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's not flattering. The waistline is sitting at the wrong place for some reason. Yes I agree the length is wrong .

Your Roman one is nice, the first is not good it’s very dated indeed.

Return. You have a lovely figure and I think could find something a lot more flattering

It’s nice . I’m not a fan of bright florals or pastel prints but I like neutral prints like that.

Now that is a good example of an awful pattern! Very shapeless too .

I think this dress and the ditsy print one is why roman have such a bad rep, both are the wrong length, very dated looking.

Definitely return. It’s not at all flattering.

I'm thinking something like this - 100% cotton, covers upper arms, tailored at the waist to give shape, midi length so you can wear chub rub shorts (essential for me in the heat, you may be luckier than me!) I'd wear with gold jewellery and white or cream trainers/flats.

www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-pintuck-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp61227425#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r1c1%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived

That fabric is really ugly, like a well washed teddy bear.

If you have to ask on here "do I keep this?" the answer is always no.

I actually think it looks really nice

It's ok. Not special

I was going to say the same. Viscose isn't properly breathable. Linen is the best by miles for hot weather

It's inoffensive, if you already owned it I'd say keep but but if you are shopping I'd keep looking for something more flattering.

A Vote for returning it

That is very nice. A classic shape in cotton.

It's also chocolate brown - the Roman dress linked above is the same colour so OP I thought you might like it!

Viscose is highly breathable and also wicks.

The dress instantly makes me think "old lady" I don't know how old you are I'm 64 myself so I am an old lady.
It just doesn't flatter your figure in any way, shape or form.
You have a nice figure and I think you could find something much more flattering

I agree re viscose. I'm not sure posters know what viscose is when they post stuff about it not being breathable.

Thanks, it's definitely going back, I'm glad I asked before I removed the tags 😊. I'm 5 ft 9 and 50, not quite ready to be classed as an old lady. I think I've realised I need to avoid pattern and seek out plain dresses in the right shape, the sort of thing you wouldn't notice in a shop but if you get the right one you wear for years.

Viscose is breathable a lot of my cooler clothes are made of it. I’m in the se so we sadly have heat for months every year. As for linen every time I ever try it I am sweltering. Have a few linen dresses currently but can’t wear them in this heat as it’s unbearable in them.

I like patten hides a multitude of sins. Plain always seems to highlight the parts I’m trying to hide.

This looks good www.next.co.uk/style/SU883001/V12050

The navy Next maxi is very nice. I guess it depends how formal/informal your office is. It's not about me, but I love the brown pure cotton shirt dress from Marks and Spencer - a pared back style which I think is endlessly useful and hopefully flattering. So much so, I've just ordered it for myself!!!! I've already got several of these style of dresses in various colours and they're so easy to wear and accessorise. I like them because they also cover the upper arms.