This dress was a breeze to wear - long after I had abandoned my heels, I was still swishing and swirling in this dress! I didn't wear a bra or any shapewear. The bodice is boned so it stayed put all night and it cinched my waist just enough for a nice silhouette, but not so much to be uncomfortable. The layers of the skirt are light and airy and drape beautifully, absolutely hiding the fact that I wasn't wearing any shapewear. I love that the hem is just high enough in the front to showcase your shoes - I took a hint from the model and went with a delicate gold strappy heel. The embroidered details on the bodice are beautiful and the sequins add just the right amount of sparkle. The dress has a fun, feminine, fairy-like feel to it; elegant enough for a black tie event but I could also see wearing it barefoot on a beach. Most importantly, it was comfortable to wear all night long.

Starry Night Gown

Marchesa Notte

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Size Worn: 12L

Usual Size: 14

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 38C

I would have gotten this in 14 if it were available, maybe even a 12, and I'm usually between a 14 and 16. The dress runs large and though I'm not flat-chested, the 14W was overly roomy in the bust. I ended up wearing two pushup bras to fill it out and had to safety-pin the straps to the straps of the dress to keep everything in place. Other than sizing issues, I loved this dress. Beautiful color, beautiful fabric, I loved the lace and the hi-lo hemline, and I really loved the pockets!

Navy Spiderweb Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 14WL

Usual Size: 14

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 38C

This was the first time I wore something with such a deep plunge so I felt pretty daring. Between that and sparkling all over, it made quite a statement and I received many compliments from strangers. I opted for adhesive bra cups but I'm sure there are other options that would work, maybe with some creative pinning, since the dress has actual straps. The length was okay since I was wearing low heels, but if you're tall and plan to wear high heels, probably look for a long length. I'm generally between a 14 and 16 and this fit perfectly in 14. I would definitely rent this again, or one of the many similar colors/cuts from Badgley Mischka.

Glitz Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 14R

Usual Size: 14

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 38C

Rented for formal night on a cruise. The fabric of the dress is substantial and the cut is very flattering. It was curve hugging and did wonders for my waist, which is normally rather thick - I became an hourglass! The side ruffle helps to hide the tummy area too. Normally somewhere between a 12 and 14, I went with 14 and it was on the tight side, but not uncomfortably so. I did need a helping hand with the side zipper, partly because of the thickness of the fabric. I was comfortable sitting through dinner and strolling through the ship, I didn't try dancing in it though. I'm 5'8" and would have preferred a long length, the hem didn't reach the floor even in flats. All in all, I would rent it again. It was a head-turner!

Sidecar Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 14R

Usual Size: 14

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 38C

This was my backup style, but I preferred my first choice and didn't wear this out (sorry, husband!). It was flattering and felt high-quality (beautifully thick fabric and fully-lined, so it might get a bit warm) but I found it a bit subdued and I was looking for more of a statement. I'm 5'8" and the 12L was the perfect length with a 3" heel.

Charcoal Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 12L

Usual Size: 14

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 38C