Walk Away Dress - any ideas?

I purchased this pattern recently because I'd read so much about it and I thought it looked fantastic and would be a great summer dress to whip up.

However, I've seen a number of versions complete by people generous enough to post photos of their dress and I must say they don't look as expected. I can't quite work out why.....

- is the photos unrealistic with the tiny waist?

- are the shoulders too wide?

- is the neckline too high?

- does it need a petticoat?

Any ideas anyone?