Goodness, I honestly never expected such positive feedback - I thought you'd all agree with me and sympathise! Lots of good points there. It was made in a rush of course, never a great idea. I'm usually much more diligent about checking the fit before I sew. Yes, as
@Francesca said the waist line is too low but would be a swine to correct just now. (I also think it could do with shortening an inch.) Yes, maybe a belt would help (and probably scarf, necklace, cardi etc) but unfortunately I think I'll have to park that for now as I've run out of time. The black boots aren't right at all. Not easy to find comfortable bunion friendly footwear for a dress but I could try.
We leave for the UK early tomorrow so no more sewing now as I have to pack, take puss to cattery, move pot plants etc. I'll take a couple of options to wear at the function - one is a rtw black dress I wear for special concert events (normal concerts I just wear trousers and a top as we clarinets sit at the back and no one can see us anyway). I thought it was a bit dressy for the function but my black boots should sort that out!
Thanks all again - if I had another day here I could probably fix the dress to wear, but I don't. Shame but I'll have another look when I get back in 10 days time, see what I can do.