The first time I tried to make this pattern was a disaster. It was the project that taught me that I have an unusually short measurement from my shoulder to my bust point. Does that mean I'm short-waisted? I've been told I'm short-waisted but this measurement has nothing to do with my waist so I think it's something different. Short-busted? That just sounds strange.
Anyhow after realizing this I started cutting out my patterns differently to adjust. I cut everything for my usual size, which is hovering around 16 now (I am biting my tongue, no more self-judgement, it's not helpful!) but all the parts above the bust I cut out along the line for size 12 or 14. I leave the widths the same, using the size 16 cutting line, but anything length related, and then the neckline and collar, I cut at the smaller size line.
And it came out great!
That's Sparky in the picture with me. I wanted to pick him up for the picture but he doesn't like it much and it also would have obstructed the top of the dress. I've been wearing it, as you can see, with black leggings and red ballet flats. I also carry around a red cardigan to go over it. When it gets colder out I think I'll still wear it with a black turtleneck underneath, black tights, black boots, and my black leather jacket over it.