Shall I keep this dress? Is it dated now?

[CordeliaGrey]

Not sure to keep this dress or not… it too sack like?
. couple of photos with / without tie belt and my own belt.
I am and dress is a size 10

sorry long link
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/jayden-purple-shirt-midaxi-dress-22201060010.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=lxiamrwaa&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17939210631&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17939210631&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA1-6sBhAoEiwArqlGPtW1ubzGvSi_0NeBnYDOnWoA1GGD7VxbZGottrd_qGk56BAiAGRuIRoCMmsQAvD_BwE

Same, lovely colour! Not keen on it with the chunky belt though, gives me 2000s vibes 😂 and without the self tie belt the dress loses shape but with it the dress looks nice! Xx

I think it's got too much material in it . I don't like long dresses with flounces and long sleeves . That's just my personal opinion though and most people wear them so probably would like the style .

I really like it on you with the self tie belt (1st pic) but think the wide belt too ‘heavy’ for the dress and isn’t flattering and (edited as missed out a word) don’t like it unbelted either.

If you have to ask us if you should keep it, it means that you're not really into the dress. Return it and put the money towards something you have no hesitation in keeping!

I like it with the original tie belt on you

Not keen tbh.

I don't like it . I'm usually a big fan of that style of dress but there's something not working about that one.

I don't like the colour at all. The colour is garish but despite that there's something quite timid about the dress. I like dramatic dresses and am not in the least bit interested whether a dress is "flattering" or "shows off my figure" as the dress itself should make a statement. That one doesn't.

If it doesn’t make you feel like doing a small dance return it! But i love the colour

It's best with the black belt. With that belt it's nicer than on the model.

I think the problem is that it totally covers you neck down. Can you undo a button or two at the top? Then with the rolled up sleeves and NOT boots like they have on the link which again totally cover you, I think it’s nice with either belt (though a stylist I know says always remove the tie belt and add a normal belt of your own to elevate)

I feel like I had that same thick belt that I wore with EVERYTHING back in the early 2000s.

I like the dress with it’s own tie belt.

No. That's your opinion. You really should understand the difference

Lovely colour, but too sack like.
I'd return it.

Return it. It’s too long and swamps you. You have a great figure, why not show it off?

Seeing it on the website I wasn’t sure but seeing it on you with your own belt it looks great!

No. Return it. It isn't flattering at all.

I agree with this. You should want to rip the tag off and wear it straight away. Anything less and it's a no. You shouldn't have to ask other's opinions or try and persuade yourself.

(I don't like self tie belts, either, but the above still stands)

I said it was too timid - it's the thin self tie belt which does that. I think it looks much better with the wide belt and would look much better with an obe belt.

It doesn't look as if it hangs right without a belt. There are plenty of dresses in that style which don't need belts and look good. The Anthropologie Bettina dress is a good high street example. The material is maybe too soft to carry off that look.

Sorry op but it does nothing for you and the colour is very dated to me

I think you can do better. It’s bottom heavy with too much material in the skirt compared to how ‘pinched’ the top half looks. Although there are nice aspects to it, it’s just not a shape that’s flattering on anyone.

Yep thank you everyone.
A mixed response but dress is going back.
Think if I have to ask the internet it is a no.
My belt is chocolate brown and not black.
Shame as I love the colour and like that style of the dress but there is too much material.
It would be much better if the waist was fitted as I do have a waist!

Is that a Jigsaw suede brown belt from the 2000s - it just made everything look 'right' at one point.
Still have a glorious slouchy handbag bought on the same day

ha ha and belt was from Hobbs.
About 15 years old!

I ordered, and then doubting my decision, reordered this very dress, pre sale, wanting to love it. Size 10, size 8. But it was terrible. Swamped me. Also: Strangely garish in real life as pp said. And if I recall rightly (equally garish) gold buttons at the top, which further ruined the look.

But I don’t think the style is old fashioned. Then again, I’m in my 50s, and these days I’m usually looking for “effortless chic” rather than high fash cool. Think you’ve done the right thing returning it.

Morning all - just bobbing on to say that we've removed the pics, at the OP's request, as she felt they were too identifying. Thanks to everyone who offered fashion advice.