Prom dress help!

[Lady Neysa]

Well, I screwed up.  Against my better judgement, I let my daughter order a (mundane) prom dress online without trying on.  Low and behold, it's too big.  It has a corset style back that when laced up all the way, still will fall off her. Obviously we didn't measure her right.  How do we figure out how many sizes to go down?  This probably won't help without seeing my daughter in the dress, but here is a view of what it looks like. http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD729754  Any advice would be appreciated! 

[Anna Iram]

First, I'd take her measurements again and compare them to the size chart and the dress size that was sent. Measure the corsett as well. It's possible you measured wrong, but also possible they sent the wrong size. That would give you leverage with customer service for no shippment charges for the exchange. When you speak with them, ask them if sizes run true or if you should order a size down. Usually with a corset you want a few inches smaller to cinch with, but that may not be true with this dress.

It's pretty!.

[Lady Neysa]

Anna, first of all I meant to say "laced all the way "closed", but perhaps you figured that out.  I had thought about ordering smaller than normal after we had already ordered and it was too late.  I wasn't sure if that rule would apply to this type of dress or not, since it's not a real corset. It has the adjustable lacing but I don't think it's designed to hold anything in, I assume it's mainly for show since if it were under any real strain, I believe things would rip. No boning or anything.   I will re-measure, hopefully correctly this time.  I've never been real good at that. I didn't think about asking them if the sizes run true or not, so I'll do that as well.   I'm thinking we may need to go down at least 2 sizes, since, like I said, it falls off of her laced closed. She wants the lacings to gap a little in the back and look right.  If needed the dress also comes with a modesty panel. 
This is why I don't like buying clothes online! 

[Anna Iram]

Well, like I said, it's possible the dress marked as a size six or whatever is incorrectly marked. That's why I'd also measure the actual dress bodice as well. I bought a pair of slippers once online that gave european and american sizes and they still were way off. Miss sizing happens. For sure I'd run the whole thing by customer service and let them guide you best.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Having altered many a Prom Dress over the years, with this one, there are several problems.

1) Having all those large sequins, it would be difficult to take the dress in at the bust as well as the sides in order to maintain the ingtegrity of the design..

2) Being that it laces in the back, there's no adjusting that can be done.

My suggestion would be to return the dress for a full refund. JC Pennys has nice Prom dresses. As do the Bridal shops.

Your daughter is best to try a dress on to see how it fits through the Bust, midfriff, Waist, and hips. Then altering can be done where needed.

Also, it hepls to see how the dress is constructed in order for it to be altered, if possible.