Have you seen the latest retro dress patterns from Butterick? I especially love Butterick 5920 and 5930 for sewing vintage fashion styles . These two dresses have great details and nice vintage silhouettes. What is even more fun? The model for pattern #5930 is a real girl with curves, so we get a chance to see what it will look like on many of us out here who sew for ourselves.When it comes to making alterations, I think that either bodice will modify easily without distorting the style. Model #5920 is a very simple design with few pattern pieces. The bodice is darted to fit, without sleeves or other details that might add more difficult details to the sewing process. The skirt is 'A' line with a smooth back and gathers only in the front. This is an easy skirt to modify into full gathers or other shapes. This fitted bodice can be made to fit tight or loose, depending on your style. I also think it would be adorable in a summer cotton such as gingham, cut short and sweet.
The princess seamlines in the bodice of #5930 will help to create a great fit, regardless of the body type. The gored skirt has fullness in the hem without the bulk of gathers at the waistline and hips, so it should be a very flattering design to wear.
If you have an event this summer, these patterns could be what you are looking for!