Out of the package, the dress is gorgeous. However there was a lack of thought put into the design of the dress. On the front there is a functional button placket which is a nice feature for a lot of reasons. At this price point, I’d expect it. On the back however there’s smocking. At this price point it’s a bit iffy, but people like it. My main issue is if I go up a size this dress will be waaay too big. As is, the bust is a smidge roomy on me. However, any amount of tension on a dress/shirt with a functional placket is going to result in gaping. So this looks awful if I move, or breathe. I’m actually bringing it to the tailor today to have it sewn shut. I realistically can’t wear it until I do that. Once it’s sewn shut having it brought in at the bust may be the next logical step as it is roomy in the bust. For this price I’d expect these kinks to have been worked out. The model HAS to be wearing an altered dress. If the button placket could open, it’d be gaping. All that said, I found it runs a bit narrow in the hips. I have narrow hips so I’m fine. But if you’re average to pear shaped you are likely to be very uncomfortable. I am not curvy in the slightest and extra room in the bust isn’t a surprise to me. But for me to feel it in the hips is a bit of a red flag and I do wonder who this was designed for. Someone with very large chest and incredibly narrow hips apparently. Most people will need some sort of alteration done on it. The front placket if nothing else. So don’t buy this if you’re in a rush unless you can alter it yourself. Outside of those issues I like the fabric. It’s of decent quality and I like the embroidery throughout. It’s properly lined, none of this lined to knee nonsense. I’m 5’10” and the length is great. It hits at a flattering spot even on me, unlike so many other dresses. The pockets are a must and I’m glad they’re of decent size. I hate it when they’re included but not functional. I would 100% buy another dress in this style, but I would like to see the button placket be non functional if they have smocking in the back again. I moved recently and my sewing machine is still boxed up. Once I have access it’s an easy fix, but no one should have to plan to fix a mistake on delivery day.
