Gransnet forums

Style & beauty

Would you buy a dress you are unlikely to wear?

(120 Posts)
Greyisnotmycolour Sun 17-Dec-23 22:03:17

I saw a gorgeous dress that I really desired (my Mrs Harris goes to Paris moment🤣). It's not Dior price though), quite affordable but I can't see me being anywhere to wear it. I fear such occasions are behind me and it makes me very sad. I'm hoping on this thread there'll be others who feel like me & not telling me to stop being ridiculous, wasting money and get over the fact the fact that life has changed. I can't post a photo as I can't find it now but it has just left me longing for a lovely dress but knowing I'll never have any where to wear it.

AreWeThereYet Mon 18-Dec-23 16:53:34

Yes, life is short - so why spend your money on stuff to sit in your wardrobe when you can spend it on something you know you will be able to enjoy?

30 years ago I would have bought it. Which is why I just spent 2 years getting rid of stuff I never used or never wore. I definitely enjoyed buying them, but what a waste of money.

Lollin Mon 18-Dec-23 17:05:32

I agree life is short buy it! I was given a dress as a present that we knew I wouldn’t get an opportunity to wear but I loved everything about it. I’ve enjoyed wearing it on three unexpected occasions so far!

Spinnaker Mon 18-Dec-23 17:43:50

If I really loved the dress then I would buy it. If it makes you feel wonderful that's what counts - wear it around the house whenever you're feeling glum. You'll soon get your feel good factor back doing the dusting in something that makes you feel fabulous smile

Tenko Mon 18-Dec-23 18:10:59

I’d buy it and wear it at Christmas. Christmas is the time for special dresses .
Also you never know if a special occasion might pop up . It’s Sod’s Law that if you don’t buy it, an invitation will arrive for a wedding or special occasion.

NotTooOld Mon 18-Dec-23 22:18:23

SueDonim

Greyisnotmycolour is this the dress you were thinking of buying? You didn’t tell us it was that expensive! 😂😂

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67747824

I don't think that one looks good even on Princess Diana! What was she thinking?

Blossoming Mon 18-Dec-23 22:23:44

I love a nice frock but after decluttering I’m trying not to buy new clothes. I did buy a dress from John Lewis recently and haven’t worn it yet. I love it and it fits perfectly and wasn’t very expensive. I will be wearing it on Boxing Day for a family gathering,

SueDonim Mon 18-Dec-23 23:15:05

I agree, Nottooold. I was expecting something with a bit more zing, for that money!

M0nica Tue 19-Dec-23 16:52:56

No, never. I cannot cope with having too many clothes. I like to dress with style, but my mind can only cope with a limited amount of choice.

So my wardrobe consists only of clothes I wear frequently or have a specific purpose (my funeral dress). Once an item of clothng loses its purpose, it is off to the charity shop.

I just cannot get my head around buying something I would never wear

Barb22 Wed 20-Dec-23 11:12:33

If you like it, buy it, and wear it in the house or to go shopping in it.

albertina Wed 20-Dec-23 11:13:02

I would buy it and enjoy it.

I am in the process of assessing my wardrobe and what I see isn't making me happy. I think I am gently sliding into old lady gear.

I don't want to look like the proverbial mutton dressed up as lamb. but I believe that what we choose to wear makes a big difference to our happiness and self esteem. I am going to attack the sales after Christmas and see what I can find.

All the best

GrannyGrunter Wed 20-Dec-23 11:15:25

Buy it, I am 81 years old and still buy clothes, jewellery, shoes, boots, perfume and makeup. We are a long time dead.

Mouse Wed 20-Dec-23 11:15:49

If you can afford it buy it ! I bought a beautiful pair of shoes with a heel ( not massively high), when I can only wear flats due to mobility issues. I have no regrets. I wear them occasionally in the house and they make me feel good.

4allweknow Wed 20-Dec-23 11:25:32

If yoh live near some department stores dress up to visit, you'd be surprised at the service you get. Go for a lunch there or some hotel. Afternoon teas are great chance to dress up. How about a theatre trip, doesn't have to be high end like Hamilton. If you have a local theatre go for a light meal before or after but dress up. Treat yourself, you're worth it.

ClaraB Wed 20-Dec-23 11:25:58

Buy it if you can afford it. I’ve just bought a Phase Eight dress in the sale and will wear it on Christmas Day, I have no other occasion (so far) to wear it but I have it just in case!

Snorkel Wed 20-Dec-23 11:32:28

I bought a ridiculously cheap good as new white long wedding dress from eBay. £8.50. In the summer I wear it with Dr Martens and a vintage men's denim jacket. I've never married (together for over thirty years) as I could never walk down the aisle (unless drunk and on a skateboard). I did have a secret wedding arranged for me in 1984. Chelsea Town Hall. I went absolutely tonto when I found out and put the kibosh on that nonsense.

pascal30 Wed 20-Dec-23 11:35:18

Snorkel

I bought a ridiculously cheap good as new white long wedding dress from eBay. £8.50. In the summer I wear it with Dr Martens and a vintage men's denim jacket. I've never married (together for over thirty years) as I could never walk down the aisle (unless drunk and on a skateboard). I did have a secret wedding arranged for me in 1984. Chelsea Town Hall. I went absolutely tonto when I found out and put the kibosh on that nonsense.

sounds amazing.. just the sort of outfit I see in Brighton..

hamster58 Wed 20-Dec-23 11:39:58

I know exactly how you feel. I would say if it’s not really expensive/you can afford it, go for it. You may get an unexpected opportunity to wear it but even having it will give you pleasure

Fae1 Wed 20-Dec-23 11:51:11

Your dress sounds perfect for a cruise ! Book one !

knspol Wed 20-Dec-23 11:52:26

If you can afford it then buy it and enjoy!!! I've done the
same thing myself and then a couple of years later I got an unexpected chance to wear it. Only worn once but it's not going in a charity bag.

Tusue Wed 20-Dec-23 11:59:59

I once bought a gorgeous dress that I had no special plans or need for , it arrived beautifully wrapped in tissue paper in a box (very Mrs Harris) but not Dior !, even unwrapping it gave me a thrill.
I treated myself to something flippant and wholly unnecessary because it was beautiful and trying it on made me feel lovely and for once, glamorous.I used to try it on regularly.
If you can afford it ,do it

Goingtobeagranny Wed 20-Dec-23 12:00:15

I once wore my wedding dress to do the housework because I bought it and didn’t wear it. I loved it and wanted to wear it so I just flounced around in it for a few hours. We did get married over 30 years ago but just went to the registry office and then straight back to work. Still married and I still like to bring my wedding/shoes/dress up in an argument every now and again 🤣
I’ve bought many things in the past because I loved them and knew fine well I would never wear them out…so go for it, enjoy xxx

win Wed 20-Dec-23 12:02:40

I am with Calendargirl, no I wouldn't buy a dress I would never wear. I have dresses I have only worn once or twice for weddings, and how I would love to wear them more.

Susiewakie Wed 20-Dec-23 12:09:34

Go for it ! An occasion will occurr and you'll be ready .I have 2 lovely dresses awaiting my next outing either racing ( ladies day) or a dressed up girls day out .Or another family wedding .If you want it life is too short to miss out x

FranA Wed 20-Dec-23 12:16:18

Have a few friends round for a dress up garden party when the weather improves.

Corkie91 Wed 20-Dec-23 12:29:43

No point what so ever buying anything you'd never wear