That picture was taken at church, so the dress was appropriate. Plus I am betting she doesn't fit back into a lot of her old dresses due to her boob size now
Carrie posted a picture of her on vacation. I guess this can be a sign that the new album is coming out this year for sure? She usually takes a vacation before she starts to finish off the album/promote it and release it.
Thing is she's already said that she knows the direction of this album, I assume a Q4 release. Release the single around the time of the CMAs/AMAs to promote, and than release the album before Christmas to capitalize on sales.
I still think that "The Women You Think I Am" would be an amazing album title, and she can fool everyone and release a more rock-oriented album, or a more folkish country sounding album.