Like the previous reviewer, I ordered a 16. However, as I have "bloomed" to an 18 (on the bottom at least) in the past few months, I knew I'd have a bit of work to do to fit into it by January, but as it turns out, not too much. I'm smaller on the top--still a D cup, though--so I suppose this may run a little small, but not as bad as I expected considering it's a semi-formal dress. It looked very small to me right out of the package, too, but I hope the previous reviewer tries it on before she sends it back! Yes, the red is a little darker, but it's a rich, sophisticated color, and I consider it an improvement over the picture. It appears to be well-constructed, and the halter top works in such a way that you can adjust the top of the dress to fit your torso length. This is important to me as I am 5'4" with long legs (32" inseam) and a short torso. Length-wise, it comes to a few inches below my knee. I wish it hit right below the knee, but I realize that at 5'4" that's not likely, but if you are a few inches taller than I am, or built differently, of course your results will vary. Also the halter can be used to adjust the length a little bit. Finally, and most importantly, this dress made me feel feminine and beautiful. Isn't that the best thing a dress can do?