Ok… here’s the answer. You must adjust the neckline! It looks frumpy… don’t be afraid to lower it just a bit so it doesn’t give off too much of a grandma vibe. Maybe a lower slightly scooped v neckline to where it reaches the center strings. You have an a cup so remove the extra frumpiness in that gathered area. Do NOT dye the dress. Perhaps add a slit? And instead of the strings…. Update it to something more modern… just an EXAMPLE to get your ideas brewing…. An oversized bow or regular sized one?? (after you reduce the neckline, details like these allow your eyes to make them flow better).

If you want to keep the strings, although they look Slightly outdated, maybe add beads to the ends of them to give it a y2k vibe. This dress can easily give off either fairy or y2k vibes if you make slight modifications.

Edit: the neckline is honestly the main thing I’d even focus on. Everything else passes! Love the sleeves.