I think it's a great choice, and it sounds like it'll be workhorse.

And it's so very pretty!

It’s gorgeous on you! It’s amazing how photos don’t do justice. I don’t think your middle looks thick but I know what you mean about being disappointed with the photos!

What a gorgeous dress on you!

Here's my guess as to the thick-middle impression: when you have wide shoulders, your waist always looks tinier by comparison. In this dress, you lose that advantage because it's not only sleeveless, but extra narrow at the shoulders.

The effect disappears when you add a topper. I'm sure it's also less prominent IRL, where you are in motion. It's just a mirror and camera thing.

In total agreement with you about the shoulders/waist proportion perception L’Abeille. For myself, I have become pretty stubborn about it. I always wear either covered shoulders and a lower neckline or open shoulders and a high neckline. Either way more fabric around the shoulders. I started this habit because of increased sun sensitivity and wanted to simply toss on a cardigan or a scarf for sun covering, but not both. But I found it really helps work with my shoulder proportions. I’m Team Short Neck, so it was surprising that high crew/boat collars work; in the right context, they work really well.

Gorgeous! Love it with the long red cardi and the Cayenne sandals.

Also -- I know exactly what you mean about being picky once you've decided to return one item. Have companies that charge a flat-rate return fee taken that into consideration?

Sorry folks, my day totally got away from me. Some great comments here, I’ll respond properly tomorrow.

I love this dress on you, and I am reminded how much I love to look at your WIWs generally. So nice to see you!

You look amazing in the dress. I love it best with the silver sandals.

Elizabeth, I didn’t mean to suggest that the dress didn’t work for you, just that I had come up with my own system to simplify my own life.... Anyway, I think that this dress does work well for you and probably for most people because of the repetition of the v-neckline with the v hemline. There’s a nice top-to-bottom symmetry within the dress which is more noticeable and pleasing than any concern about the shoulder issue. I think that your strong shoulders give you a sense of poise in this dress, whereas a person with small shoulders might be overwhelmed by the print and volume. So my previous (not well articulated) point was that shoulder proportions are something to watch out for, and that something always needs to balance a deep neckline. With this dress in particular, it’s the repetition of the shape with the bottom hem.

3style, I didn't take your post that way at all! I was agreeing with you... totally. It's something I've been aware of my whole life. People tell me not to be so paranoid, but that is hard. Part of it is true figure flattery, and part of it is poor body image. What I was trying to say that I decided to actually get over myself with this one, because the dress had so many other things I liked about it.

Elizabeth, glad to hear that you've already worn the dress and received so many compliments. The dress is stunning on you. I agree with you, show those strong, lovely shoulders and that the dress is even better in motion. I really wanted this dress but it was sold out in my petite size. It drapes under the breast before it flows out again (rather than hang from the bust), so it provides the hint of waist that an IT needs.