The yellow and black dress

Remember this post about me changing an old 16th century dress? I think I will go with chigrima and jenthompson, but I'm not 100 % sure yet. There are already side-back seams which is good, unfortunately only on the top fabric, not the lining, but it's the same if I do a front opening. I will have to decide soon anyway; I have cut away the back lacing and will sew the back seam, but then I must decide.