I have on my midi-esque length sugar-eye goggles, on so I could really use expert YLF eyes.

I came across this dress in larger sizes so couldn’t tell whether it would fit, but was so enthused by its possibilities that I ordered it in size S from a store in another state.

It ticks many boxes such as sleeves, high neckline, princess seaming, and sort of fit and flare but poufy twee, beltable at my real waist, and the un-findable skirt length that is just over knee. I’d like to say it’s in a fine merino or woven wool, but it’s some kind of washable knit. Perhaps what we used to call “double knit”. (This one lacks a fabric content tag so I may have to swing by the store to re-check—I recall poly-cotton blend .) It was very inexpensive, but I think I can say It’s not the sale goggles, it’s the style goggles—I can’t seem to find anything remotely like this even at higher price points, as are always too short and short-waisted in my size.

This is kind of my aspirational dress style for an everyday fall-winter dress, of which I have none. I love it, with possible fit tweaks, so I’m totally biased toward making it work, but I will try to be objective!

I think the bodice looks too big especially when I shift a bit. It didn’t occur to me to ask if there was an XS and if so, to order more than one size. I can go ask about that, but I think I need the current amount of room in the low hip. I think a side-seam alteration could do it, since I’m not aiming for a snug fit, just not too much bunching. (Also if it’s part cotton I could try washing it first, and also try cami underlayer)

So—do you see what is drawing me, do you think it needs alteration and what would you do, do you think that would make it a winner (understanding it might pill or be short-lived in some way), or do you think I should return it and consider this type of dress still on the HEWI list.

Thank you for taking the time to look!

ETA added a stock photo of dress more "filled out"!