Is a fit and flare dress really meant to be that tight and restricting?

I think part of it is dependent on whether it is the right size for you. The dress I picked is a fit and flare. When I tried the sample on in December, it was very close to being the right size and I was able to sit down in it. A couple weeks ago, I tried on a different but and flare that was very small for me, and naturally, I was only able to take tiny steps. When I went back to see the original dress, it zipped, but was a little tighter than it had previously fit. I had no trouble moving, but I couldn't really bend. Knowing how the dress fit before, I know that I will have the room to bend and sit when the dress comes in my own measurements.

I'm also very short (5'0"). It was very apparent that all of the fit and flare dresses I tried on were flaring out much lower on me than they would on others. My dress' designer had the option to order a shorter dress, where the position of the flare will also be taken into consideration and will be a bit higher on my thighs. This should also make it even easier to move.

If you are a shorty like me, a petite might fit better. I am 5'2" and the petite brought the fit part up and inch, making it sit just right before it hit my thighs

@Macauly its not. thats the models legs making it appear that way