I thought I would wear this one, but my 16 year-old stylist thought the fabric was too heavy for spring. That being said, I've rented and worn it before. I think the fit is forgiving for someone with my bodytype and decidedly glam. The fabric IS heavy though. Forget about wearing a bra, the back is just too low, but if you're not super- busty you should be able to go braless. It was a close second with another dress. I rented both the black and the navy blue and the latter is a nice alternative. The petite sizes weren't available and the 8R just skimmed the ground in back with a 3 inch heel.

Navy Spiderweb Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 8R

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Initially, I thought: "what was I thinking?" It looks very dowdy online--with what appears to be an asymmetrical hem. It's actually an even hemline. The halter fastening at the neck is somewhat adjustable and there's an interior waist fastening that gives it a better fit. The fabric is also more interesting than the website portrays. I'm 5'2' so it hit at lower calf in a flattering way. Also pockets. This was in 4th place going into the final and I ended up wearing it.

Alegria Dress

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 8R

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Really comfortable, great profile--the skirt is not too poufy. The cap sleeves actually made my arm look okay. This is the second time I've rented it--I'd buy it if I could.

Dot Your Eyes Dress

Jill Jill Stuart

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

I usually have good luck with Shoshanna dresses, but this one hit me at a bad spot at mid-knee, which gave it a dowdy look. The fabric is cute but not as dressy as it should have been for a benefit dinner.

Metallic Dot Jacquard Dress

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: None

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Great little dress--especially since I was able to go down a size! Good option for the more formal cocktail party or gala event (though not strictly black tie). Super comfortable--leave the spanx at home. I did find that the bodice gaped a tiny bit, but I'm a B cup. Lingerie holders kept the shoulders in place. Pockets! I don't have one, but I would imagine it would accommodate a baby-bump. The fabric is has a distinct silver sheen but is structured and textured to give it some substance. This dress is a no-brainer.

Night Sailing Dress

Shoshanna

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 10

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 38B

I tried this dress in two sizes and neither of them worked. One was a bit fresher than the other but both suffered from a lack of oomph. It may be the fabric used that just sort of lies there. The rough edging along the neckline and arms only adds to the impression that the dress has seen better days. The detailing on the bodice also gives it kind of a corset look that doesn't quite work.

Teacup and Saucer Dress

Rebecca Taylor NYC

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Size Worn: None

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

I never would have thought to put this together with the dress but it was perfect. I happened to have a green sequin clutch that pulled it all together.

Entrancing Emerald Necklace

Badgley Mischka Jewelry

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Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

I'm petite and big earring can make it seem like they are wearing me, but these were nicely proportioned and not too weighty

Silver Southern Plantation Earrings

Nicole Miller Accessories

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Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

My 13 year old daughter preferred this one, but I felt it seemed a bit too retro and a tiny bit overwhelming. The pleats along running from waist to bust can make it seem a bit too Mad Men. I'm short and would have preferred a slightly shorter hem, but my daughter thought it was perfect (hit almost 2 inches below my knee). If my other dress hadn't been my favorite I would have been fine with this. Size-wise, the 12 would have been huge, the bodice on the 10 was big and the 8 was perfect. Going to a smaller size is always a pleasant surprise.

Oscar Wild Dinner Dress

Yoana Baraschi

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Size Worn: 8

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Fitted but not too tight. I could have managed the size 8 but would have required some serious spanx. I'm normally a 12 so this did a bit of an ego boost as well. I ended up switching to an unlined bra because my usual one made the bust line look boxy--something to consider if you're well endowed. Added the suggested jewelry for a great look.

Rocket In the Sky Dress

HALSTON

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Cute dress and would have been perfect for my event but it was too small and tight through the hips. I'm very short and I found the dress was too! Had I been 4-5 inches taller it would have been very attention-getting, but not in a good way.

Looks great on the hanger--but not so much on me. The skirt was too snug and the top too loose. It felt like the velvet top should have had a bit of lycra in it. It also seemed as if should have had some kind of belting--looked like it was missing something.

Sweet Surprise Dress

Anna Sui

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Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Hard to zip up but the shoulders kept fall down. Quite metallic and a bit snagged in spots. I'm petite and it would have been better on a taller person.

I got a compliment the minute I walked in. A very forgiving style and it was ideal for the benefit dinner. I was worried that the under slip was too tight but it had a bit of stretch and was easy to sit in. I'd rent this again.

This was my "Back-up" choice and I didn;t end up wearing it. Not very forgiving on my roundish physique and I looked like a Christmas decoration. It looks a bit young for this middle-aged mom, though I might be able to get away with it if I were in great shape. Also the back is a bit low and would have caused problems with my bra showing.

Confetti Sequins Dress

Tibi

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Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

Nice to look at but I couldn't wear them--SO heavy. I was really worried that I'd stretch out my ear-lobes (and at 50+, I've made it this far without that happening). Glad I didn't spend a lot and that my teenager had a better pair to loan me.

Rather large and cheap looking. They are actually all individual bangles. I have thin wrists and they looked huge. My teenager declared them tacky and said I was better off without them. She was right.

Cute dress and would have been perfect for my event but it was too small and tight through the hips. I'm very short and I found the dress was too! Had I been 4-5 inches taller it would have been very attention-getting, but not in a good way.

Black Lace Combo Dress

Milly

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Usual Size: 8

Height: 5' 2"

Weight: 130lbs

Bust: 36B

For taller and bustier women. I usually fill out the tops of things but this one gapped at the sides. This particular dress also seemed a bit worn and past its prime. The rope trim pulled at the silky fabric. The dress seemed dowdy and frumpy overall.