I was looking for a red dress to wear to a performance of Les Mis, and I'm so glad I chose this one. It was really comfortable to wear, great quality, and zero wrinkles. It was a very flattering red (the color of desire/the blood of angry men, for fellow Les Mis fans). I am usually a 12/14, and the 12 long was definitely the right size in this dress. My backup dress was a ML sheath in a 14, and that felt like the right size, so my hunch is that this dress runs a bit large. I am 5'8" and wore easy 2.5" heels, and the long was perfect length. I was stopped by multiple people to compliment the striking color and style.

Red Floral Lace Gown

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 12L

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 170lbs

Bust: 36C

I rented this dress for a day when I was going straight from work to the Kennedy Center for a performance. I was looking for something that could transition from work to an event, and the look of this dress was perfect. It was very comfortable with its heavier, scuba-style fabric, and I appreciated having sleeves both in my air-conditioned office and in the theater. Also, there wasn't a single wrinkle at the end of the day! As for size, I am usually a 12 or 14 depending on the cut/style/designer. I ordered a 12, and I wish I would have gotten a 10 (and I can't even remember the last time I wore a 10 in anything). It ran large in the chest/torso where the top meets the skirt. Even though it was quite large, it was still flattering - I'm probably the only one who noticed how large it felt because the fabric draped so nicely. I don't think a size down would have helped this, but the arms were huge, especially at the bottom. I could have fit a second arm in the sleeve from the elbow down. I wish they would have been fitted as shown on the model, but not a deal-breaker. The arms had been altered with a basting stitch to make them shorter, so I didn't have the length issue that others have mentioned. I had a short necklace to wear with the dress but didn't end up wearing it because the collar obstructed it and it looked pinched. If you're thinking of wearing a necklace, I think a longer necklace (as others have styled it) works best.

Water Collar Dress

ERIN erin fetherston

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Size Worn: 12

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 165lbs

Bust: 36C

Loved the color, fit, fabric, and style of this dress - was complimented by a stranger the moment I walked into the event! I wore this dress to an Illinois country club wedding in June (forgive my bathroom selfie), and even though it is a heavier fabric, I was still comfortable in humid weather with lots of dancing. I fluctuate between a 12 and 14 depending on designer and the fit of the dress, and the 12 was the right choice for my body type (broad hourglass) in this style. The dress had great structure and a flattering cut. The fabric had beautiful blue and teal tones with a sheen that is hard to capture in photos, but it should be noted that it doesn't have any stretch or give, so while I didn't have any trouble dancing in it, don't expect to be able to do any yoga moves or go too crazy dropping it like it's hot.

Teal Envelope Dress

Carmen Marc Valvo

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Size Worn: 12

Usual Size: 12

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 165lbs

Bust: 36C