So, I have to admit that I'd invent opportunities to wear it. When I was 20, I started a semi-formal Christmas party tradition so that I'd have the chance to dress up and wear some of the fabulous vintage cocktail dresses I owned. Why not create opportunities too? You like to go out to the opera and ballet, right? Perfect. Or you could wear it with jeans for an evening out. Also perfect. This just seems so perfectly adaptable for you, I'm really surprised that you are hesitating. Even the price, although not bargain basement, is reasonable if you were to wear this for several years, which I could totally see.