I am 5'5 and a 12, ordered an XL. It's meant to sit above your belly button, so for the fit on this one it's a little loose. (I have large hips, narrow waist.) but not so big that I can't make it work. The belt it comes with is plain and cheap - but so is every other belt that comes with clothes. I'd recommend picking up a nicer skinney belt. The loops are large enough you could fit a belt that's about 1 in wide. In the interum, the skinny cheap belt will do. This is good staple office wear to mix and match with your more "pricey" items. Very versatile.

I DID order it in white. While I really like this skirt, in WHITE it requires a slip. I put on nude panties..then noticed you can still see my tattoo through the fabric. (hahaha I had that one coming, but still!!) also I like to tuck my shirts in since it's a high waisted skirt, and dark shirts show through the white fabric. Captain DUH they'll show through. Could be tricky to layer so you don't get that affect, but nothing unmanageable. The fabric isn't super stiff of heavy, good for SPRING. Again, since it's WHITE - you aren't even supposed to wear white during the winter ;) - lightweight enough to keep me cool during Texas summers. Very crisp, bright white. When I unpacked the skirt it was wrinkled a bit, but I just chunked it into the washer and it came out immediately.

 I get a lot of compliments on this skirt when i wear it to the office. I imagine that a DARKER color, like black/brown/gray you would NOT need a slip to hide your undies/tattoos/shirt. I plan on ordering this in different colors.