Betsy & AdamLong Sleeve Illusion Mesh Halter Jersey Gown

I have wanted to give this stunning dress a try. I usually wear a size 10 in an evening gown, sometimes a size 12 if it's cut slim.I ordered this dress in a size 16 after reading some of the answers to posted questions. Someone said it was "very fitted, and clung to the curves". I didn't want that look.To my uttter shock, the size 16 fit like a size 10 in other gowns I've tried on. I am a Baby Boomer who deals with (post menopausal) weight gain and bulges. 😮‍💨 So to find a gown that flatters my shape is very hard.The gown is fully lined, and made of medium weight poly-type fabric, that hangs nicely.There is *no* built-in bra. As you can see in my photos, the bra strap from my black Racerback Bra shows, so a strapless bra is needed. Because the dress was a size 16 instead of a 10, the waistline is lower than my own waistline by about 1 inch and I am sure that is why the zipper in the back buckles.It would be almost impossible to alter this problem. I have long hair that hangs down and perhaps that would disguise the bulge of the zipper.The slit comes up the *front* of the left leg to just above the knee. (It is not in the left side seam). The swirl of fabric is attached in that same seam as the slit.As you can see from my photos, the skirt is A-line enough to allow a person to sew that slit up and still be able to walk freely, which is what I would do.I am 5'6" and weigh about 159 lbs. I would wear black formal sandals with a 2" Kitten Heel. Based on this, I would have to shorten the dress by about 5 to 6 inches. That would not be hard to do myself.The chiffon is my favorite mesh-type chiffon, which has softness and give.I love the stand-up collar. It is very flattering.This dress is well made, and easy to wear. I recommend giving it some serious consideration. 😃👍🌷