I ordered a size bigger than I usually do knowing I would probably need to get it altered..... I'm glad I had a back up dress for my formal event because with 3 people, the zipper would not go up.  I loved the look and style but if I'm ever to fit in the this dress that I ordered on the bigger side, I would need to lose about 20 pounds in my chest, ribs, stomach and hips.  The picture can be a bit deceiving as the shear is a little heavier than expected.