This dress is similar to many other dresses I purchased from the same vendor.  Some of them are even the same cut and material.  However, there is something about the coloring of this dress and the way that it hangs that makes it much more elegant and sophisticated than its counterparts.  Firstly, the purple is deep and rich, and I think that lends to a bit of elegance.  It's not as playful as some of the others.  Second, the design in the stripes makes it seem dressier to me.  It's definitely upscale when you put it on, and I would suggest it for resort wear when you've got to dress up to go to certain functions or restaurants (which is why I purchased it) or even cocktail parties in the summer, particularly if they're outdoors, like garden parties.  It's a heavier satin material, so it'd work in spring/fall temperatures in the South with a cute cardigan.  I wouldn't suggest it up North until late spring and summer.  Gorgeous cut, though.  Very flattering.  I'm in between sizes according to their charts, so I went for the medium because I figured I could always wear a bra if it didn't quite fit up top, but I slipped this dress on and felt like a goddess!!  No need for a bra (I'm a 32A/Barely B, so they're almost pointless anyway).  I'm pear shaped, though, which leaves me fighting the battle most women do when clothes shopping.  I'm a 0/2 on top, a 2/4 in the waist, and a 4/6 on the bottom.  Going with their medium, though, was perfect for me.  I don't feel like I'm trying to hide the things about my body I don't like because the dress is cut to accent everything good about my figure.