A beautiful, unusual dress, but it is short! (Since I'm barely 5'5", thigh high on the model typically works for me; guess I should read the stats more carefully in future ;) It was too warm for tights, so I skipped the self-belt, which gave it a kind of 60s vibe. Tons of compliments. Very comfortable, and pockets! Something about the construction -- the layer of lace or the pockets or both - makes the dress look a bit wide near the bottom, so maybe pass on this if you're self-conscious about your hips/thighs.

Whisper Floral Lace Dress

Nicholas

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

I am frequently between a 4 and 6; the 4 wasn't available so went with the 6. Could have been tighter on top (I'm small), but skirt was fine. As others have noted, this dress runs short. Wore a kitten heel and it worked. For reference, I am almost 5'5", 123 lbs and a 32C. Beware, apparently this is a very popular style: I wore this to a black tie gala in NYC and saw two other women in the same dress (including one on the red carpet!).

Silver Embroidered Gown

Marchesa Notte

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Size Worn: 6R

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

The front tie makes this shirt -- fun without being too much for work. The fit was outstanding, and the stretch made it comfy and kept it looking neat all day. It looks great with pants or a skirt. Great white shirt!

Shinto Shirt

Bailey 44

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Size Worn: S

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

As others have noted, the dress is of good quality. My primary objection was the color -- the dress I received was more orange than rose -- which was very unflattering. While the overall fit was fine, I thought the shoulder was off: the seam hit in a weird place (not usually an issue for me) and and had a little peak, which doesn't appear in the photo. Maybe my particular dress had been on the hanger too long? And I agree that it was a little on the short side for a work dress. I'm 5'5" and it hit several inches above the knee.

Bois De Rose Dress

Carven

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Size Worn: 38

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Both a bit too sweet and too matronly for me. True to size, yes, but no give and somewhat short waisted. Also, on the short side for work. Size up of you have any doubts. Beware of static cling, especially if you're wearing tights.

Black Arabella Dress

Diane von Furstenberg

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

I'm 5'5" and 125 lbs, and wore the 4R - perfection! (But my heels were not sky high, maybe 2 1/2 or 3".) Wore a regular bra (nude) -- straps did not show through the mesh -- and seamless briefs. Agree with stylist who says no necklace needed; IMO that would ruin the sleek architectural effect of the dress. Updo, gorgeous earrings and I was good to go. Stretchy, lightweight, super comfortable.

Jetset Gown

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 4R

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Wore this gem to a bar mitzvah in early Sept. It's the perfect dress for the season: it's not too summery (black background, scuba fabric), or too fall/wintery either (sleeveless, bright print). Worked for both temple (with a cardi) and party. I got the 4 and the 6; both fit, but chose the 6 for the extra tiny bit of length. The neckline on both dresses was rumpled, but nothing an iron coudn't fix. Felt pretty and polished, but not boring. Tons of compliments all day/evening.

Coral Reef Dress

Cynthia Rowley

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Pros: it is very comfortable, and very striking, with the cool mesh top and gorgeous skirt, plus pockets! Cons: the sleeves were a tad tight and the skirt started at my true waist (smallest part), which seemed very high and I'm only 5'5" and not at all long waisted. (Maybe I'm just not used to this style dress??) But tall or long waisted ladies, beware.

Keep Them Guessing Dress

Yoana Baraschi

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Agree with other reviewers: this dress is completely form fitting, very short, tends to ride up when you move and the scuba fabric is thick and hot. That said, it looks amazing on -- the print is so striking. Wore it with black tights and ankle boots and got many compliments.

Funny Honey Dress

Clover Canyon

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Size Worn: S

Usual Size: 6

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

The colors were perfect for a late afternoon, outdoor summer wedding. The ruching added curves to my athletic frame. SO comfortable: plenty of strech and wore a regular bra. Added gold sandals and accessories, and voila. EASY.

Mai Tai Dress

HALSTON

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

I wore this to my son's senior class dinner at lovely NYC hotel, and it was the perfect blend of hot color and conservative silhouette. I did wear a strapless bra, but didn't even bother with spanx. Great color for me (dk brown hair and eyes, ivory skin), and it was fun to stand out in a sea of black. Nude patent pumps and simple gold jewelry took it down a notch.

Botanical Berry Sheath

Carmen Marc Valvo

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

As others have noted, go down a size. I'm usually a 6, but the 4 was fine. (I probably could have fit into a 2, but for the sleeves, which were a bit tight.) Pretty enough, and comfy -- regular undergarments work here! -- but nothing special.

Candlelight Romance Shift

Robert Rodriguez Collection

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

I rented a 6 and an 8, and the 6 was plenty big (I didn't even realize that the fabric had stretch until I re-read the description just now) and a bit too long on my 5'5"/125 lb. frame. Bare legs are a must; I tried black tights because it was freezing out, but they looked terrible against the light hemline. Nice details (dolman sleeve, pleats on cuff) and great print; good dress for a work-related event or where you want to be covered up but not matronly.

I rented this dress for a dinner party, and it was perfect for the occasion. I wore it with black tights and high-heel ankle boots. I am usually a 6, and even the 4 -- my backup size -- was a tiny bit big. As another reviewer noted, there is some fullness in the skirt, which for me (not much going on in the hips/butt) is flattering. Two other notes: the back is sheer and open above the zipper just where the bra hits (which is not clear from the picture) so you need a backless bra or nude cami. Also, I found the gold metallic to be a bit itchy, esp. under a coat. Agree that the fabric is gorgeous!

Black Metallic Rose Sheath

Anna Sui

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Wore this to a busy late afternoon/evening of tree trimming party, ballet and dinner, and it worked well for all with small changes of accessories. Very comfy for running around in. Ordered the 6 -- my almost always size -- with a backup 4, and glad I did as the 6 was a sack, although the 4 was very short. (I am 5'5'' and 123 lbs.) Agree with a previous reviewer that the lace trim on sleeve had seen better days, but nothing horrendous.

Hayley Lace Ruched Shift

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 4

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Gorgeous, sophisticated, elegant dress. Ordered the 6 and 8. As other reviewers have noted, the bodice runs very small, so although the 6 fit (v. snugly!) I went with the 8 for comfort, which was probably a mistake as I had difficulty keeping the sleeves up and had to wear a nu-bra. Also, the boning had poked through on one side and was stabbing me in the chest all night. Despite all, I got a ton of compliments and felt beautiful in it.

Tulle Elegance Dress

Lela Rose

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Size Worn: 6

Usual Size: 4

Height: 5' 5"

Bust: 32C

Perfect for an after work event with clients: I wore it to the office with a long cardigan belted over it, black tights and booties, then lost the sweater and added a cuff bracelet and red lipstick for the cocktail party. It is VERY fitted through the hips and has a seam detail (enlarge back view of model) around the hips and tush, so it does indeed give you curves as as one reviewer noted.