I'm a size 14 and bought this dress in the XL size. The dress has one of those dreaded side zippers.. why do dress makers do it?? All dresses should have the back zippers!! I'm keeping it for inspiration to whittle down a size or two. It's really well made and the beading is beautiful! If only it fit it would be even better. I order from Pacific Plex a lot, so I thought the XL would be fine as that's the size I usually order from them, but this dress is just off on the sizing.