I knew in advance from reading the reviews to make sure you use the sizing chart given, and pick the size that is true to your measurements for bust, waistline and hips, and it will fit great. Mostly likely 1 size up from your norm, but this is just a number so don't be freaked out by the size. With different brands I can range all the way from an extra large all the way up to a 3x because every brand has different inches for their sizes. That means my clothes range from 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26. That's a huge range for the same body measurements, that's why it is imperitive that you measure yourself and check the particular vendor's sizing chart to pick your size for that one item. For me, for this particular dress you will see in the photo, it's a size 3x. I am 50-45-52. Weight number doesn't matter, the inches are what it's based on. Pick the size that fits your measurements and don't think twice about worrying about the number size, just order it. When you put it on, guaranteed you will look slimmer than if you wore a size too small. Wearing clothes that fit you properly, no matter what size, will always make you look more fit and put together than trying to squeeze into something too small.ALSO VERY IMPORTANT- if you are someone with a larger bust like me,44C-D, make sure you buy a PLUNGE BRA, which will fit great with this dress. (A plunge bra will probably help smaller busts too). The dress is cut quite low in the chest, but after putting on the plunge bra, it hoists the girls up to the right place and the dress fits even better. The empire waist band definitely should be under your breasts to fit properly, especially since this dress has little round pads to cover your nipples if you choose to not wear a bra. If you don't put the empire waist band under your breasts, then the pads will be at your neck and the dress will fit all wrong. (Just put the waist band on your ribs just below your breasts). If the cut is still too low for you, a nice lace vneck cami looks nice too for modesty.Also, I hate my arms, so I bought a little black summer shrug to go with the dress and it goes great together. I'm wearing this to a summer evening wedding and I can't wait to go because I feel so good in this dress. The material is soft but has enough weight to it so it falls nicely on your curves and really flatters a full figure. (And no ironing required). Getting the right sized dress though makes all the difference in how the bust area fits, so make sure you measure yourself to match up with their size chart. Anyhow, it's a great dress, I normally don't wear low cut dresses but with the plunge bra and shrug, I was happy. Just use your own personal choice of adjustments that's right for you, and you'll love this dress as well.