This dress hugs all the curves while also allowing the fabric to stretch. The rose gold sequins are not super shiny/reflective, rather they’re more muted, which I find to be better against the cream/tan mesh fabric. I bought this for a wedding, but ended up wearing a different dress. It still has the tags and the little bag of extra sequins & thread. For reference, I’m 5’3 120 lbs. The measurement for the waste is when the fabric is unstretched. It can stretch 2-3 more inches.