https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:56:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074629 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:02:33 +0000 K. Period. 1074629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, those items are ones that I am&nbsp;researching for when (ahem) I win the lottery. Because it's going to happen. ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074592 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 22:38:53 +0000 pastrygirl 1074592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, in this case, I will never, ever own anything by Herve Leger. I don't buy anything over $200 and even that is a stretch and extremely rare occurrence. This would completely be a vain experiment, just to see if I can pull off a dress like that. I can't even call it research, like trying on DVF or Theory, which are much more attainable and could potentially fit in my real world life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074503 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:21:05 +0000 unfrumped 1074503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>clearlyclaire, you remind me I may have overspoke! It is rare that I would make an effort to try on those items. I suppose if I were doing fashion "research" that still qualifies as my experimentation, as in, what do you get in a blazer for $2000? The most fun is if you could line up items in descending order and see where you think the breakpoint is for quality and cost balance. Because the brand name is so much of it--as Angie says, you can find quality at many price points, but sometimes unexpectedly and inconsistently.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074433 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:17:03 +0000 Anonymous 1074433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have but not crazy-outside-of-my-budget, except once, when I walked into a Ralph Lauren store. This was not the Kohl's diffusion Chaps stuff, or the RLR outlet mall version either. I had no idea how much their clothes cost until the SA brought me some silk blouses to try on. One of the price tags fluttered in the light as I was putting it on, and I swear it said $999.00. I almost passed out in the dressing room.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074431 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:16:24 +0000 HelenInCanada 1074431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm often tempted to - but know that I will be very sad if I love it and can't take it home! &nbsp;So usually I just ooh and aah, then move along. &nbsp;It's a form of torture and/or entertainment. &nbsp;Just like browsing on websites that you know you can't order anything from. Eee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074428 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:14:19 +0000 rachylou 1074428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, because I will buy<i> anyway</i>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074408 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:05:08 +0000 Anonymous 1074408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a Canadian, I do this constantly when I vacation in the US. Mostly just to see how the fit is, for future online purchases....and very strappy, enormous high heels when I am with my daughter, for a lark. (but not if the sales person has to go get it, only display) we usually cackle hysterically and move on </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074392 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 19:56:42 +0000 K. Period. 1074392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Occasionally I will, but not too often. &nbsp;Generally I'm focused on things I want to bring home. &nbsp;But I make it a general rule to always try on anything if a salesperson (or brilliant stylist)&nbsp;suggests it unless it absolutely will never get any love from me at all. &nbsp;I've been surprised plenty of times by things. &nbsp;</p> <p>Sometimes it is very useful to try on something well outside of your price range so that you can see what the extra $ bring you. &nbsp;Sometimes it isn't much and you get a great idea of how much puffery there is in a label. Other times, it just puts you back on your heels in awe. &nbsp;When you try on lots of items, even ones that are well outside your normal comfort zone,&nbsp;you can evaluate the objective quality much better. &nbsp;Trying on for educational purposes...perfectly legit!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074071 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:03:55 +0000 unfrumped 1074071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually wish I could do more of that since we have only one "real" dept store here. I have been trying to scope out what may be hidden boutiques, off my beaten path, for either upscale brands or unusual pieces that are not even pricey but might help keep me from looking like the AT catalog. Yes, it's potentially budget-dangerous, but it is one of the best ways for me to try different silhouettes, which might provide an aha moment, and I could try to find something similar at a lower price point . </p> <p>On the occasions where I've shopped in big city, often "duhsigner" items simply don't fit--are usually not made for pears--or have a bell or whistle too many to be versatile or last more than a season, or are an off-color for me, and that helps make it easier to walk away; also that is part of the disappointment! But trying things on can be eye-opening and style-shifting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1074032 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:07:20 +0000 froggiebecky 1074032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried on a Chanel jacket once. It was on consignment (at $700), and I wanted to know how it felt. My jeans and tee were instantly elevated. I still wish I'd bought it. (it didn't quite fit at the time)</p> <p>I'm with La Belle--I'll try things on for their comedy value.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1073971 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:02:56 +0000 cbayna 1073971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't try items way out of my price range. I feel it is a waste of my time and there is also the fear that if I really really, end up liking the item and cannot take it home, the strong sense of unfulfillment makes me want it even more. So to keep my sanity intact, I avoid it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1073955 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:24:57 +0000 pastrygirl 1073955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you married an enabler! My husband understands quality in other things like wood shop tools and furniture. Our living room/dining room is all heirloom that will last for generations, nothing I ever would've bought (or even heard of) on my own! But clothes and shoes, he doesn't understand one bit... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1073948 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:21:34 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1073948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but in a different way...&nbsp; If I see something that strikes me as absolutely hilarious or <u>awful</u> at a store - awful, but with a certain something, a hint of<br /> 'possibility', I will try it on, for giggles.&nbsp; Especially if the item<br /> says 'Lawrence Welk'.&nbsp; It's a compulsion, what can I say?</p> <p>I don't try on things outside of my price range, unless it's very close to the top end of my price range, because I know myself.&nbsp; I am easily tempted, and very good at creating 'reasons' I should overspend.&nbsp; I don't want to blow my budget on... stuff.&nbsp; And however beautiful a dress or a coat or a bag is, it is stuff.&nbsp; &nbsp; I never want stuff to get in the way of pursuing activities I love, such as dance classes, or travel.</p> <p>All of that aside, a Leger dress (or more likely a jacket + skirt) is most definitely on my wishlist, but that is far into my future, for sure!