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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.

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.

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

Your dress sounds perfect for a cruise ! Book one !

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

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..

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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,

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?

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.

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

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!

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.

Norah Mon 18-Dec-23 16:40:52

I often buy clothing I don't need, not necessarily dresses as I wear the same ones -- but ski coats, how many can one skier use? Many yearly, apparently - don't ski better but I look good.

If you can afford it and love it - enjoy and find a use later.

Woollywoman Mon 18-Dec-23 16:18:19

Go for it! Life is short, as has already been said… Here’s hoping you buy it, and an occasion pops up sometime and you will be very pleased you bought it. She who hesitates…
If you had a wardrobe full of new things you don’t wear, that might be different, but it doesn’t sound like that’s the case?!

NotSpaghetti Mon 18-Dec-23 15:51:50

Greyisnotmycolour

It definitely wasn't a full ball gown, more of a cocktail dress I'd say. Fitted, lacy sleeves, midi length, I just wish I had somewhere to wear it 🤣

I would buy it and wear it to something.
Even if i had to investigate where I could wear it.

How often do we fall in love with something? Not very often I think.

Elegran Mon 18-Dec-23 15:44:49

Was it one of these? Perhaps you will find it again among them, then you'll be able to go for it!
www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=dark+green+dress+Fitted%2C+lacy+sleeves%2C+midi+length

Summerfly Mon 18-Dec-23 15:01:02

Suedonim 😱

paddyann54 Mon 18-Dec-23 15:00:24

If you love it and it wont break the bank,buy it.I wear dresses a lot ,in fact most of the time .My OH will steer me towards a dress he thinks would suit me when we go round the shops.It doesn't have to be an "occassion" to get dressed up a bit most things can be worn more casually .Enjoy its only money, and you cant take that with you when you die