I ordered this dress in navy blue for an Army dining out (a formal dinner/dance). I am 5'4" and usually a size 12 and bought the XL according to the measurement guide - but it was way too big. I wasn't sure if I was going to wear it and even went shopping to see if I could find anything else, but then I decided rather than spend money on another dress I would see about getting this dress altered. I took it into an alteration shop and did not want them to take off any length (it was a little too long) but instead asked them to gather up the left side so that it draped like the body part of the dress, kind of like a slit without having to cut into the dress (it looked a little plain the way it just hung there). I also had them take in about two inches on the sides and pull down the arm "drapes" about an inch and sew to the sides so that the bra fat wasn't so wasn't so visible (you know what I mean - where the bra ends above and to the side of your breast).
After a few days I went back to pick it up and tried it on and it was PERFECT! I wish I could post a picture of it on here. I bought some beautiful navy blue suede heels with a strap and wore my mom's pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and her pearl bracelet. I swear when I put everything on for the dining out I felt like Princess Diana and I got so many compliments on the style, color, and how it fit me. I didn't even have to wear a "scuba suit" to hold everything in because this dress hides it all! I did have to get a push up strapless bra but that was bound to happen anyway given my small breast size (I was so excited to have cleavage)!
So, if you are looking for something simple and classy this is the perfect dress - just make sure you order it with enough time to have some minor adjustments made, if needed.