How is this dress meant to fit/be worn?

[IndecentFeminist]

I have bought this dress from John Lewis, which I really like.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-abstract-floral-print-midi-dress-green-floral/p5309694

However it is quite baggy and I can't figure out if I need to try the size below? Do you think the waist cinching is meant to fit to the body, or be a bit loose/oversized?

Supposed to be loose. If you think the arms/chest/shoulders would fit in the smaller size, then I would go for that. Whenever I buy a dress like that, I always go a size smaller and it is still loose enough.

Photo shows it as loose, so I’d say loose.

I'm worried about it shrinking a tiny bit on first wash, maybe I'll just keep in this size. I don't tend to go for this kind of style so it is a departure for me!

Meant to be oversized.

That’s lovely. I’d buy one myself. But wouldn’t suit my big boobs and bum. I can imagine I’d need to contribute to the thread about the white karate coat.

Try the smaller size too.

I think it would look better slightly more cinched in, but not snug.

It’s a “buffet dress”. Important fit point is the shoulders. If it fits across the shoulders, it fits IYSWIM

Oh gosh it's gorgeous and quite cheap!

I also have big boobs. Is there any possibility it might work or would it look like a maternity dress?

I'll try it on again when the house is quiet and check the shoulders. I'm a size 16/18 with a respectable bosom and stomach, so it may well look maternity like 😂

I love it too, well, would if it was not made of viscose :(

I like Viscose as a fabric, it’s made from bamboo.

Aside from that, l appreciate it is very loose on the model, but l would go for the more fitted look and go for a size down. Assuming it was comfortable on shoulders and hips.

Looks a bit like a big sack. You'd have to be skinny not to look huge in it. Try a smaller size

Viscose shrinks badly in my experience, so I would factor that in.

Either that or a waist belt I sometimes wear smock style dresses with a belt as I’m quite short and can look a little swamped 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thanks all, am going to try a smaller size as on revisiting it the seam is off my shoulders a bit so a bit big perhaps.

Think not about how your dress is meant to be worn, but how you would like to wear your dress!

It's meant to be oversized. I think this is the sort of dress that only really works if you're skinny and can waft about in it, teamed with big biker boots to toughen it up a bit.

I tend to look daft in dresses like this as I have a big arse, which means I look like a giant walking tent.

@IndecentFeminist what size did you go for in the end, love it and very tempted to purchase for myself

It's a lovely dress. Gorgeous green. Hand wash in hand hot water and it won't shrink. Tyr a size smaller as the bust and shoulders need to fit well.

I sent the 18 back and got the 16. It definitely fits better on the shoulders etc. I'm sure I do look like a tent/ship in full sail in it but ir is the first dress of its type that has grabbed me. I realised this year that I just don't do ditsy type florals, I often buy them liking the shape but they never stay. Whereas this pattern feels a little more modern and I like the colour.

I think it'll be nice in summer too as a cool coverup.

I haven't actually worn it yet though.