I normally wear a size 12 - 14 and the Large fit just perfectly.  It is made of a stretchy spandex material so it allows give.  The skirt has great flare and can be worn with or without a petticoat.  If you wear to a party to dance, the skirt twirls like a princess dress.  I received many compliments when I wore this dress to a wedding.  Not many women wear retro dresses, so this type of dress stands out in a crowd.  I have a "pear" shaped body so this fit and flare dress is very flattering.  The reason I gave it 3 stars is that upon removing it from its package, the dress had a VERY strong petroleum type odor.  I imagined it was due to the dye or imprinting of the red flowers.  I threw away the attached care instructions tag, but I think it was made in China.  I definitely washed it before wearing it to try to remove the strong odor.  I washed it in my washing machine on delicate/hand wash setting and hung to dry on a hanger.  The red color did not bleed, thankfully!!  And it smelled better.  It definitely needing pressing afterwards.  I turned the garment inside out to press, misting it with distilled water as I ironed.  BEWARE, do NOT press on the right side or with a high setting.  The red flower imprints will melt and smear.  I tested on the bow (as there is no way to iron on the "wrong" side) and the color smeared as if it was an imprint on a Tshirt.  I opted not to press the bow at all.