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Spring Maxi Dress: Keep or Return?

June 15, 2009 By Dusty Rogers 48 Comments

I loved hearing all your feedback on my my mini spring dress, so I’m posing the “keep or return” question to you again for this maxi spring dress:

 

I got this dress from Old Navy and while it is so comfortable it just doesn’t have much shape. I feel like all the gathering at the empire waist makes me look a lot heavier than I am. But I love the colors and the pattern.

So what do you think–is it a keeper, or do I need to make a visit to my good friend the customer service desk?

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Comments

  1. 1
    JennyMarie says:
    June 15, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    Sorry but I gotta sy return. This dress just donesn’t show your wonderful figure. You can find a better fitting one!

    Reply
  2. 2
    Mrs. McB says:
    June 15, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Although it doesn’t show your figure, I don’t think it makes you look bigger. I actually like it. However, if you are questioning it…you probably won’t wear it….

    Reply
  3. 3
    Tim & Tamara says:
    June 15, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    Hmmm… I the pics aren’t as flattering. Maybe if it didn’t have the print? I don’t know. Those kind of dresses are a little hard to pull off and I just don’t see this one doing it for you. Return it I guess.

    Reply
  4. 4
    Pam says:
    June 15, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    D –

    It is really pretty…would a belt help with the shape? If not, I would probably return it too.

    :o)

    Reply
  5. 5
    Colleen says:
    June 15, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    It’s a cute dress, but I do think it makes you look wider than you are.

    Reply
  6. 6
    Simone says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    I say return, it looks too busy on you. It not very flattering.

    Reply
  7. 7
    Leftturnyielder says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Return it! I don’t think it does you justice. And the trend will be very dated by next year.

    Reply
  8. 8
    Eli says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    I think these dresses make anyone look bigger, they are designed to fit very loose and not fitted. However, all the ones I have are solid color to avoid the pattern making you look bigger. I think with this dress the pattern is too busy and I don’t like how it looks. I say return.

    Reply
  9. 9
    Kristal says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Return. Love the pattern, but I agree that the shape is not flattering. There’s too much material through the waist and hips it seems.

    Reply
  10. 10
    Embellished Bayou says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Meh….just not doing anything for me. But I’m sure it looks better in person!

    Reply
  11. 11
    April & Geoff says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    I say return. I was wearing a loose fitting dress and an older man innocently enough asked if I was expecting (I’m not!!).

    Reply
  12. 12
    ekwilliams says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    I say return. I think the cut can be flattering on anyone, in this case its probably the pattern. Too much going on at the bottom!

    Reply
  13. 13
    Suzanne says:
    June 15, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Try it with a belt to give it a little more form — if that doesn’t help, return that ish.

    Reply
  14. 14
    Angela says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    have to say return. I cannot wait until this trend is over, I don’t think they flatter anyone!

    Reply
  15. 15
    julie says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Return. I think it’s the pattern, but I also am ready for this trend to say bye bye.

    Reply
  16. 16
    fioretta says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    I agree with the comments to return it – if you’re unsure about it, that means you probably won’t wear it anyway. :) I tend to avoid anything loose and flowy… I just bought a more fitted maxi for a friend’s (casual) wedding this summer, so it can be done!

    Reply
  17. 17
    Freckles Chick says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I actually like the fit on you! You wear it well. The pattern’s a bit too busy and overpowering though.

    Reply
  18. 18
    MeggyD says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    I think if you aren’t 100% sure about it and super excited and comfortable – then it’s not worth it to keep it. Check out target for some cute Maxi dresses and are a bit more fitted. :) Good luck!

    Reply
  19. 19
    Emily says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    I’d return it, but if you’re looking for a comfy dress,I think a solid dark color would solve your concern. I’m anti-empire these days for me. As comfortable as the dresses look, I’m of the persuasion that if you have any boobs at all, empire flows too much and can look maternity-wearish.

    Reply
  20. 20
    Kristen says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    I say return. It’s not as flattering as it could be!

    Reply
  21. 21
    Kelly says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Return. I believe you could find a better shape and pattern. This one doesn’t do much for you.

    Reply
  22. 22
    C says:
    June 15, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    Love the print, but you’re right, and I’d have to agree with the others- it’s not super flattering. I’m sure you can find one with a little less gathering!

    Reply
  23. 23
    Lacey says:
    June 15, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Well I’m going to be different. I think it looks cute. Most people know that a maxi dress doesn’t form fit. I love the pattern and I have a friend that has the dress and she went through the same questions. She kept it and loved it!

    Reply
  24. 24
    Windy City Kelley's says:
    June 15, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    I like it. Most maxi dresses will fit the same way, but they are super comfy.

    Reply
  25. 25
    *stars*in*my*pocket* says:
    June 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    If I were 100% honest, I’d say take it back. You are way too pretty to hide in that dress. You need a more form fitting maxi. Otherwise you just get lost in it.

    Reply
  26. 26
    Amy says:
    June 15, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    I like the color and pattern a lot, but I would return it unless you found a cute belt or something to give it more shape.

    Reply
  27. 27
    LizzieBeth says:
    June 15, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Return in. I have been coveting a dress like that at NY&Co for weeks, and when I finally tried it on I looked about 8 months preggers in it. BLECH!

    Honestly, unless you are walking the runways for Vicky’s spring collection, these dresses are not flattering.

    Reply
  28. 28
    Jodie says:
    June 15, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    I’m wondering what it would look like with a pair of flip-flops rather than strappy (are those heels?) shoes. I really do like the pattern, but I have to say if you aren’t sure, I’d return it and look for something even cuter!

