Last year I tried a dress from COS in a really pretty green, as I am always on a low-key search for cool, comfortable, casual, easy summer dresses. I’d love a solid color in my palette but not black. Solid color dresses are hard to find in styles that appeal!

The one I tried last year was ruched all through the sides of the bodice and had too much fabric in the top — a too-long top is a common problem I have with dresses. Size down and they’re too tight in the hip. This cut is simpler but does have a twist detail at the waist. It may also be too long on me, but perhaps if it is, this style may be alterable. At any rate, I ordered it to try!

Update: it came today! The fit is much better than last year’s green dress. It could use a little alteration — the shoulder is cut just a little too wide for me (a typical issue), and I have the shoulder folded in a little bit here in the photos. Please ignore the sneakers — not what I’d wear with it — and the wrinkles, since this was literally straight out of the package. The green is not quite the same as last year — a bit more Kelly green, which I think is still ok on me.

I liked it in the mirror, but looking at the photos, I’m not so sure. Something about the waist detail seems to be making me look like I have more of a midsection than I actually do. Or maybe it’s the horizontal lines emphasizing width right where I don’t need it, and with no pattern to distract the eye, all the attention goes to the lines. Hm. I’m not so sure about this one.