I think you should keep looking. Like Momo, I see the dress rather than you wearing the dress.

I am amazed at how well this dress fits. Wow! And the sheath shape is perfect to highlight your hourglass shape.
I don’t notice any widening but I guess I’d have to see other dresses.

Well, the fit is lovely. Tahari's a great brand for you.

But honestly, I would wait. I feel the pattern is a bit much at this length (a bit of extra length might help here) and there is something odd about the sleeve detail -- as you say, that and the neckline are so different from on the model. Frustrating!!

I often find that colours are lighter/brighter in the web version than in real life, so I try to factor that in -- but it's not universal so you really never know until you open the package.

I think it's great that you are on the active hunt already. You will find the right dress and you will look amazing!!

What Suz said

No... those giant blue roses in the dead center of the dress are overwhelming... uh, not to be blunt with my opinions or anything... it does fit nice! I like the side view... yeah, where I can’t see the print, ahem (!)

the pattern doesn't do you justice -- that's my first impression. the navy sections of the print are more like bands of color and need to be a little more watercolor-ish and organic. The drape/dropped band on the arms needs to be less wide. The dress has potential but isn't delicate enough or appealing enough. I would pass on this one and consider it a rough draft and part of the process of finding the just right summer dress.

I don't know Janet .... Without reading others' comments, something looks "off" to me. I don't think this is the right dress for you. Sorry ...

You have so many awesome clothes...I don’t feel this dress lives up to the rest of your wardrobe. I honestly feel you can do so much better and you have the time to be pickier.

I am grateful for all the responses. I wanted to be sure that what I was seeing wasn't just my overly-critical or overly-demanding eye.

Part of me feels discouraged already, but maybe I need to look at this as an *encouraging* sign that *something* out there that qualifies as a "summer wedding dress" fits me. There are some truly lovely suggestions in this thread, but I'm not sure dark colors and longer sleeves say "August wedding" to me. I will keep looking, thank you!!!

Don't feel sad. You are only beginning and the Forum will help you through this process. We wish you the best and want you to look your absolute best.

Somehow I missed the "summer" part!

While I was doing laundry and housework and packing today, this Tadashi Shoji arrived. It fits nicely and is more flattering on.

I would just be so stoked if I looked like that in a dress that I’d keep looking for a better color/ pattern.

The Tadashi Shoji is awesome! The design feels much more "you" and that pattern placement is super flattering. Does the scuba feel too thick/warm for a summer event?

Much more fab!

this one has me going, "yes, yes!"

I like that Janet...and I think it would be easier to layer over if needed with a wrap or jacket....which might be needed.

Really nice dress and very flattering.

I think the Tadashi Soji looks great on you, color, fit, length.

The Tadashi Soji dress is more your style. I found when I looked at the pictures of the first dress I saw dress and not you.

KILLER

LOVE the blue Tadashi Shoji. Looks better on you than on the model. A very good option. Make the blue streak in your hair more prominent in August, and you are good to go.

LOVE this one. Hang onto it!!!

That Tadashi Shoji is TO DIE FOR on you.

Oh, YES! To the tafashi one. Much better. Not just better, gorgeous.

I think that Tadashi Shoji is perfection on you. Just gorgeous. Everything you would want!

Wow, that is gorgeous! It is so you. What a good find!

YES! Looks wonderful on you.

I’m late to the party but Janet the second dress is just perfect. The first didn’t look like ‘you’. I don’t by want to put you in a box style wise but there was no edge and the pattern just seemed wrong. Second dress looks like ‘Janet’! Lovely shape great colour and modern but not trendy IMHO.

Looks good, too. You really look great in dresses.
(To be completely honest, I’m the odd one that prefers the first dress, with its moody retro flowers, cut out sleeves and v-neck).

I love it!!! The lines are clean. The color is beyond gorgeous. And I love the detailing. The fit is sublime.

I have to second LaP's question about the fabric and summer though. You may not run as hot as I do, but my first question is always how hot will it make me feel.

YAY you.

You glow more in the deeper, mostly solid color. Great dress!
It also has advantage of being more versatile— will go with different styles of toppers and footwear colors, I believe. This will be something you will keep wearing.