    Reply
  29. 29
    Anonymous says:
    June 15, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    I agree. Return it. It’s pretty to look at though. Plus long dresses look better with flat sandals IMHO. Unless you are red-carpeting. : )

    jbhat

    Reply
  30. 30
    Carazy Mom says:
    June 15, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    Send it to me! The cut’s not bad, but the pattern is too large – it overwhelms you. You could do that dress in a small scale pattern (bitsy flowers) and it would be perfect! I am a tall/large woman who can pull off that scale and size pattern.. I carry all my weight in my belly (look 5 months preggo all the time :( Sure looks comfy!

    Reply
  31. 31
    Lindsay Willman says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Belt it!! It’s an amazing dress and all you have to do is belt under your bust line to define your waist.

    Reply
  32. 32
    Janet says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    Love the pattern but I say return it for something you absolutely love!

    Reply
  33. 33
    Kent says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Hey D! I say return – it does nothing for your figure and you have a great figure worth showing off! I’m also not in love with that color on you. I think a maxi dress would look great on you, but not this one. I also like the look of the gladiator sandals with the maxi dresses – esp. in gold or silver :o)

    Reply
  34. 34
    tashima says:
    June 15, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    I would have to say return it. The way the pattern gradualy gets bigger at the bottom makes you look a lot heavier.

    Reply
  35. 35
    Stephanie says:
    June 15, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    I don’t think it makes you look heavier at all! The pattern is super cute. Plus if it’s from Old Navy I’m sure it’s so inexpensive you only have to wear it once to get your money’s worth. Keep it!

    Reply
  36. 36
    Allison aka Half of VAMH says:
    June 15, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    Well I am a loner here! I would say belt it and keep it!

    Reply
  37. 37
    G+D says:
    June 16, 2009 at 12:38 am

    Thanks for all your feedback everyone! I’m going to have to go with the overwhelming majority and return it. It’s a cute dress, but I just don’t think it’s for me. Like some of you said–if I don’t think it looks flattering on, I’ll never wear it. And I’m sure that’s exactly what would happen. It would sit in my closet and never leave the hanger. I’m also reminded of my friend Beth’s feedback when I considered purchasing a “but it’s SO COMFORTABLE!” dress last summer that could have doubled as a tent for a family of 4. She took one look at it and said, “You’re not shopping for pajamas. Take it off.” My point–I listen to good advice when I hear it. So long maxi dress!

    Reply
  38. 38
    StartingOver@28 says:
    June 16, 2009 at 12:52 am

    I would keep it. I think the dress is a victim of bad photo angle (shooting up at you vs. down – my non professional opinion). I love maxi dresses but agree you would need flats!

    Reply
  39. 39
    Anonymous says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:21 am

    return it. not flattering

    sonia

    Reply
  40. 40
    C~~O~~U~~R~~T~~N~~E~~Y says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:28 am

    I don’t think it’s the empire waistline as much as it is the angle of the V that makes you look bigger than you are.

    Reply
  41. 41
    Jaime says:
    June 16, 2009 at 1:29 am

    I am a big old navy fan… Just love the dress… I am too short to pull off this look though. Have a great week.

    Jaime

    Reply
  42. 42
    G+D says:
    June 16, 2009 at 2:22 am

    I definitely hear you girls on the flats thing (for this dress, and the other one) but I have to tell ya, I’m really not a flats girl. I really am trying to give them a chance, but so far it’s not working out for me. I just might be married to my heels for life.

    Reply
  43. 43
    New England Girl says:
    June 16, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    I’m torn… I love the colors, but as everyone else has mentioned, the shape isn’t very flattering… maybe try with some accessories as was suggested? a nice belt might bring in the dress and make it a more flattering shape. however, if you try this and you’re still not quite sure, I say return it [as everyone else]. You shouldn’t wear anything you even have the slightest doubt about. I hope you find something you 100% love! :)

    Alicia

    Reply
  44. 44
    superchixor says:
    June 18, 2009 at 11:52 pm

    I say return it.. or wear flip flops with it.. it doesn’t look dressy enough to me to wear heels…

    Reply
  45. 45
    melissa o says:
    June 19, 2009 at 1:44 am

    I’m not a fan – you are thin in the greatest way and this doesn’t show it off. I saw if you’re not doing a beach day then return!

    PS – I think you should come to Minneapolis or I should come to Madison (Madison, right?) I maybe, might have, had too much wine butttttttt I do think we should make it happen. I could do pictures of the great G&D! (for free…shhhhhhh)

    Reply
  46. 46
    Karen says:
    June 19, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    I am not a fan of the maxi dress trend this year so I would say take it back. I don’t think anyone can pull this trend off!!! Sorry G&D…..

    Reply
  47. 47
    G+D says:
    June 21, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    Thanks for your feedback everyone! I’ve returned the dress and actually found a tank top in a similar pattern/colors that I think is much more flattering, so I’m very happy about that exchange!

    @Melissa O–yep, I’m in Madison. I would love to get together with you! Do you have any plans to come to the Madison area anytime soon? I rarely make it up to Minneapolis, but I have a good friend that lives in Shoreview, MN so I’d love to get up there and see her again too! Great idea–let’s try to make a get togther happen! I’d love to meet you!

    Reply
  48. 48
    violarulz says:
    June 22, 2009 at 3:03 am

    I really like the fabric, but if you’re unsure about keeping that’s probably a good indicator that you should return it while you still can. Or give it a chance, then decide to recycle it by cutting off the skirt and making a regular skirt with it. you could just run it with elastic thread to smock it (like the waist section) so you wouldn’t have to measure or put in a zipper. instant new lazy day skirt.

    Reply

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