Lucilla Shirtdress

My husband purchased this as a gift for me in a size 6. I usually wear a 4 but recommended sizing up based on other reviews. It was a snuger than I liked thru the chest and a bit snug in the waist. The sleeve length was a bit longer on me, but still stylish and the skirt hit a bit above the knee. I made the mistake of returning it when I was able to order an 8 and 10 to try. The 8 would have fit beautifully except that now the back waist length was almost 1 1/2 too long causing it to not hang properly thru the waist and hips. Lifting the shoulders literally caused the waist to hit at my waist and the dress to fit beautifully. Unfortunately this is a very difficult alteration. I tried the size 10 and it fits like a 12. The shoulders are now drop shoulders. The sleeves are bracelet length with cuffs that are 2" too loose. The dress hangs past my waist and hips, and is even loose in the bust. The skirt hits at the top of my kneecap. If there was a way to make the cuff smaller so the sleeve were not so long, it would still be kind of cute in a shift sort of way. For reference I am 5' 3 1/2" , 115 #, and I usually wear a size 4 occasionally a size 6. I don't find that petite sizing fits properly.