My dress is a size 0 graded out to a 4 in the waist. I used a grey bamboo/lycra jersey and an Art Gallery cotton/lycra for the contrast. I opted to do a solid ‘V’ and topstitch it. The topstitching is kind of ‘meh’ so there is no close up photo.{This post contains affiliate links, indicated by an asterisk*. Please refer to ‘About’ in the top menu for more info.}
I made a second Oceanside during the test. This was a 2 graded out to a 6 at the waist with no inset. It was too big, so I took it in some. I should have taken it in more at the waist, lesson learned, lol! That waistband needs to hug your body so that it gives you a nice waist and doesn’t get stretched out of place.
I really like your versions. Especially the peplum. It's indeed a pattern that can have different styles dependent on the fabric and length
Did you shorten the bodice any from the original pattern? I too tested but I don't remember if you did or not. I am 5'2" and shortened it a little, but I wondered what it would look like if I don't.