I wear a size 14-16, I weigh (too much) and I am 5'7". In reading the reviews here, I ordered a 2X, which I normally don't wear in any other place except here. Too bad these companies don't get on the ball with american sizes, since we are their target audience!
OK -- so having said that part, I really like this dress. I will need to wear a good "foundation" because it shows all my lumps and bumps.
But still, I really like it. I personally don't think it needs a belt, but that's an individual call. It comes to my knees, which is alright for where I go to church/synagogue. It's not so sexy as some has said. It is a cute dress in a conservative sort of way. But you could wear this to your office, you could wear it to dinner, to a performance, or a night out. Nice detail on the cuffs and collar. The ONLY reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because this, and all other companies here really need to re-think their sizing for the USA!