I had rented this dress for a friend's wedding at the end of March. I had looked through the reviews and loved how previous renters had said the dress was comfortable and made them feel beautiful. However, after trying on this doily of a gown, I felt anything but beautiful...

Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 16

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C

I had rented this gown for a friend's late February wedding at a renovated dairy barn. I had expected the lace details would be a great fit for the event, but once the garment arrived at my house I realized I wouldn't even be wearing this dress outside of my bathroom. The fabric is very thin (I would have frozen during photos), and the open back goes allll the way down to my lower back and my Spanx line. For a woman with a not-perfectly sculpted back, the design was not forgiving at all for my figure or self-confidence. I immediately sent the dress back and quickly found a RTR replacement piece.

Black Suzette Dress

Rachel Zoe

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Size Worn: None

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C

The medium was form- fitting but, with the help of shapewear, didn't give me the feeling of being lumpy and/or stuffed into the dress; the material is forgiving and quite comfortable for a long event. The neckline was very comfortable with its mock collar and cap sleeves, and even though at first glance the V-neckline looked too much for a work event, once I put the dress on the neckline was very tasteful with just a hint of sexiness. With 3" heels on, the dress fit me directly on the knee. I absolutely loved the dark blue color and how I stood out among a sea of LBDs; adding my pearl necklace and side waves definitely gave me some 1950s nostalgia. DEFINITELY rent again when I get the chance!

Navy Collared Sheath

Alexia Admor

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Size Worn: M

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C

As soon as the order arrived, I noticed that the fabric was heavier than I had anticipated, to the point where if I had worn it to a normal work event I would have been overheating inside the dress. Also, the pocket edges didn't lay flat against the dress, which made me look like I had fins jutting out from my hips (not the most helpful when you're already self-conscious). However, the print was lovely and the length was very appropriate for a work conference; while wearing 3-inch heels the hemline fell below the knee by about 2 inches.

Navy Brush Print Dress

Slate & Willow

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C

I carry most of my extra weight in my midsection, and the form-fitting aspect of this dress did little to help disguise my problem area. Also, being 5'9" and wearing 3" heels for my work's holiday party, I thought the dress would hit at my knee or even slightly above, but the hemline actually hit at least 1" or more below my knee. The proportions of the dress and its very clingy material (which showed any sort of Spanx undergarment lines straight through it) gave me a lot of anxiety leading up to the party, but the daring slit and stunning red color gave me enough confidence to really enjoy the night. However, I wouldn't be quick to re-order this dress again.

Red Witherspoon Sheath

Jay Godfrey

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Size Worn: 10

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C

This dress NEEDS at least 2 pairs of hands (not including the person wearing the dress) in order to get the zipper closed!! My husband tried to zip me into the dress while I was deciding which size to wear, and even as a muscular man he was unable to get the zipper closed. It took 2 of my friends the night of the event to successfully close the zipper. On the bright side, this dress is incredibly comfortable to wear and flattering for a variety of body shapes! Being a tall woman who still likes to wear heels, I was so glad to find out the Long length allowed me to wear 3" heels and still have my shoes covered by the dress. Also, as a woman who's self-conscious of her stomach, the flowy material helped me feel confident and beautiful while still tastefully showing off my figure.

Corundum Sapphire Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 10L

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 220lbs

Bust: 38C