https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:21:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1084786 Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:56:21 +0000 Anonymous 1084786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since American society has become more and more casual, I honestly don't mind if someone thinks I'm overdressed. My best response is always, "Thank you." A big, broad smile to accompany the response drives the point home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1084737 Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:04:42 +0000 Aquamarine 1084737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This comment used to throw me too and make me uncomfortable. Now I just respond with a vague, "You think so?" as if I am preoccupied with something else. It usually ends the conversation right there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1084623 Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:23:50 +0000 PJ 1084623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it's me I might say: "That's all I have" and just smile </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1084589 Thu, 14 Nov 2013 05:28:49 +0000 Jeanie 1084589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think the comment is meant to be snarky. &nbsp;We live in a casual world and people just notice if you are dressier. &nbsp;I usually say "thanks, I have fun dressing up"&nbsp;and try to compliment them on something about their outfit since they may be feeling insecure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1080461 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 13:09:39 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1080461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being a Mom it's hard to think too much about dressing up on a daily basis, especially if I'm just going to the playground and the grocery store. &nbsp;After all it takes more energy than you can imagine to chase down a toddler and get him dressed let alone myself. &nbsp;So I am especially in awe of Moms on the playground that look put together. &nbsp;I have my standard workout gear on (because walking to the playground is part of my actual workout).</p> <p>There is a lady that lives next door to me, she's a lot older maybe in her 60's. &nbsp;I wouldn't call her fashionable but she is very well put together, always! &nbsp;Even out working in her garden she looks nice in her house frock with charming slippers and a cute apron. &nbsp;Her hair is always coiffed, she's always wearing jewelry and make up and when I see her walking to the grocery store she's as dressed up as I would be for church. &nbsp;It's inspiring to me.</p> <p>Once, before I felt the need to be fashionable, I gave my BFF a compliment on an her outfit. &nbsp;She said "thanks, I've been cooking up this ensemble for weeks!" and it made me realize that I needed to put a little more effort into how I look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1080440 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 12:22:04 +0000 Aleta 1080440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know exactly how you feel, I have also had that comment and others along the same lines like&nbsp;"Are you going somewhere nice?" &nbsp;The one that got me was "You always look so neat" (as in &nbsp;tidy!), not fashionable, or glamourous but neat, oh dear!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with all the ladies that say that they just smile and say "Thank you so much" and have great admiration for those that can come up with a witty answer on the spur of the moment.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1080434 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 12:06:17 +0000 Houdini 1080434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would take it in a positive light:<br />If someone came and said "You look good?" it does sound vague (good?in what way?), whereas if someone said "You're so dressed up!" it's more like "You look beautiful and I like the way you've styled your clothes!"</p> <p>Well that's how I would process it anyway :)</p> <p>Just say thank you and smile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1080317 Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:49:34 +0000 RunswithDolphins 1080317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think usually the person is reflecting more on their own life choices than on you.&nbsp; For example I am a very conscientious eater and at dinners out I hear things like "Oh you're so good" as the person saying it makes a less than healthy choice off the menu.&nbsp; A similar comment comes when they find out I run or exercise.&nbsp; Usually it just means that they think they should do it too.I try to quietly go about my business and not make a fuss about my choices.&nbsp; The way I look at it is we all have choices in life and the only choices we can make are our own.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up/page/2#post-1080176 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 21:40:00 +0000 margaretz 1080176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've heard that sometimes, too. Often I will just smile and acknowledge something that I like about their outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p>It may just be that you are a leader and a trendsetter!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1080105 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 19:25:00 +0000 Disha 1080105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get that a lot. Especially at work since everyone is dressed super casually.&nbsp; HR recently sent an email about hoodies/sweatshirts being ok at the office - that's how casual it is.