B
a power suit in dress form
A true power dress. A must-rent for buttoned-down professions (or formal professional events). So powerful and polished, with plenty of memorable character from the color and details. I'm a pear shape and sheaths can be hit or miss, but this one is perfect. Fit is flattering and TTS, maybe even bordering on a little big, but because the structure is so crisp, it's comfortable without looking baggy. I fell in love and bought it!
Member Fit Notes
Ivor Sheath
L.K. Bennett
Size Worn: 8R
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 143lbs
Bust: 36B
Flawless professional dress
Fits - and photographs - beautifully. Fair warning that the dress is constraining, between the long sleeves and no stretch, but it really delivers on a striking, powerful look with a rich, memorable color. I'm a pear shape and found the fit to be particularly flattering (the neckline may read as a little less professional for someone with fully hourglass figure).
Member Fit Notes
Effie Sheath
L.K. Bennett
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 142lbs
Bust: 36B
Not for Pear Shapes
On me, this jumpsuit looked like someone had Frankensteined together a top and a bottom that were about four sizes apart. The bottom half was snug (in a not-unflattering way, actually - there's some nice lift in the back) and the top was ENORMOUS. As in, looked like I was standing in a deflated parachute. I can imagine it might work if you're extremely busty and relatively slim on the bottom... if you're closer to the other way around, like me, though, this is one to avoid.
Member Fit Notes
Kai Jumpsuit
Trina Turk
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Lovely but tiny! Size (way) up to wear these beauties.
The fabric, color and style of these pants are all stunning - but they run super-small. I'm between a size 6 and a size 8 ... and if you told me the Medium of these pants was actually a 2, I'd have believed you as I tried to get them on. I was bummed the Large wasn't available to order instead, and will try to keep an eye to rent in the future. (Honestly, I'm not sure even an X-Large would be too big.) Spare yourself the disappointment and go up a size when you rent!
Member Fit Notes
Stitch Front Seam Leggings
VINCE.
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B
Perfect professional look for sticky summer weather
Well-ventilated and comfortable for hot commutes, yet polished for the office. Unlike other LKB dresses (which I've found to run a little snug), this one is true to size.
Striped Martha Dress
L.K. Bennett
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 138lbs
Bust: 36C
Cozy but Shapeless
I made this work with a belt and boots, but be forewarned: It is completely shapeless. I'm in my third trimester and sizing up from my pre-maternity size in most brands, but for this dress, even a size small was huge. But, if you're looking for something breezy and comfortable and not so concerned with the silhouette of your outfit, you could do worse - the material looks and feels quality, and the asymmetrical hem adds some interest.
Darien Maternity Dress
Leota
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 155lbs
Bust: 34B
Form-Fitting Yet Comfortable
Easy to wear fabric and pretty color - versatile with a blazer for work or on its own for social events. It's definitely form-fitting, and I felt like I had to adjust the ruching throughout the day to lay in a flattering way, but if you're tired of tent-like maternity styles, this is a good late second or third trimester option (I'm at about 30 weeks). I wore a medium; sized up from my pre-maternity size.
Crimson Pleated Maternity Dress
Ingrid & Isabel
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 155lbs
Bust: 34C
Gorgeous Color, Snug Fit on Top
The color is really stunning, and the silky fabric elevates the style of the dress. It was quite snug in the arms and chest, though - going up a size probably would have made for a more comfortable experience.
Cobalt Liberty Maternity Dress
Amanda Uprichard
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34B
Unwearably Short
Such a frustrating dress - fit is great, comfortable fabric, great color and perfectly lovely shape but completely ridiculously, totally unnecessarily short. I'm only 5'4" and it hits four inches above my knees, making it unwearable for work or really anything other than a club (a not so likely venue at 24 weeks pregnant.)
Red Maternity Dress
Slate & Willow
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 5
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34C
Fit is beautiful, professional and sleek
Pictured at 22 weeks. My favorite maternity dress yet. Stylish, wildly comfortable and flattering.
Katherine Draped Maternity Dress
Seraphine
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 130lbs
Bust: 34B
Cute, but short, especially for maternity
The fit is cute and flattering up top, but the length is awfully short (and at 5'4, I'm not particularly tall), especially for work and especially if you're wearing as maternity, which RTR had recommended. The shape is otherwise flattering on a smaller bump, but do proceed with caution if renting for maternity workwear: definitely requires tights or confidence + an open-minded workplace.
Black Diamond Texture Dress
Rebecca Taylor NYC
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 130lbs
Bust: 34B
Beautiful Fit for Early Second Trimester
Quite a flattering design and fit for the second trimester transition to maternity clothes. Neither looks like I'm "squeezing in" to my normal clothes, nor like I'm not "filling out" a maternity silhouette (both pitfalls in this in-between stage) - just a classic, attractive dress in a very comfortable yet professional fabric.
Eva Maternity Dress
Seraphine
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 130lbs
Bust: 34B
Perfect dress for an inaugural celebration.
The dress fits like a dream and is wonderfully comfortable as well as beautiful. It's a very classic fit - figure flattering and sexy without revealing too much. As others have noted, the long is the best bet if you're 5'4" or taller, plan to wear heels and prefer a gown that hits the floor rather than your ankles.
Member Fit Notes
Navy Sequin Sultry Gown
David Meister
Size Worn: 2L
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 36B