YouLookFab Forum » Topic: When you just "try it on for fun"

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: When you just "try it on for fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:13:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenni NZ on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840358 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:25:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 1840358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I honestly think Joy's comment was self-deprecating as I said before and was genuinely about herself. "Don't ask me how I know", she said, and I was highly amused! I know what she means about being attracted by design details and then kind of looking for them again if the first thing was too expensive. And should you do that too much, then you might really end up spending more than if you had bought the first item. It is possible. Remember Joy's amusing comment about looking at her gold bra and undies in a new light for the eclipse challenge? So funny! I love laughing on this forum. Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840352 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:10:21 +0000 Jenn 1840352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hubby's Christmas party last year was in a jazz club. The year before it was in a swanky hotel bar and restaurant. I am always hot at those events, so sleeveless is usually the way to go.  (I keep trying to get rid of this jeans Find and it won't let me undo it! The jeans have nothing to do with the post.) Stagiaire Fash on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840351 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 03:01:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, after the great blouse debacle, I realized people were thinking of wearing them very differently than me. No more isolated items posts for me (except maybe jackets). Thanks Shevia! I guess I'm trying to "have it all". I've gotten lots of great thoughts here about how to improve my style and wardrobe, but I really have to stretch my dollar. I doubt most people realize what they're saying about what I wear when they tell me low price = low quality & poor fit. And I agree with you entirely that we should get back to that dress that Jenn looks so fab in! Here in Florida it would be a 3 or 4 season dress, but I'm surprised at the thought of wearing for  Christmas party in Colorado. Jaime on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840344 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 02:47:52 +0000 Jaime 1840344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn regarding the dress, I find that if I have a dress I love I wear it for every occasion - only you know if this is that dress. As for the other issue fashiontern raises, and I haven't been around as much so do not remember the threads in question, I do think the women on this forum are typically very kind and try to relate to the constraints posters describe. But this is a fashion forum, and obviously there are lots of women here that prioritize fashion as a interest and so do tend to suggest spending for better rather than spending less for the sake of other interests.  Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840333 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 02:14:06 +0000 Jenn 1840333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ fashiontern, I think you might be reading some of these comments too defensively. For example, smittie has a quite polished style and expressed some discomfort with the wear on her sandals, so that's why some people recommended she upgrade sooner rather than later. At the same time, she posted a -gorgeous- outfit a few months ago, consisting of high-end items she carefully purchased second-hand from a site that offered excellent photos for evaluating condition. That made sense for her budget and wardrobe needs and the items were GREAT purchases. Secondly, I do think most people's clothing looks better in context than in isolation, so that could explain some of the disparity between comments on your WIWs and your keep/donate posts. Personally, I think most of your WIWs have shown a woman enjoying life, while dressed appropriately for the circumstances she's in, which is what most other people see too. You'll get more criticism in something like an "outfit lab," where you're trying to think critically to make an outfit the best it can be...or if you express dissatisfaction, in which case people will try to help you get to a happier place. Stagiaire Fash on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840331 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 02:08:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Isabel! I hope you are correct and I'm misreading the comment. Maybe I should just look the other way when people start those kinds of conversations. Stagiaire Fash on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840324 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 01:51:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firecracker, maybe there is a spectrum of sincerity? I seriously don't know what I would have done differently for either trip, but check out how those comments contrast with how pointed some people's comments directed to me are about how shopping the way I do can only result in a pile of low quality, ill-fitting stuff that doesn't meet your needs. (Come to think of it, if they are hiding their true feelings on the packing posts, maybe it's better, lol.) I haven't felt this kind of pushiness or superiority from you or Jen, btw. You were maybe bemused at my wanting to alter pants that are as old as my kid, but gamely gave me instructions on how to do it, which I appreciate. Jen has