When your dress has an uncooperative neckline

Do you guys ever deal with this? The dress is perfect... the pattern is on point.. the length is excellent... but the neck. It just doesn't work.  You try folding your bra down with a paper clip. You try the cute bralette. Maybe a cami? Dare you go bare? I've tried all of these, but I couldn't wear this dress until I learned to layer.

The thing about under garments is,  well, they are meant to stay under the garment. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of this new bralette trend - but with this dress, it just doesn't work. So, after the success I found layering a sweater with a dress that was a little too tight, I thought I'd try a warm weather variation. 

I will say, with this shorter dress, the layer worked best with a crop tee. But I have a lot of those :D 
What do you think? Most people thought I was wearing a skirt. But whether a skirt or a dress, at least I finally get to wear it!

Tee: via Madewell sold out | same via ShopBop
Dress: Free People via TJMaxx 2013 | similar for ruffles | similar for ruffles
Sandals: via DSW last year | similar  
Photography: Natalie Folchi of CincinNatalie