Deep Wine Red XL The review below this is what I wrote for this dress in the leopard print in size large, I don't want to erase it, so I am adding the review for the wine red dress in size XL above it. It is the same rather thin fabric. But I have determined it is good in hot weather. Between the larger size and very dark colour, the wine red dress is totally opaque. (I felt the lighter coloured leopard print had a potentiel to show my bra, depending on the colour, especially if it was any tighter over the chest. It didn't, though.) Regarding the colour, please note that it is more burgundy than red, cool and deep, almost shading into aubergine. It's all right on me because I am a former brunette (my hair is now naturally grey), but the colour might be a bit dark and heavy on a blonde or redhead. Of course, it depends on your taste, but I thought the colour looked much lighter and redder in the pictures than it does in real life. I really think L was my size, but I do appreciate the additional looseness in the hips and waist areas afforded by the XL, as well as the additional length. I am 5'10", and the L is an above-the-ankle dress, when the XL is ankle length, in flats, which is how I will mostly wear them. The top part is quite loose. The arm holes are deep and loose and the bust is loose as well. I have broad shoulders, a very large rib cage and a medium-sized bosom (C cup), plus biggish arms (think middle-aged swimmer), so it is unusual for me to find clothes are too big on top. I think you should bear that in mind for sizing. If, like me, you want the dress to be non-clingy around the waist and stomach, it may be challenging to get a good fit unless you have a very full chest. Indeed, I think I will try this with a padded bra next time. The price point is sort of middle-of-the-road and so are the dresses. I think they will hold up well; others I had in this brand did and I have washed and worn the leopard dress maybe four times now and the wine one once with no noticeable changes whatsoever. They are not thrilling dresses, but they are serviceable and handy, especially in a hot climate (and I live in Africa). They could have been better, and I am surprised by the fit, but overall, I am happy with my purchases and will wear them often. I like that the skirt is a bit wider on the bottom and doesn't have a slit. It is easy to walk in (I have a long stride and can't stand a skirt that hobbles my gait), and the fact it doesn't have a slit means I don't have to worry about a slip showing underneath. Leopard Print L This dress is one I am going to keep, but I think I will mostly wear it under a jean jacket. This dress has several minor issues. The material is thinner and more polyester-like than expected. It is not see-through, however, despite the light-coloured base. The beige shade is deeper and warmer than expected, which may be nice for some, but is not very good for me (I have grey hair and was expecting more of an ecru, it's almost a tan). Above all, it is clingy without being tight. The material just sticks to any lumps or bumps. I could literally see the outline of the elastic on my panties. Not an indent, because they're not tight, but the actual top and bottom of the elastic. And it pointed out the little pooch and the little pouch in my midsection. Thankfully the skirt is a little looser, it's an A-line style, so I didn't see anything on my lower hips. I admit I haven't tried it with a slip and might play around with different underwear options. If I were a Spanx wearer, it would be lovely, but I don't do that... if I can find a cool shift to put underneath, it might smooth things out. We'll see... Update a week later: This dress is growing on me. The colour is all right. The thin fabric makes it cooler in this stifling heat. I haven't found a shift, but I've worn a half slip. You can see the little line around my waist, but it's not the end of the world, as you can see, I'm obviously not going to be on any catwalks any time soon. Great dress for wearing around the house, and will probably look cute under my jean jacket in cooler weather. Further update: tried it with loose tap pants and it was all the dress needed for modesty and very cool and comfortable.
