Just got this dress, and I must say, I  AM IMPRESSED!  After reading some of the reviews, I was a bit skeptic, but I am so glad I took a chance!  The color and look of my dress is WHAT YOU SEE PICTURED!  I am 5'4, 225lbs and purchased in a 2XL.  Now, generally I would go up a size, but as I mentioned, per the reviews, I went with my size.  I am NOT top heavy, which SOMETIMES is a blessing when you are wearing certain clothing, and this is the case with this dress. It ties up in the back, and the cut of the sleeves make my shoulders look soo SEXY!  The gathering in front is awesome..it actually accented my non existent waistline, and HID the one that does..LOL.. (KEEPING IT REAL!). Now if you are TOP heavy, I would suggest MAYBE considering a size up..but hey, to each his own  The event I am attending is a classy affair and I refuse to go anywhere all 'hootchiefied'!! This dress was made to TEASE, and CLING a tad bit!  I will be SPANXED up of course in order to have a SMOOTH look.  Now, the length for me is a tad long..I will NOT be hemming because with heels, it WILL work for me. If you need to wear FLATS, you may have to raise the dress a little to keep it from being ruined on the bottom while walking.  The material is good quality!! I used AMAZON PRIME just in case I needed a quick return to get another size..NO NEED..IT'S A KEEPER!  Blessings y'all!