The instructions are great but expect to spend LOTS and LOTS of time sewing before getting a dress that fits well. I plan to try again, but probably not anytime soon. And never for a special event again.

I made FIVE test fit dresses, four from old sheets and one from apparel fabric. The fifth one was a good fit, although still not perfect. Then I cut my expensive fabric for the dress to wear to my oldest child's wedding. The result was a completely unwearable dress. I don't know what happened between test 5 and the real dress, but it was tight in some places it shouldn't be tight and loose in some places it shouldn't be loose. This happened well over a month ago, but I could only now review this pattern because I was so upset. I have never worked this hard on fitting before and to spend that much time and effort and still have it turn out as something to be thrown away was beyond disappointing.

The photo is test fit #5.

I've been away from serious sewing for a long time. You would think I'd restart with a simpler pattern, but no - give me a lined bodice and an invisible zipper lol. I never had mastered that years ago. For me there was a learning curve - but I was willing to do anything to get a well-fitting dress and to not have to do an FBA if possible. Jenny's instructions are excellent. I just needed to slow down and really read them. I also thought - hey who needs a muslin!? That was lesson #2. #3 was don't assume you 'just know' your measurments. These are all rookie mistakes - and as a former professional costume designer and sewist - I should know way better. But I really wanted to get to the 'twirl in your new dress' part lol.

So two muslins later I now have two more Upton dresses I love - with pockets! Yes! Thank you! And plans for a lot more. Each dress gets better and better and I fine tune each new attempt. And NO FBA!

I'm still learning new sewing methods - which I love - and I think the lined bodice technique is genius! I'm so a fan - I've bought all the patterns.

I have used the Upton for 4 very different shapes and sizes for a wedding party. The most challenging shape wise was an apple shape at the largest end of the sizing scale. This lady never wore a waisted or fitted dress as she felt it wouldn't suit her shape. She's only tried the toille due to lockdown but she absolutely loved it. Flattering in a way she couldn't believe.
I never wear a waisted dress either and have tried a toille and can't believe how flattering it is.
Fabulous pattern.

While I was so new to sewing that I didn't realise everything good was American, I bought this. While I was sad and a little shocked when I realised the difference between AUD and USD, I am more than happy with this pattern. Very much worth the price. A fee different options and very clear instructions, this fit me near perfect on my first make (just going off measurements and their suggestions when between sizes). The only way it could be absolutely perfect would be a "fit troubleshooting" section with suggestions on what to do if, say, the busy was perfect but the stomach was loose, or the back sits at your waist but the front pulls up 2-3" higher etc.

As an added bonus: even with a baby body booty, with sweet tooth extras, this dress was still slightly longer at the back than front. No reverse high-low skirts here.

This is one of my absolute favorite patterns!
I love how it fits, I love how easily it goes together, and I love how easy it is to frankenpattern.

I have purchased several copies of this, so I can modify each one.
I usually add on sleeves, and usually end up with a full skirt.

I have not used the skirt pattern that comes with it, however, I plan to use the pleated skirt in the future.

I have made this pattern with a broadcloth and cotton print patterned fabric, I have used a dupioni, and I have used quilting cotton, and each time, it came out looking wonderful.

Another thing I usually add are pockets!
I need pockets to help me!

The pattern is well written, and great for a beginning sewer, or an experienced one.

It is easy to modify, and easy to make additions.

On one of the dressed as I have made, I added the waistband area onto the bodice part, and other times I have used contrasting fabric for that waistband.

All in all, this is some of the best money I've ever spent on patterns, basically because it's well-designed, and I have made minimal adjustments to the size because it's so inclusive.

I would rather put my money towards something like this then one of the big four that does not cater to larger sizes.
Thank you for one of my absolutely favorite patterns!