also been kind--she was the first individual I differentiated from all the voices on the forum. Even here, she is empathizing with where I am now and gently suggesting that may change. (And I'm not ruling it out entirely, just saying I don't think I will, given my priorities* Style would make it all sweeter, but I don't see it taking top priority anytime soon. I've gotten over the "hump" of moving here & weight loss, so can buy less now, but I predict that will be fewer clothes at the same price point, spending a smaller total, not the same amount of money for fewer items--except Germany does not have the crazy ongoing sales the US does, so then I would pay more) Raft/eclipse/birthday (not sure how much this counts, because everything was so specialized & it was mostly a birthday trip, so most messages weren't about the clothes, other than Angie commenting positively on the jacket, skirt, and T-shirt) Linen skirt and Ann Taylor shirt bought likely on sale 10-12 yrs ago (when I got Earned Income Tax Credits and had moved 4x in 6 years, so wasn't paying full price for clothes) Velvet Clarks loafers, from Clarks outlet 3-5 years ago. Jacket, Anthropologie 20 spring 2017 Swim suit, Nordstroms 50 (2 yrs ago) Board shorts, Swim Outlet 47 (gulp!) Tank top, Rack 19.50 Cardigan, Ann Taylor 2 yrs ago. I forget price, but it's currently 24 Shorts, Rack 19 The board shorts were the only thing purchased specifically for this trip. I hope to have quite a few more occasions to wear them ;) Thinking about the wedding, someone just decided to ditch her cork shoes that had the same kind of wear in front that my wedding shoes had, and pretty much everyone panned the orange shirt that's identical to the pink one I wore on the wedding weekend. (The main concern seemed to be that it was too fitted/too short. I like the way they fit). Otherwise I wore Tennies, Sperrys 50 White pants 8 yrs old. I agree that they're too short for the tunic. No clue what I paid. Tunic Soft Surroundings 13 Dress Rack 50 Shorts Target 8 Dress Forever21 20 Sash Soft Surroundings 15 Nic & Zoe cardi Rack 45 Tank sweater Saks off 5th 15 Jeans shorts I've had a long time. Someone did comment that the shorts/outfit were inappropriate for the flight, so maybe some people are speaking honestly. But there is a disparity between comments on my clothes and the comments I get about using $$ as one of several criteria in purchase decisions. Either the comments about the horrors of a wardrobe bought on sale are indirect comments on my wardrobe, or I'm doing impossibly good shopping (and I'm not going to claim to be a style-savvy shopper.) *priorities: Get a job that requires me to move overseas (& probably have less money), travel with my son during his last few years with me, get him through college, and retire financially independent ten years later. Anonymous on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840319 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 01:36:56 +0000 Anonymous 1840319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, I'm upset that you're upset! In my experience the tone of this forum is more if you don't have anything nice to say, don't, than outright fake, and positive responses to posts are genuine. I'd be very surprised if there was any intended offence, and without knowing any back story I assumed Joy's six dress reference was about herself. I agree completely that nice things can be had for less with no sacrifice. I rarely buy anything, expensive or not, at full price, and if I can't have the quality I want at the price I want to pay, not buying is fine too. Absolutely, items that lean towards high priced for me should deliver above and beyond. Aquamarine on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840316 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 01:26:40 +0000 Aquamarine 1840316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not adding anything useful here, but I wanted to chime in to say you do look gorgeous in that dress. Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840315 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 01:25:05 +0000 Jenn 1840315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn, that is incredibly helpful! Thank you! Incidentally, I'm a paper artist, and the highest quality papers I use come from Italy, too. fashiontern, I think Joy's anecdote was meant to say that if you fall in love with an item and it ticks all the boxes, it can make sense to purchase it, even at a slightly higher price point. Also, what Firecracker said.  Lynn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/3#post-1840304 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:53:45 +0000 Lynn 1840304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn-  I am a seamstress and a textile nerd! If it helps in the decision making It isn't the type of fiber (rayon vs silk) as much as the quality of the fiber.  High quality rayon viscoses from Italy or France are more costly and will wear better than inexpensive silks that are often made from shorter silk fibers and will rip more easily.   Both need to be treated gently with washing and I never dry them in a dryer. If they are stiff after drying I steam them. Sometimes I put them in the dryer on air dry for  5-10 min before I hang them up. Hope that helps.  .  