This is a great dress. All of the reviews are true - it flows really nicely, good quality, etc.
HOWEVER- if you are buying it because you think the gathers will totally hide your lady lumps, please understand that you may still want to wear a long-line girdle, Spanx, etc! The reviews correctly state that this an awesome dress for a curvy woman - but it's not magic and I definitely would recommend purchasing the right kind of under support to get that smooth sexy sillhouette. The gathers kind of hide the front belly, but it does ride up a bit...any "back rolls" will absolutely show through! It's that clingy jersey material that is comfortable, but not forgiving!
Granted, I bought the lavendar, and its a gorgeous color - though navy or black probably would have been a better choice to hide my faults. I am about 5"5, and normally wear a 14, and am a D. I bought the XL and found the length to be just right for my height. I wore 3" heels. I think the size L would have been to small up top.
It was very comfortable to wear and looked great on the dance floor. I felt beautiful in this dress....but, like I said, if you are a plus-sized gal like me you will want that extra lycra support to keep the flab from hanging where it shouldn't. :)