This is the front of my first attempt. It's very comfortable to wear. However, to me, it lacked the "Regency" look. 

I wanted to make a Regency dress from a McCall M5696 pattern. I thought it would be a simple matter of lengthening the skirt and add more material to the back. But I found that the neckline was alittle beyond my skills and I messed up. The bodice was huge (it was gapping off my shoulders) while the skirt was perfect. 

The back. I lengthened it down to the floor so I had a small train. I love trains. They give the expression of grace. 

But I did not let this bodice from hell get the best of me. I used my creativity to make the bodice fit better by taking fabric in with a dart in the back & adding a beautiful elastic modesty panel.