I rented this dress based on good reviews and because it has sleeves. I'm not a fan of showing off my upper arms, so this dress was a flattering and comfortable choice. The length worked on me, although I would normally go shorter for my 5'3" height. However, I wore some 3-4" wedges and it took away any frumpiness that the length of the dress may have otherwise caused. The fabric is different and very pretty. It may feel heavy and strange at first but the high quality makes up for that. I liked the exposed zipper on the back and lace on the front. It felt very pretty and flowy. I certainly agree with others that nude undergarments are ideal. I had black Spanx packed and needed to go out and get some nude ones. Overall, great dress. I probably will never rent it again since it seems only appropriate for a bridal event, but otherwise I would!

Mesh and Lace Dress

ELOQUII

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Size Worn: 16W

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 3"

Bust: 38D

I rented this dress for graduation. RTR lists the plus sizes as 16W, 18W, etc. in the drop down but they are not. The dresses I got were standard 16 and 18 sizes, not 16W and 18W. In every dress i've rented i've been able to wear the 16W. Not with this dress! I needed the 18 and even then it barely fit in the waist. The skirt was plenty roomy. I guess I have a short torso because the bust and scalloped back were very strange fits and too large. The front of the bust was very gappy, even though I am a 40D and consider myself to be proportionate (although I am starting to learn that maybe 40D is considered a small bust size for a 16W because many many dresses with high necklines are too loose for me in the bust). I was also very hopeful that the scalloped back would be modified on the plus sized version to come up a bit higher. My biggest problem areas in terms of wanting to cover up are my arms and my upper back. Unfortunately, because the dress was so small and tight in the waist (there is no stretch) I had to wear the larger size which made the back of the dress droop and cover NOTHING in terms of self-conscious back rolls. The front of the dress is relatively short, falling just above the knee on my 5'3" frame. I loved the hi-low hem but had to stay covered in my gown unfortunately because there was a stain on the dress. Fair warning, this dress is bright white and may arrive with some subtle stains if it's not brand new. It was also very wrinkly so allow time to iron before an event. Overall, the dress looks better on a hanger than it does in person. The pros would be that the length is very good for shorter ladies, it is modest enough for church, and the colors are wonderful. Cons are a disproportionately small waist with a large bust and back that drops below problem areas, and potential for stains and wrinkles. I would not rent this dress again and may start steering away from high necklines in general.

Blue Poppy James Dress

TROUBADOUR

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Size Worn: 18W

Usual Size: 16

Height: 5' 3"

Bust: 38D