&nbsp;&nbsp; If you happen to make it into Orlando, there is a huge and wonderful outlet mall, which has a BCBG Store (Leger is part of their group), and they do have some Leger pieces.&nbsp; Because it has a more casual, outlet mall 'feeding frenzy' vibe, it would have been more comfortable to try on those high-priced pieces there - but I was actually out of time when I found the store. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I had the BF and our other friends waiting for me.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1073942 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:17:51 +0000 Janet 1073942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, it was dangerous territory. I was so sure they would be uncomfortable, and that couldn't have been further from the truth. I will wear those things when I'm 80! I have to give my husband credit for enabling. I NEVER tried on anything expensive before he and I started shopping together. I never owned a pair of shoes, even boots, that cost over $100 until I met him. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy/page/2#post-1073933 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:08:58 +0000 pastrygirl 1073933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I have so avoided trying on Rockstuds!</p> <p>You all have very good points (both pro and con); thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073919 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:55:01 +0000 Janet 1073919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never used to when I was younger, but yeah, I do now. That's how I ended up with a pair of Rockstuds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073780 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 04:40:33 +0000 Lyn D. 1073780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I do like to try on things that I would not normally wear just for fun :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073776 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 04:30:45 +0000 Marley 1073776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes - all the time - just for fun, I mean, err, for "research purposes."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073773 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 04:24:25 +0000 karymk 1073773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>smart smart smart to try on stuff you can't afford! Think of it as an education in couture! This will help you determine if the cheaper stuff is worth leaning on for knock offs, or if the real deal is worth the cost due to better construction, cut, fabrics and details. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073743 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:33:07 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1073743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually haven't, not because I object but because I'm nervous that I'll spill something on it or accidentally damage it while I'm trying it on and then I'll have to buy it! I do like to inspect things - I have no shame about pulling a hanger out and looking at how something is made or peering at the inside of the seams for a second.</p> <p>I frequently try on things in colors that don't suit me or in brands I've never tried before, just to get an idea of how brands fit so I can snap them up when I see them available on sale or secondhand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073707 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 02:39:44 +0000 JAileen 1073707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We were in Las Vegas and I had to see if the Judith Leiber polar bear evening bag worked for me - and it did! Well, except for the price ($$$$$$$). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073662 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:59:07 +0000 citygirldc 1073662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No. Why try on something you can't really afford.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073660 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:57:16 +0000 donnat 1073660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutly! How else would you know about style and fit. I love trying gorgeous expensive stuff on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073609 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:57:27 +0000 Gaylene 1073609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If the item appealed to me, why not? As for falling in love with something out of my price range, that's OK, too. I suppose if I couldn't bear not to own it, I'd have a powerful incentive to save up until I could afford it.</p> <p>This thread reminded me of the Paul Gallico novel <i>Miss 'Arris Goes to Paris </i>about a impoverished, middle-aged London charwomen who is enchanted by a Dior gown she sees in her employer's closet. She saves her money to go to Paris to purchase a Dior gown of her own, even though she has absolutely no intention of ever being able to wear such a gown in public. She is just entranced by the thought of owning something so utterly beautiful.The book is a fun read and the film adaptation, starring Angela Landsbury and Omar Sharif, isn't half bad either.</p> <p>It's a sweet, comic little story, but I've always remembered it because I think it speaks to wanting something so badly that you'd be willing to scrimp and save to own it because its loveliness feeds your spirit and soul. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073607 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:56:44 +0000 Diana 1073607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, sometimes I try things like Burberrys "for research purposes." &nbsp; You know, just in case the perfect one pops up on ebay or something.</p> <p>I actually do have a deal with myself that I can buy a Burberry&nbsp;when I reach a certain milestone in my professional life, so it's not&nbsp;<i>entirely</i> a fantasy item. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073571 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:19:04 +0000 ironkurtin 1073571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure. Just like my husband likes to go look at cars he won't be buying, either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073561 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:09:12 +0000 Aquamarine 1073561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hardly ever...I am usually in such a rush when I shop that I am determined and efficient in the dressing room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073552 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:00:54 +0000 Mo 1073552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>to your point, Sharon, I don't think I would try on something astronomically out of my price range. &nbsp;Maybe double (perhaps even triple)&nbsp;what I normally pay, but not 10 times my normal budget for instance.<br />I know sales can and do happen and maybe that triple price item will fall more in line with my budget, but the 10X one not so much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073546 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 23:57:41 +0000 Sharon 1073546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a bit scared that if I try on something I know I will never be able to afford, and it looks amazing on me that I will pine for it forevermore and it will undermine my satisfaction with the things I CAN afford. Has anyone experienced this? I'm not sure if it is even a realistic fear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-ever-try-on-something-you-know-you-will-not-buy#post-1073530 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 23:48:41 +0000 pastrygirl 1073530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am surprised (and relieved!) to see all these replies. I really thought I was going to be bombarded with how unethical my suggestion even was! I'm heading to Nordstrom this week and they have the exact dress I'd like to try. Um, I may or may not post pics. </p>