Firecracker (Sharan) on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840297 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:15:26 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1840297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I may intereject here, Fashiontern, I think you can safely take comments on the forum at face value. In my experience, if someone says something nice, they mean it. There is a very wide economic spectrum represented here, in regard to overall clothing budgets and what people are willing to spend for any given item. I've found no evidence of anyone here judging others' style based on what they are presumed to have spent. So I hope you will fee free to post without fear of judgment about expenses in any way. Stagiaire Fash on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840295 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:03:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, I just posted something to you on this topic on Thistle's thread. Can you reply here or in a message, so I don't keep dominating her thread? I'll read that post from the archives. I started on YLF thinking I just wanted advice on an outfit for a wedding. I was surprised by the wisdom about finding your own style and building a wardrobe (not surprised that you all are smart--surprised that that kind of knowledge is even a thing), so I've stuck around to learn more. I don't know if I'll change my mind on this or not. Where I am right now (as evidenced by Thistle's thread) is feeling that a lot of people refuse to believe that price can be added onto other criteria. There is a diversity of opinion, of course, but I can't count how many times people have responded in various threads as though there were a limited number of things you can consider in a purchase decision, so if you add in price, you must throw out other criteria. That just doesn't make sense to me. Joy's attempt at a caricature is a perfect example of refusing to believe that you can find something good for a low price and then spend the other money on something other than clothing. I think she intended it as a stinging rebuke to something I'd just said in another thread, but instead it was just irritating that she refuses to see what I'm saying. I wouldn't buy six cheap dresses that would fall apart instead of this one. I'd buy nothing, unless I happened to find a good quality dress that fit me well for the price I was willing to pay. (I probably didn't need to explain that to you. Sorry). Your comment that you want to see if the price on this dress drops makes perfect sense to me, but is the kind of thing I feel people on here warning me against. I think people don't want to be harsh, but I wonder what everyone who said nice things about my eclipse/rafting packing post or my wedding packing would say if they were being honest. Can you really see how much I paid for those things/do they look like the kind of cheapness and careless decision-making people insist come with low prices? What would/could I have gotten differently if I'd been willing to pay more? Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840286 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 23:44:25 +0000 Jenn 1840286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, funny you should say that, because I would have said the same thing two years ago. My perspective has changed, and I think it started with this discussion: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nothing-under-150" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-under-150</a> We all have our price breaking points, though. Mine has just crept up a bit as I buy fewer items each year. Stagiaire Fash on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840279 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 23:04:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Just quit with the angst and buy or don't buy the dress, already" and I'm feeling a little like that too. It's just a dress! Not me. I appreciate hearing everyone's thought process. For me, that price would end it. Maybe it would come back to me (ie, I'd come across it later at a lower price) or maybe not. Maybe I'd come across something equally stunning in my price range, or maybe not. Maybe I'd get tickets to a show and scramble in my closet for something to wear, but that price is more than I'd do for a dress. So it's interesting to hear other ways people think about it. But it is absolutely stunning on you. I don't know how much you worry about "repeating outfits", but it sounds like the people at the places you're thinking of wearing it would be different each time, so that's a plus. Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840266 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 22:04:35 +0000 Jenn 1840266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Normally, I would agree with you, Ryce! However, based on the care instructions and feel of the fabric, this is not viscose rayon, but a higher-end product that should retain its strength while wet, at least that's my understanding based on my rayon research over the past few months. I wouldn't take the risk if I hadn't seen/felt it in-store. I am leaning towards ordering, but only if it drops below a certain price I'm comfortable paying. Anonymous on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840261 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 21:54:46 +0000 Anonymous 1840261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ryce raises some very important points.   Anonymous on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840234 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 18:50:34 +0000 Anonymous 1840234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's a gorgeous dress and so very YOU! But, being painfully honest, I would never pay a premium price for a rayon item with the expectation that I would wear it a lot.  The potential for it to fade and/or lose its shape after a few wearings is just too high.  I might make an exception from a manufacturer like Eileen Fisher with a reputation for extremely high quality.  In my experience, Sundance is not particularly discriminating in that regard. Sorry to be a downer - my opinion is obviously a minority one! Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840218 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 18:22:45 +0000 Jenn 1840218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, L'Abeille, you are clever! The fabric is substantial enough, I would consider wearing it to the husband's company Christmas party, blinged up with appropriate accessories. I also have some pullovers that could be used for the maxi skirt look. L'Abeille on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840213 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 18:06:24 +0000 L'Abeille 1840213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are some thoughts no one else has mentioned yet. How lightweight is that dress? I could easily see myself wearing it beyond the summer season (if it looked as good on me as this). I would wear it in fall over a black turtleneck or long-sleeved T, with boots and leather/boho accessories, and in spring over a white short-sleeved T with a bright purse or cardi or ballet flats. But especially, it would be my go-to for at-home entertaining over the festive season, topped with a jewel toned chunky sweater so it looks like a maxi skirt. I have a rayon dress I use this way. (At home I don't have to worry about the snow and slush.) The dark floral and the rayon are less seasonally limiting imho. And I have totally worn that type of dress to church in the am (with casual accessories) and kept it on all day to lounge on the sofa and read a book! Anonymous on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840203 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 16:44:43 +0000 Anonymous 1840203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having boundaries outside of desires and budget has worked fantastically well for me and my wardrobe is more high functioning and satisfying than ever.  If it meets all your other requirements but not the one described in your last sentence I would leave it behind without regret having decided that if I find the right version I'm getting it! Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840201 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 16:34:58 +0000 Jenn 1840201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're right, Sterling! And honestly, I'm not caught up in overanalysis on this, but I do want my purchases to be made with care, and my commitment to that is only growing as my understanding of the industry at large increases. Anonymous on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840192 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 15:51:53 +0000 Anonymous 1840192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You wrote:  "Just quit with the angst and buy or don't buy the dress, already" and I'm feeling a little like that too. It's just a dress!" I disagree.  Sometimes these are big decisions and you need to reach out to Friends for advice and counsel.  I reached out to the Forum for advice when I was agonizing over buying an Eileen Fisher Duster and Michael Kors Tote.  I got lots of really good advice.  Ultimately, I decided against the Tote thanks to the collective wisdom of the Forum.  I didn't buy the Duster either.  It was a timing thing.  I couldn't get to the mall last week to buy it and then I literally forgot about it.     You went on to write:  "This is a good opportunity for you to really think through an individual purchase, and to buy with both heart and care."  I couldn't agree with you more!!!!!!!   AND think about all the thought that went into the replies.  The Forum really wanted to help you make the best decision for you and your life style.   Jenn on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840186 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 15:17:07 +0000 Jenn 1840186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have slept on it, and I'm back at my computer where I can type out a more nuanced response. Thank you all for the feedback and food for thought! I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Just quit with the angst and buy or don't buy the dress, already" and I'm feeling a little like that too. It's just a dress! However, this is a good opportunity for me to really think through an individual purchase, and I want to buy with both heart and care. Plus, I love hearing your thoughts on occasions, styling, and eco/social impacts. :) So! Rayon vs. silk. As JenniNZ pointed out, thinking through the implications of various fibers can be paralyzing. I generally prefer natural fibers (silk, wool, organic cotton, linen) but I'm not opposed to rayon/viscose--in moderation, as I'm aware of the processing required to turn it into a usable fiber. The big thing for me with rayon is long-term durability. I'm not easily willing to pay as much for it as I am for silk. Does higher-end rayon hold up better than the stuff you find at H&M? I'd hope so. Fashiontern, you asked about quality. I have only owned one Sundance piece, but I've tried on many, and I generally find the quality to be a bit above Anthropologie on average, and definitely more consistent. They do sell floaty, boho pieces, though, so you have to be more careful with them than, say, a flannel from Duluth Trading Co. I've been thinking about occasions. Here's what I've come up with: Shakespeare Festival - one of my favorite parts of the summer DCPA events - We've occasionally gone to shows at the Denver Center for Performing Arts in the past, but we've vowed to increase our attendance in the coming year, so "dinner and a play" should become a more regular event. art openings - When I had my work in an art show last year, I had to scramble a bit to find an outfit, though I was able to construct something out of my closet. Nothing on the schedule, but this could