I like it most with the fitted black jacket and in combo with the red. Long sleeves + cold shoulders just seems seasonally confused though (ymmv). You could fill them in with mesh like I did with my blue top! Sewing it closed would alter the arm fit a lot I'd think.

Ohh, I like Firecracker's suggestion of layering under it!

Sisi, Adriana, April, Bijou, Lyn67, thank you very much for looking and for the ideas. Your help is much appreciated.

Suntiger, thank you. It is such a good idea to use mesh like with your blue top. I have not thought of that.

Firecracker, thank you for coming back. I have not thought of layering under the dress. A good idea! I am thinking a very thin black top, it could give an interesting effect on the cut outs, kind of like patches.

FashIntern, thanks for popping by.

It's a pretty cool piece, but I couldn't help but think it looks too big on you. The sleeve length is what caught my eye. That said, I think all of your styling is great, creative, and interesting , and aside from the volume, any of your versions are fun. It strikes me as a little outside your norm, which may be what is stopping you from wearing it more often. Try a slimmer pant - as has already been suggested? With a boot with a heel?

I love #11 because it really gives this beautiful dress the freedom and space it deserves. You have the right height and shape to wear this. The violet color is so lovely, I vote for layering under (maybe even with a lace Tshirt or bodysuit???). Can’t wait to see what else you come up with, you are so creative.

Lisa P., thank you for looking and the feedback. Boots with high heels is a good idea to balance the volume.

Sheila, thank you very much. Layering under sounds great, I will definitely try that.

Interesting contrast of opinions - I personally love it with the red coat and in #11. Reigning it in with the fitted black coat does help give structure but it’s not my favourite look overall - it’s fighting the dress a bit - ‘making it work’ for sure but not showcasing the dress. I think you have such a wonderful wardrobe there is no reason to force a piece to work against its will (design).
I like the slim pants suggestion, but do you have any flared pants? In black or maybe even white? I think that could also be interesting.

Thank you very much Jules. I have flared pants, both white and black. I will try that too.