I love this on you, Rita! Swapping out the undies really helped. Good job! I vote change out the shoes to a non-black pump/sandal. Too heavy despite the book ending.

I like the length in #1.

I really like it in the original length, but I understand that its not making you feel fab. I think the thing that makes me prefer that length so much is that it is cut to taper and follow your leg line, which looks sophisticated to my eye - but when you adjust the length (by pulling the dress up on itself on the waist?) it looks more a-line, whereas if you had it actually hemmed, it would follow the original lovely line. Does that make sense?

How about nude heels for a leg-lengthening effect?

Well you hardly need to hear from me now Angie has spoken! But I love it on you (I like pic #5 the best) and if it can make an apple look like that I want one too!

I would try it with boots or flats, and a scarf, perhaps even tied horizontally across the shoulders, or maybe a short blue cardigan. Perhaps that's just me, because I'm on the tall side. But I think the flattering cut and print of the dress are lengthening on their own, so you can play the accessories against it. Does that make any sense?

Angie has spoken!

I would wear this dress in a heartbeat Rita and believe it looks great on you.

Wow! Lots of mixed reviews. I can see this dress is going to be controversial but I think I am going to try to make it work. Perhaps I can win the gang over.

I think you're right to go with your gut and skip black footwear. Anything else will be an improvement. I didn't read all the comments, but have tapering the skirt or shortening the sleeves been discussed? Sometime a sleeve can make a dress look dowdy. I love the print and colors on you; you're right to try to work it!