The construction of the dress is pretty simple, which allows the beading along the shoulders to really shine! This is a snug true to size for me - this is a corset closure in the back, and a 14 just barely fit enough for the fabric panel under the lacing to close all the way. The fabric on this dress is really sturdy and makes for one of the most sturdy corset ties I've seen! It has built in cups and some boning to help support the cups in the bodice, then boning in the back to give support to the corset closure. The thick fabric also has a slight sheen that works well with the beading. I wanted to be able to wear this to work, and since the focal point is the shoulders, I couldn't wear it with a cardigan, so I wore a mesh mock neck shirt under the dress, and it worked perfectly! Oh, and pockets for those who like them!