A braid that loose only really works on curly/ish hair. Straight hair it just looks messy instead of soft (says the woman with long straight hair and has tried this many times).

Yep. Very long, straight, silky hair here and 90% of the time it is in some sort of braid. With straight hair, this loose type braid only works
well if the hair is all the same length. Otherwise, all the ends start to escape and the look gets messy - fast.
What was this event, I don't know if this hair was the best choice for the event. Loose braids are casual by design and those long tendrils in the front just lend to the messy look. This braid would be great for a picnic, walk in the woods, BBQ, or garden party.

Maybe the tendrils would look better if they were shorter and wispier? I can't decide...