This is really cute and I got a lot of compliments on it. The sash that goes around the middle is connected and one side goes in a slit on the side of the dress and then wraps all the way around to meet with the other side to the in a bow. Fitted up top and flows out at the waist. You need to wear a slip, camisole or tank top underneath because the front is too open. I maybe could have gone a size down but it was fine because you can tie the sash and pull it tighter.