Today’s dress wasn’t making me feel very mellow when I first saw it.
I’m trying to smile, but I’m really not feeling it. 🙁 We’re looking at a Talbots (really well-made) size 8 frock in a happy yellow hue. It’s too big, the collar looks stupid, and it’s too long.
First, I took in the sides. I ended up taking it in 2″ at the top on each side, and 1″ at the hips on each side.

After the sides were taken in, I chopped off some of that length. I strongly advise you to always take in your piece before doing anything with the length. Taking in a dress usually makes it shorter. I can’t tell you how many dresses have turned out much shorter than I intended because I shortened, and then took in.

I hemmed my new dress, and then set about removing that silly collar.

I sewed the raw edges of the neck back, and was finally done!
What a transformation! It looks totally different. Love your belt too.
What a difference that made! This looks much better.