<br />I try to look dressed up at work, instead of looking like I don't care. Personally, I have many reasons for this - <br />a) I have worked hard to lose weight and I enjoyed where I am and I like to show it off<br />b) I look like a little kid in jeans, and it is very easy to fall into that rut of jeans and t-shirt at work. However, if I want to be taken seriously, I have to dress the part to a certain extent or I am subconsciously bundled with the little kids from Marketing - while I am R&amp;D with a PhD who looks like a recent graduate.</p> <p>So, when I get this comment - I say thanks! I love dressing up for work. It makes me happy :). To me, that makes it more about me rather than a comment about the low standards at work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1080094 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 18:57:30 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1080094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think this is a 2 part thing. Well, I also think it depends on whether you're&nbsp;more dressed up than is normal for YOU, vs more dressed up than the average person in your area. If these are people who normally see you looking different, then I could see it being neither compliment nor snark, really, just a statement acknowledging that something has changed. Similar to the way everyone on earth apparently felt compelled to let me know that my hair was green. I knew!&nbsp;</p> <p>If it's just that you're always the dressiest person in the room, well, then it still depends on the person who said it. I hate to say it, but I do believe a lot of the times it's envy. Many people aren't sure how to dress in a flattering way and think it's semi-crazy that anyone is polished all the time. But we know otherwise, which is&nbsp;kind of why YLF exists. I often take Suz's tack and explain where I got my items, or how comfy they are, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1080087 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 18:47:35 +0000 Alexandra 1080087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get that a lot. My usual response is "what a lovely compliment, thank you!"<br /> If the person was being snarky, this lets them know that it's a personal problem and not mine. If the person was sincere, thanks are appropriate anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079953 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 14:30:04 +0000 LACeleste 1079953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh---the comments from others. &nbsp;I hear you. &nbsp;Someone once wrote about LA's "tyranny of the casual" re: dress and I totally understand after moving here from NYC/East Coast. &nbsp;I agree that we should dress the way that pleases us and a smile and a "THANK YOU!" are the best responses.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079946 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 14:12:31 +0000 Deb 1079946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good on you for caring for yourself and presenting well. Many people have such low standards of dress nowadays and many are too lazy to make an effort. When you think about it it doesn't take any longer to get dressed nicely. Just tell people you enjoy being stylish......and thank you for noticing!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079939 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:48:54 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1079939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That doesn't happen here in NYC but if it were to happen to me I'd be inclined to say "is that a compliment?" with a smile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079887 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:51:07 +0000 Lyn D. 1079887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try not to 'over-dress' most days, and find it a shame that &nbsp;my social engagements are so casual.<br />I think I am still more dressed-up than most, but that my friends are used to it.<br />One nice result is that my close friends&nbsp;make more of an effort, and sometimes ask my advice re. their outfits and shopping difficulties.<br />Take those comments as a compliment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079882 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:07:25 +0000 Lucy 1079882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This happens to me all the time! I think the commentator is often insecure about what they are wearing, and it has nothing to do with me at all.&nbsp;</p> <p>I usually laugh and say &nbsp;I am chronically overdressed .Which I am. Which I don't mind at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079856 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 06:19:43 +0000 Scarlet 1079856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nobody says that to me anymore because they are used to me now I agree a smile and a thank you is the best response. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079839 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:54:32 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1079839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother says this to me every time she sees me (I only get to see her a couple of visits a year). Half the time she follows it with, "And I look like such a slob!" I always say, "thank you, and you look great, too!" And then compliment and ask about something she has on. Her comments always make me feel bad, but I don't think that's her intent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079747 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 03:21:07 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1079747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get it a lot from mom's in jeans and tennis shoes...I just laugh and say, Yeah that's just me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079708 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:42:37 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1079708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get this all the time, too. &nbsp;&nbsp; Usually it's a compliment, and sometimes it's not. &nbsp;&nbsp; If it's meant as a genuine compliment, it's usually followed up by something else, <i>"you always dress so cute, so nicely, etc."