This short petticoat was just the right amount of fullness for the look I wanted, and the length was just right for the retro '50's dress as well.  I bought it in both black and in white, as I have several such dresses that benefit from the little bit of flair the petticoat gives.  (I can't believe as a young 'teen in the '50's I used to wear huge petticoats, often layering one 50 yd. crinoline over another, so the skirts would practically be horizontal.  We all did it and thought we were super cool. :)  Ahh, the good old days.)