Street size 14/16, Dress size 16W - needed room for my hips! The bustle and ties are already sewn in for the overlay and underskirt but in the pictures the dress was not pinned up yet. The overlay is not traditional lace - it's more like ribbons. Its different and more modern in my opinion. So pretty and feminine - very comfortable. I think it's lightweight - definitely not heavy like most gowns. You can always have seamstress add straps if you don't want strapless. Bra placeholder sewn in as well so it stays in line with the dress. Dry cleaned and ready to go. No rips or tears or stains. Wore July 2016. Paid almost $1000 plus $400 in alterations. I ate, danced and had a great time completely comfortable.