Help me understand why this looks wrong

[GraceMarks]

I'm hoping the MN style mavens can help me find a summer dress that suits me because I'm clearly struggling by myself!

I've seen lots of these midi shirt dresses in the shops and decided to try one on this afternoon. But it just doesn't look right and I can't put my finger on why. Is it too wide across the shoulders? Too tight on my tummy? The wrong length? Please try to ignore the socks

I'm quite annoyed because it was lovely and comfortable and I could imagine it being really cool on a hot day. I really liked the pattern too.

Step away from grandma's wardrobe 😉

You've got amazing boobs. A v neck would draw attention to them in the right way.

I suspect the summer sale racks will be full of dresses like this, because real women will try them on and realise they just don't make anyone bigger than size 6 look good.

You look matronly. The cut of the dress is unflattering.

The belt, the length of the sleeves make you look wider than what you are.

Actually I think it's too big, and too long.
Without being rude because you've got a decent bust it might not be terribly flattering either. The pattern is very pretty but I always try patterns on and they look dreadful on me. A smaller size?

Sorry OP, but I'd describe this as matronly too. It's making your shoulders look really wide and the length is terrible.

I suspect the summer sale racks will be full of dresses like this, because real women will try them on and realise they just don't make anyone bigger than size 6 look good.

Real women?

With the tiny belt and colour it really reminds me of a nurses uniform (vintage of course).
It’s too long on you for starters and the little wings/sleeve bits that poke out makes it look cheap (poor fabric choice, no flex).
Then there’s the pattern...
Matronly is the perfect descriptor, time to try on something else.

Maybe as opposed to the 7foot tall shop dummies!

I don’t think that would be flattering on anyone.

I can imagine it on a very tall and willowy young model with trendy trainers, draped over a tree or wall in st tropez.

Not a stocky 50 ish year old with sensible shoes and a jumper (I feel the cold)!

OK, folks, don't worry - I'm not going to buy the dress or anything remotely like it. Another trend that I'm going to have to sit out, but I'm used to that. It's one of the hazards of having a big old arse and "child bearing" hips.

So, OP, have you bought it with a view to seeing how you could make the dress work or have you been hounded out of H&M empty-handed?

Cross post

Well done OP!

Shirt dresses are generally shit, and the latest fad to be foisted on us by the fashion industry. Just ignore, and leave them on the hanger where they belong.
Most women (apart from hardcore fashion followers) just want simple comfortable clothes. Instead we get cold shoulder tops, frills and flounces and uneven hems. Fashion buyers, sort it out, or more and more of your stuff is going straight to lamdfill.

I actually quite like it OP - the only thing I would say is you should open some of the top buttons as it looks a bit high necked for your chest. Wear it with sandals and a round straw bag and you're grand

feelingverylazytoday but the dress was simple and comfortable.

MollyYouInDangerGirl I agree. Add a pair of sunglasses (the Easter weekend is forecast to be hot) and it would have been fine.

It does look a bit matronly and hyacinth bouquet. If you'd said you were in your sixties I'd have believed you.

I honestly think the only people who would get away with that dress is tall, very slim and very young.

My daughter is five foot eight and a size eight and 21. She'd probably rock it with a pair of white trainers. I however would look much like you do in it.

Sleeves look very old fashioned.
Love the colour

Llongy don't worry - I bought summat else instead (an A line black skirt) and also, my lovely kimono arrived in the post today so I have that too. I was fully aware the dress looked bad, and that was my starting position, I was just interested to know why. Now I do!

The colour is awful, completely washes you out. It's like something the women who do the flowers in church would wear. Sandals and a hat will not help.

Actually... 9 times out of 10, when I ask the question "why do I look shit in this fashionable garment?" the answer will be "Because you are not 5'10" and a size 6". I should really know that by now, shouldn't I?

Seriously, the model looks shit too. It's just a shit dress.

The shoulders and sleeves make it look like a dress for a much much older lady also I don’t think that mid length really suits anyone who isn’t model height

You don't need to be 5'10 and a size 6 to look good, you just need to choose styles of clothes that suit your shape. Getting a style analysis or just good old google is so helpful with this.