Hum tricky one. Side view looks as though it hangs straight down from the bust, though are voluminous dresses supposed to do that?
I'm on the fence on this one, sorry that's not much help x

I think you could do better. I don't think it's the horizontal lines that are an issue, but rather it's just the cut of the dress. It seems to just tent out below the chest, and it totally hides your shape. The colors look nice on you, and if you wanted to keep it I would try belting the cardigan you have over it in the third photo--that might bring it in at the waist. But otherwise, I would return it.

I'm with Louise- on the fence. By itself it's cute from the front, but from the side it just hangs. I really don't care for it with the cardi-maybe the color is too close to the color in the dress. Do you have a denim jacket, or a black or brown pleather jacket to try it with?

I know what you mean about the horizontal lines. I keep trying on plaid things and finally yesterday I realized why I never like them-- it's because plaid has horizontal lines in it.

I think it is really cute on you from the front, the side, not so flattering, but belting it might be the answer. If you try and feel more comfortable with it belted, I say keep it, otherwise, return it and replace with something more flattering.

I actually kind of like the dress, but not with the cardigan (the sleeves are too pretty to be covered), and that keyhole feature in the back sounds annoying. If there's no way to correct the bra showing issue, I would definitely vote "return."

p.s. on a positive note, the length of the dress is good!

Thanks for your opinions, everyone. I'm returning for sure. I don't mind volume, but the volume needs to be in the right places. :o)

Boof, it looks to me like the dress might be too big for you. Could you try a smaller size?

Medusa, I could try a smaller size, but I don't think it would affect the volume of the dress. It's cut like a sack, so it looks like a sack. :o)

I vote return the dress :0(. There is something too juvenile about it. Checks are too big. I love playful items but this one is off to my eye.

Onto the next frock!