Should I go a size down in my dress

If you're comfortable going a size down; go for it however, I know db is final sale and if it's too small you're on your own vs being slightly bigger and having the option to take it in. I personally would go with a 2 and shop around for a different alterations location so you don't feel cheated on prices.

Part of the problem is that they have to get the dress so that it fits your largest size. So it's better to get one too loose in the bust but the right size in the hips, you really don't want to go a size down.

However, you shouldn't need a bustier. If the dress is too big all over, then you could go down a size. If it's just too big in the bust, alterations should be able to make the dress actually your size.

I'd say go down a size if you're comfortable with it. They ordered me a 4 and then they couldn't decide it they should reorder me a 2 when I tried it on. Mines a corset back so after a bunch of consultants looking at it we all agreed to keep the 4 bc if I want it tight the 2 is gonna be too small! Good luck!

That looks too big on you. I would size down.

Does it fit your hips?

if a size down won't fit your hips- then it doesn't matter- you need to fit the largest part of your body- then tailor the rest down to you.

Is that a fresh dress or a sample that many people have tried on? Sometimes the samples have stretched.

I'm in the same boat. They (BHLDN) sold me a 2, but I can pinch a good amount in the back. A reviewer posted pics of herself wearing a 0 and a 2 and mentioned her height and weight-- same as mine-- and said that they both fit. BHLDN offers returns so I tried to get them to send me one of each size but they said no, we're sure the 2 will fit you best so I gave up.

But, I have worn it around the house lounging and watching TV, and when I sit it's still comfortable, but there's definitely less wiggle room. I think if I had gone down a size, it would be uncomfortable to sit in. Did you try that?

Thanks all for the comments! To answer some questions, yes, the hips are not a problem, I am very bottomheavy, but the skirt is a ballgown and has tons of room.

The dress is brand new. I could exchange it, but I would have to send this one back and wait a month for a new one the would hopefully fit.

I went to an independent seamstress and she suggested I stick with what I have since I am tall and the 0 might have too short of a bodice.

Just know it's easier to take a dress in, than out.

Well this is a slightly different situation. But I let a dress shop talk me into ordering a prom dress a size to big so they could make alterations easily. It was a disaster! They altered it to the point that the seam lines were a mess and then had to sew in a boned bodice just to hold it on me. Problem was they only tacked the bodice in and the dress was heavy. So all the places the dress wasn't tacked to the bodice it sagged and you could see the bodice. I had to buy a bolero to wear to cover the places were the bodice was showing.