Katerina,thank you!I hate shopping for formal wear too.If we didn’t have YLF we would have to start a support group!
Jenni NZ,you are a sweet heart,thank you.
Liesbeth,you point out exactly what happened to me .It was one to two weddings a year then suddenly nothing,now it’s funerals.One year I went to 4 in a few months.Very depressing and not a joy to dress for.Your suggestion to borrow is a good one if you have relatives that are a similar shape to you,l don’t!
Angie,you are so sweet!I thought you might like the colour!
Opaline,thank you,that’s kind.
Elizabeth P ,thank you fellow hoarder for your kind words!

You look very elegant. Keep it! You never know ... By the way, in case you want to use your red dress for less elegant occasions, it could could also be dressed down a bit by adding a medium or longer length cardigan plus low-heeled shoes or boots.

You look amazing - classic dressand current topper. I am in the same boat of never needing formalwear! UntilI do suddenly. And I’m usually too frugal to spend on something I won’t wear often.

I think you are sorted out right now, but buying classic shapes like this for rarely worn pieces seems the best way to go. Although I had to buy two outfits last fall for a cruise and NYC visit which included the opera, and I didn’t exactly follow my advice with my purchases below. I’m telling myself the jumpsuit will have longevity because it is simple and navy, but I’m not sure.

Thank you The Cat for taking the time to give your input especially when you are not feeling at your best.Hope you are back to your usual self soon.
Karen13,both those pieces look amazing!The dress is a gorgeous colour and shape and the jumpsuit looks very elegant.l think that you are right about sticking to classics for longevity.Its just finding the right ones isn't it!

Thank you so much for your kind , thoughtful words.

Keep the dress! It looks so good on you
I happily volunteer to be a formal event stand in body double- even if it means buying new dresses!

You look gorgeous. I have some occasion wear in case an event comes up. Who knows? I have room to store my pieces so why not?

That’s an interesting idea Suntiger,I wonder who we d pick to be our body doubles?
Stylefan,thank you!Yes indeed ,why not.You never know.

You’re a knock out in that dress.

This is a category I tend to hang onto too much. If I ever needed such a dress & didn’t have one, I think second-hand and retail are the best answers, but in truth I’d probably turn to fast fashion. As long as the fabric is comfortable and it looks nice, it’s fine. Doesn’t need to hold up to a hundred wears, because it’s not going to get that anyway, or even 30.

You absolutely stunning! I hope that you and DH had a beautiful evening. Did DD love your outfit ? - I am sure so

You do look really beautiful in red!

And you have an amazing figure. Gorgeous CG!

I think your approach is spot on! I tend to buy an occasion dress once every 2 or 3 years either new or thrifted. I have about 3 or 4 work related events every year, which is lovely.

I like the idea of a YLF collective event wardrobe!

Fashintern,l think that I am guilty of hanging onto occasion wear as well but it’s expensive to buy and hardly gets worn so I feel it would be wasteful to get rid of it .
Jane,thank you.You are so sweet.The DD is always very encouraging about what I wear,l am very lucky.A YLF collective wardrobe would be fun wouldn’t it!

Beautiful occasion outfit! It really is a classic which could work many years ahead-so why bothering with buying than storing new, YLF!

Fabulous and gorgeous ... I think you had a strategy without realizing it ... Keep a classic knock-out piece on hand and wear as required. YLF!

Absolutely breathtaking - after reading your write-up I was not expecting your LRD to be quite so spectacular. You definitely need to get out and wear this more often!

I love this, you look fabulous. I think you need to keep the dress for just such occasions as this. You never know when you might need it.

Lyn67,thank you and you are so right!
Torontogirl,ha,wish I could apply that strategy across my whole wardrobe!
Bijou,thank you that’s so kind,l probably do need to get out more!
Robin F,thank you,I will be keeping it.

Stunning dress - I hope you have more opportunities to wear it! I haven’t worn a formal dress for over 10 years - if an occasion comes up, I’m shopping or renting! Hopefully I’ll have some notice.

Thank you Preppy Pear,I think the world is becoming less formal so dressup opportunities are few and far between for some of us.

So how did the event go with your fab self in attendance?

I somehow missed this post but, wow, YLF! I think you did really well. The dress is elegant and timeless.
I don’t keep any occasion wear. I think if I had to go to a formal or cocktail event, I’d hire something.

Brooklyn,thank you,thats very kind of you.

The dress is beautiful, elegant and really timeless. You look like move star, so wonderful.

Gosh Mirjana,l m blushing.You are awfully kind.