I came across this dress before Angie featured it in her collection. Here is kind of a review / decision process.

Navy is not my color, but the style and material looked just right for a casual dress for church and other places and looked like might work with sneakers.

I ordered 2 sizes; the bigger one had a longer waist that was good, but was top blousy, smaller one fit quite well overall.
I thought it was a bit long, partly for the color and fabrication but also I think my sneaker combos look better with a shorter midi - below- knee dress/ skirt.
Whereas people who can wear sandals can get a lighter look. But it could be hemmed. ( lot of circumference though).

Then, the navy. The neckline is something like a wide crew which helps lighten the look. But it’s still so not-flattering, except for being “ classic”, that I immediately move to mitigation mode. Casual faux pearls, white beads, scarves.

I was SO close to packing up just the one size & keeping the other. When I went, why???? It’s close, but just not right. If it were gray, pink/ berry, medium blue, medium teal or even a desirable print then it would be something I’d be happy to grab & go & actually likely to look more casual and sneaker- ish as well. It’s close, but not right.

I already have a Boden LS navy dress slightly similar, that I got for a funeral option ( or in happier option, a F/W wedding) but have actually never worn but am keeping for now as it’s slightly dressier, & I would wear dressier shoes . It’s not good for summer though due to the close- fitting LS and bodice.

So I have packed up both sizes for return . Perhaps they will issue it in another color someday. Or something else will turn up.

I am working on exercising my “ don’t settle “ muscles, especially when there’s no wardrobe emergency ( dresses are not essential to either my style or my lifestyle.) But, for those who like to wear navy, this could be a good option.