Janet, I have so avoided trying on Rockstuds!

You all have very good points (both pro and con); thanks!

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.

Yes, but in a different way... If I see something that strikes me as absolutely hilarious or awful at a store - awful, but with a certain something, a hint of
'possibility', I will try it on, for giggles. Especially if the item
says 'Lawrence Welk'. It's a compulsion, what can I say?

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. I am easily tempted, and very good at creating 'reasons' I should overspend. I don't want to blow my budget on... stuff. And however beautiful a dress or a coat or a bag is, it is stuff. I never want stuff to get in the way of pursuing activities I love, such as dance classes, or travel.

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! 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. 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. I had the BF and our other friends waiting for me.

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...

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.

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)

I'm with La Belle--I'll try things on for their comedy value.

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 .

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.

Occasionally I will, but not too often. Generally I'm focused on things I want to bring home. But I make it a general rule to always try on anything if a salesperson (or brilliant stylist) suggests it unless it absolutely will never get any love from me at all. I've been surprised plenty of times by things.

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. 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. When you try on lots of items, even ones that are well outside your normal comfort zone, you can evaluate the objective quality much better. Trying on for educational purposes...perfectly legit!

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

No, because I will buy anyway.

I'm often tempted to - but know that I will be very sad if I love it and can't take it home! So usually I just ooh and aah, then move along. It's a form of torture and/or entertainment. Just like browsing on websites that you know you can't order anything from. Eee.

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.

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.

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.

FWIW, those items are ones that I am researching for when (ahem) I win the lottery. Because it's going to happen.