At least six complete strangers pulled me aside at this black-tie event to tell me I had the most beautiful dress there. Despite its volume (the crinoline is voluminous!), the dress is very comfortable to wear. It is incredibly well made, with internal boning and support such that I didn’t need a bra, but still felt completely secure, even while dancing. I ordered the 10 and 12 and wore the 12. It was a bit loose, but I have a very broad back and the 10 would not zip. Note that it is not floor length.

Black Strapless Midi Dress

Oscar de la Renta

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Size Worn: 12

Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 160lbs

Bust: 38C

This dress is spectacular. It fits like a glove, but also, flatteringly, hides all flaws. The fabric is stretchy,but not uncomfortably tight, and it has a wonderful bias drape at the hip. It manages to be slimming while still looking like it is hiding nothing. It is also manages, somehow, to be killer sexy, and ALSO elegant and classy. I am in love with this dress. Fit notes: It does run on the short side imho. I'm 5'9" and don't always need a "long," but it was definitely necessary here (I did wear high heels). May not require a bra, but if you wear one, needs to be strapless obviously.

Blue Artico Kate Gown

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe

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Size Worn: 44L

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 9"

Bust: 36C

I ordered both the 8R and the 10R, and ended up wearing the 10. It was a little large, but the 8, though wearable was a little tight. I'm normally an 8, but have a broad back.

Blue Vanessa Gown

SACHIN BABI

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Size Worn: 10R

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 160lbs

Bust: 38C

Flattering fit, elegant, girlish. Loved it! Wore it to my son’s Bar Mitzvah.

Stunning dress. I'm typically a 4-6 (5'9", 135 lbs). Both the 2 and 4 I rented fit. The 2 was shorter, and I went that route. Neither was tight. Simple. Beautiful. Elegant without looking like you're trying too hard. Several people at my husband's 30th high school reunion actually asked if I had been a model. Can't beat that!

Black Jeanette Dress

Lilly Pulitzer

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Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 160lbs

Bust: 38C

I rented this dress in both S and M and found both were a little too long in the body - and I am a tall woman! I did not end up wearing it. I wanted to love it, but something about the criss-cross straps did not work on my body type.

This dress is extraordinarily flattering. Perfect for when you want to look like it was effortless to be so stunning.

Chocolate Addiction Dress

Hervé Léger

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Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 160lbs

Bust: 38C

This dress is stunning. The mirrored laser sequins create an iridescence unlike any other sequined dress I have worn. It fits to a T. I received numerous compliments at a very fancy Manhattan black tie event and was even stopped on the street by a complete stranger to admire the dress. I have rented it three times. Note, though, that it is nearly impossible to zip by oneself, so make sure you have someone to do the zipping for you.