certainly happen again. awards ceremonies - Son is a junior in HS this year, and I feel like these events start popping up for upperclassmen Denver Botanic Gardens - We do events at the Denver Botanic Gardens every now and then. I think this dress would work for a garden stroll. I also do a craft show at the Gardens in early November, where the first night is a members-only evening event. I could definitely change into a dress like this after setup. Even after moving my NAS trench coat purchase to spring/summer, I still have a slot open in my summer five. I just didn't buy many statements this season. Right now, my inclination is to wait and see if there's a discount offered this weekend, and then order and do some styling out of my closet. Janet on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840184 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 14:19:34 +0000 Janet 1840184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Late to the party, but add me to the list of enablers. This looks so great on you and really suits your style. Personally, I have such a tough time finding dresses that work for me, I tend to jump on the ones I love and wear them for years. This one is a great candidate for dressing up a bit for an occasion or dressing down with a denim or leather jacket for a casual day. Keep us posted! Lucy on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840173 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 12:15:15 +0000 Lucy 1840173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's beautiful on you! So perfect.  To me, this is the kind of dress that won't date very quickly. it's a little bit timeless. This is something to consider with the 30 wears. I'd say wear it 10 times this summer, then 5 times a summer over the next four years, and you have hit the 30.  I agree that it will go well with casual jackets too - I like the idea of both the leather and a cute denim jacket. I've also seen a lot of wrap cardigans lately, and they might be fun, too, for a change, and to extend the season.  #Team enablers  Style Fan on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840165 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 11:43:55 +0000 Style Fan 1840165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous dress Jenn and I would love to see it with cowboy boots.  I could see wearing it with a denim jacket, leather jacket and by itself.  Love the detail on the straps. If you buy it the events will come.  skylurker on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840140 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 06:44:59 +0000 skylurker 1840140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I was expecting a red-carpet-only dress, but it looks like a casual Summer dress to me, to be worn simply with flat sandals. Looks great on you, but would need hemming and there's no way of knowing how it will end looking after hemming. Fabric might be a problem too : looks like a warm Summer dress to me (bare arms and chest) so silk doesn't sound so good ("rayon" can cover so many different fabrics, it's hard to tell if it's a good or bad thing). Gigi on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840118 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 05:10:47 +0000 Gigi 1840118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yeah, trying on things just for fun. That's why there is a $300 pair of booties sitting in my closet right now! I like smittie's suggestion of wearing the dress with a denim jacket to dress it down and make it appropriate for more venues.  One thing I consider when thinking about buying a special-occasion item is how hard it is for me to find something that fits well, that I like, and that is truly flattering. If it is difficult for you to find truly dressy items that check all your personal flattery boxes, then I would seriously consider keeping this dress to have on hand for a nice event. I know that in my case, even if I had a few months' notice for a special event, I might end up settling for something that is less than fab, simply because I have difficulty with proper fit in dresses and am very picky about what styles I like. I recently was in a similar situation. I ordered the WHBM dress below, and when I tried it on, it looked gorgeous. It had so many elements that I liked stylistically, I loved the colors (which are not well represented in my closet), I loved the pattern (I have only one other floral item), and the fit was spot-on. The only problem is that it is not going to be warm enough for the fall weather coming up, so it might be of limited usefulness, at least in the short term. But it checked so many boxes for me on what I consider to be flattering that I decided to keep it, and I ordered a denim jacket to wear with it. I will find a way to make it work! delurked on "When you just "try it on for fun"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-you-just-try-it-on-for-fun/page/2#post-1840104 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 04:00:14 +0000 delurked 1840104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn - also following up to say, if I tried on a fancy formal long gown and felt amazing in it, I would still pass on it because I couldn't envision when I could realistically wear it. However, if it's something I can see working into my actual life but I don't have the occasion yet, that's when I think very hard. I love dresses and turn to them more than many. I know you enjoy your more casual dresses a lot. That dress does seem very YOU, and I can really see it with your leather jacket too. However, I also agree with sleeping on it and mulling it over to see if it still excites you. From the picture it looks like a winner, but you know best how it feels and makes you feel.