Cinched-waist cotton poplin midi dress in stripe

I’m a size medium, 8-10. I bought a medium. It was pretty large. I also bought the solid colored version in a size medium and felt it fit better (I kept that one). This one just didn’t do it for me. I’m 5’4, 36D- unsure if sizing down to a small would’ve fit my chest and with J Crew’s return charge fee I wasn’t willing to risk needing to return it twice.

This dress is everything I hoped it would be for a work conference I'm attending, and I'll wear it out in the evenings this fall with different jewelry and shoes. The pattern is very flattering, and the material is light and comfortable. The waist gathering and dress lays great. The top is flattering, and the length is below the knee. Will be great for multiple seasons.

I love how the top of the dress fit, and the fabric and print. I actually ordered the band collar shirt. But the waist is a little loose on this and the skirt has a lot of fabric. While the crisp cotton is awesome up top, it poofs out a bit in the skirt.