Encore Pattern Review: New Look 6779 dress with sleeves

This is an encore pattern review for New Look 6779. Last time I made this sleeveless denim dress. This time I have made the same dress (size 12 again) with pockets and short sleeves with a hefty weight red linen. I have always wanted a red linen dress like Pippa Middleton (see below) and I have some stash red linen lying around, so I just made it quickly.

 (source: Instyle)

I think my choice of fabric is really not suitable for this dress. It's a pullover dress so it really needs some lightweight, drapey flowy material to look good. The heavy slightly stiff linen just didn't do this pattern justice. In the end, I ended up having to take out 4cm from the centre back because the dress was looking like a big stiff tent on me. On top of that the neckline would only stay flat if I don't move. As soon as I start walking it's moving all over the place and showing my bra straps. The sleeves and the chest area pull a bit (you can see the drag lines in the picture). Since I took out so much material from the centre back, I guess I should have done an FBA.

I tried to weigh the neckline down with 2 heavy metal buttons on each side of the neckline (like Pippa's dress). It works to a certain extend; but certainly not good enough.

I think I'll still wear this dress out for a test run when it's warmer outside to see if I would look foolish. I do like the look of the dress. Too bad the fabric was too stiff and heavy. I haven't given up on this pattern yet. I will try a flowy fabric next time.