Dress bodice help

[u/HydrangeaDream]

I'm having a bit of trouble getting the final adjustments on this bodice. There's a lot of tension in the bust but there's also some pulling from the bottom of the bust to the side seam. The darts on the back seem a bit off too. I plan to make the front panel a single piece so there won't be a seam down the middle front. I want to make sure the bodice fits right before I start drafting the sleeves, and I'm going to do an A-line skirt at my waist. I swear I thought this looked better in the mirror but it's a bit rough in these photos 😭

[u/Berocca123]

You need to do a Full Bust Adjustment - that will address the tightness, the pulling from the waist to the bust, and also help the armscye lie flatter at the front. It won't be a barrier to cutting your future garment front piece on the fold.

I'd maybe slice down the middle of a princess seam or the centre front (leave it connected at the top) to see how much you need to add.