</i></p> <p>Regardless of the intent behind the comment, I always reply with what Sona and Angie both said:&nbsp;<u> "Thanks!"</u></p> <p>I don't think any of us should let someone else's insecurity or fear, or whatever, stand in the way of one's sartorial self-expression.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let your light shine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079702 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:38:48 +0000 Suz 1079702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span><i>Where I live, if your sweatpants don't have holes in 'em, you're dressed up</p> <p></i>Now <b>that </b>is the quote of the day. Thank you, Cary!!&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>(We must live in the same city...)<br /><i><br /></i>In all seriousness, I think people usually say this out of insecurity and a feeling that they are not dressed very well themselves -- perhaps some embarrassment, even. Sometimes it's snark, but even when it is I think it arises&nbsp;from a sense of inferiority.<br /><i><br /></i>I think "thank you," Is a great response. Like Joy, I've found that once people get used to how I tend to dress they stop saying it.&nbsp;</p> <p>If it's someone I genuinely like &nbsp;-- and I suspect she's really saying <i>I want to learn to do what you do</i>&nbsp;-- I sometimes explain how my tube skirt (for example) is just as comfy as pajamas -- and have her feel the fabric. I might talk about my thought process putting the outfit together, or where I bought the items (especially if the price was great and affordable to this person).&nbsp;</p> <p>Sometimes I recommend You Look Fab! I tell them I learned everything here. :-)&nbsp;</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079692 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:27:27 +0000 Marmee 1079692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have received this comment too, since I started paying more attention to what I'm wearing, and I agree that a simple&nbsp;"thank you" works best. &nbsp;When I've tried to explain it, I feel like I've just ended up putting my foot in my mouth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079680 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:20:32 +0000 lyn* 1079680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually do the big smile and "THANK YOU" approach - I think there's a bit of snark behind all of those types of comments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079676 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:12:49 +0000 Cary 1079676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get that comment all. the. time. Where I live, if your sweatpants don't have holes in 'em, you're dressed up. I am used to women saying "orange SHOES!" or whatever. But you know, I am who I am, so I just smile and say "oh, you mean this old thing?" and do a little smug preening. It amuses me greatly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079673 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:11:27 +0000 Beth Ann 1079673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think dressing for public consumption is always about being your best self and showing consideration for others.&nbsp; While I would never wear a couture dress to the Food Pantry, I would look nice and put together if I were helping out there.&nbsp;&nbsp; If someone I knew fairly well said something like this, I might look for a genuine opportunity to give them a compliment on the color of a sweater, or a pretty necklace, just to let them know that I don't expect a certain "dress code" from the people around me.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079654 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 01:55:28 +0000 Anonymous 1079654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to get this a lot but now I think people are used to seeing me dressed up.&nbsp; I think some are concerned that they are not dressed appropriately (shorts and tank to church!)&nbsp; I usually just say "thank you".&nbsp; If it's someone I know well I might say something like, " I'm on a crusade to get women to wear dresses and skirts more often."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079646 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 01:38:51 +0000 Aida 1079646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get that comment fairly often, and always reply with a smile and a "thanks!". I don't give it much thought beyond that :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079626 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 01:15:16 +0000 Echo 1079626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure it is meant to be taken in an insulting way. While I agree that people ought to keep their mouths shut more often, sometimes people say it as a simple statement of fact. When I show up at school in a dress, people will sometimes say things like this to me. And the fact is that I AM dressed up in comparison to how many people dress at school (parents, teachers and students). But I knew that before I went, and I am usually on my way from somewhere else, so I'm not shocked to hear it. Don't overthink comments that other people say; reply with a, "Thank you!" and go about your day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-so-dressed-up#post-1079622 Sat, 09 Nov 2013 01:09:12 +0000 Angie 1079622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Sona's response. If this ever happened to me,&nbsp;I'd smile an extra big smile and say: <b>"THANK YOU"</b>.</p> <p> </p>