This dress is a substantial fabric, better quality than the price. Its very elegant looking. But the fit and length didn't work for me. Im 5 foot, 150lbs usually a size 12 or L. I followed the chart and ordered the XL but this dress, while stretchy, is very form fitted. I'm pear shaped with a little belly pouch I don't like to show. This dress will not hide a belly at all. It was very tight, even a size bigger. I'm also way too short for it. The skirt has a beautiful trumpet flare, meant to flare from the knees but the flare on this dress starts halfway down my shin and is at least 10 inches too long on me. I would have to hem off all the flare skirt and lose the whole shape/effect. I would try the next larger size for a little more room but the length doesn't work for short girls. Average girls can wear nice heels and even tall girls but doesn't work for short.