Summer dress - keep or return

[mrspk]

Bought this in the John Lewis sale for hot days in the office. It's a very light viscose material. I'm not sure though now about the pattern, should I keep or return do you think?

It looks very cooling, so it could be useful. I don't love or hate the pattern, It's pretty neutral. Fine for office wear, if it is real light and comfortable in hot weather.

I wouldn’t be a fan of the pattern tbh.

Return. Length isn't great, neither is the pattern or fit.

Return it. I personally don't like the colour, pattern or the neckline.

I don’t think it’s flattering at all. Sorry but I’d send it back.

Return. It’s a bit naff.

If you're not sure about it at the moment you buy it, you probably won't wear it in future so I'd return based on that alone.

I tried on a load of dresses in M&S this weekend and wanted to take them all home, so it might be worth shopping around a bit - some good dresses in the shops at the moment!

Not a fan, sorry!

Thanks everyone, grateful for the objective feedback, it's definitely going back. I find dresses really difficult. I'll try M&S.

I think i'd aim for maxi if you don't fancy shorter.

For me it's the length more than the pattern.

I find dresses impossible - you appear to be an apple shape size 16 am I right?

I don’t bother with dresses. Try a pair of tailored shorts that cut off mid thigh, and a top with a collar/ bit more structure.

Would this suit you, OP?

https://www.hobbs.com/product/kayleigh-linen-dress/0125-5722-9094L00-NAVY.html?

Yes, apple shape size 14/16. I used to wear maxi dresses but most seem to be sleeveless and I don't like my upper arms out

That is nice, not sure about the sleeveless but it's a nice shape, I might give it a try thanks.

I like this one, but more for holidays than the office - Chocolate Textured Floral Lace Maxi Dress | Roman UK https://share.google/UPQQplySRweIH8dFE

How about this or something like it? Cotton broderie anglais so should be cool in the heat. Has sleeves. Any good? How tall are you?
www.next.co.uk/style/su894602/v23171

Oh please don't worry about your arms OP!

I wasted so many hot summers fretting about how my arms looked. They are arms. Everyone can see what sort of arms you have it's no secret. They won't give a shit to see them in the flesh.

Its hot.
You're at at work.
No one's taking photos.

Get yourself a couple of nice sleeveless dresses and free yourself !!!!

If you don't like the pattern don't buy it but it's an inoffensive work appropriate dress so I'm surprised at all the hate.

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If you want it for hotter days, don’t buy Viscose, buy cotton or linen. Viscose will make you very hot.

I wonder if a single coloured dress would suit you? Maybe in a blue?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-v-neck-midi-drop-waist-dress/p/clp60779624?intid=mobileapppdpshare

what do you think of the blue version of this dress? I’ve just ordered the black one (I have a different skin tone to yours) but might be tempted by the blue as well if it’s nice.

Short sleeves rather than sleeveless so you can wear it to work.

Struggling to do a link but this is by Roman on Next site. Leaf print navy dress. Looks lovely and cool 😊

Is it comfy? I’d be more concerned with how I’m feeling rather than what I look like this week.

That's nice. I think Roman are better than people often think. One of my favourite summer dresses is from them; shirt dress, cool woven (not stretchy, more like shirt cotton) viscose, maxi with short sleeves. In fact I think they still do a similar one but it might be too colourful as a work dress.

It's like this but not this exact one. Very pleasant to wear in this weather.
https://www.roman.co.uk/ditsy-floral-midi-shirt-dress-14228958