what you wear to holiday events - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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what you wear to holiday events

always trying

Veteran

I am of the opinion that most people pay little or no attention to what others are wearing unless they are outstanding , extreme or different. Anyone up to taking a survey-ask your fellow party goers a day or so after what you wore to the party and they won't know.

I am on this board because I enjoy it. but unless you work in the fashion world, in perspective, it is a very small thing. So much more to concern oneself about besides the length of your pants, the proportions of your outfit, etc. Other women, especially older ones, seem to only compliment others on the color-like saying that is a good color on you statements. I always get loads of compliments on my red footwear, or red pants. Not much else. Not complaining. I just dress for me. My only goal to please me, feel comfortable and appropriate for the activity or occasion.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree that most people are not paying as much attention to us as we might fear. But it is fun to dress up for ourselves and to feel festive.

JAileen

Veteran

Oh boy, are you describing me? :0 I definitely notice color first. And rarely if ever comment on pant length.

I went to an event yesterday, a handbell concert at a tree lighting ceremony. It was at a rehab hospital, so many people were patients. I dressed festively, but then didn’t take off my coat, so no one saw my outfit. Several other people were dressed festively, but most weren’t. One guy apparently came directly from work, and still had paint on his face and hands. He brought his daughter to see his father who was in a wheelchair.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

This is what I keep trying to install in my very self conscious teenager.Most people don’t remember the details of outfits unless as you say they are paticularly outstanding for some reason.l find ,like you,that colour is what gets people commenting,that and novelty handbags!

Anonymous

I'm that person who notices everything about what people wear, but I think I come by it honestly But - for holiday events - I dress to please myself, not anyone else , because as you've said .....no one else cares !

Bonnie

Veteran

I notice what people wear, too, and often comment if it is a friend. I'm reluctant to approach strangers but I have gotten some compliments from random people, usually about my shoes, and I appreciate them.

slim cat

Veteran

I think some people go to the obvious - color - because they do not feel confident describing what exactly they like in the outfit, or more often some just lacking in fashion vocabulary . And I dress for myself too .

notsaf

Veteran

I've discussed this before on the forum. Giving and receiving compliments in a professional context generally makes me uncomfortable, but among friends I am all for it. I am going to endeavor to give more compliments to strangers this year, and to ask more strangers 'where they got that!'

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m one of those people who DO notice what others are wearing! I make careful choices when I get dressed for an event, and I love seeing what other people choose. It’s fun and often reveals something about the person. It’s also a great icebreaker when someone is wearing something noteworthy.

Helena

Veteran

I agree that most people are busy thinking about themselves! And those who notice generally are not doing so with unkind intentions anyway. 100% agree that colour stands out the most ... I think that's why I obsess over it so - and I definitely notice if someone is wearing a colour that is flattering on them!

Great reminder to dress for ourselves first and foremost

rachylou

Veteran

I agree most don’t care... Esp not these days. However, I come from people who do care. Not just family and friends, but work. In the old days, yeah, people commented and you’d maybe not be allowed in to dinner.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I had this feeling you describe often when my children were young. Having always loved clothes and fashion, and being a good seamstress, I always made super cute dresses for my girls to wear to church. I didn’t let them get too casual, even when they were teenagers. But I also recognized that even when I taught Sunday school, I didn’t even remember later in the day what any other child wore, unless it was a very dressy holiday outfit.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I am another person who notices. Not all the time, and it is true that I couldn’t remember the day after a party what most people wore. But if there were the occasional person who wore something particularly flattering or unusual, I might remember that.
I think I dress mainly to please myself- which also includes wearing what *I* feel is appropriate for the event, even if others are not going to be doing so. It was incredible to me the casualness of some of the clothing for our daughter’s wedding reception in Saigon- some people dressy but some way casual. Different culture of course and the Westerners there were reasonably dressy.
I was brought up that it shows respect to dress up for certain events. But I am showing my age there.

Joy

Veteran

I also feel that most people do not really notice what others are wearing. They may get a general impression of someone’s appearance: dressy, messy or casual, sleek or fussy.
Jenni, I was also brought up to dress to show respect for others, so I am also showing my age. Later in life I was taught that dressing up too much can be disrespectful, like a put down.

Runcarla

Veteran

Oh! I notice, but focus on interesting outfits, and not folks who are struggling. When I worked there were certain men and women that I would look out for, because they seemed to have fun with fashion. They could be well groomed and classically dressed, or funky and creative. I still look for certain individuals who run in my smaller circuit, and ‘people watch’ when I go abroad.

I generally try to focus on those who take pride in their dress, but I am sometimes dismayed by odd things like pyjamas at the grocery store, and extreme seasonal confusion (like shorts in winter (men, mostly) and teenagers in hoodies and sneakers at -20deg.C)

FWIW, I’ve taken up Cardiff girl’s Holiday challenge and have been doing a bit of festive every day - either a touch of ‘bling’ or red. I’ll do both bling AND red for holiday ‘events’! LOL!

Synne

Veteran

Hm.. I disagree. I believe most notice, but they may lack the fashion vocabulary to express it as a conscious thought. Only sense it as a subconscious "he looks great", or "she looks confident and competent", and so on.

Bijou

Veteran

I find people often comment on what I wear. Clothing and accessories (such as a statement bag) is often an easy ice-breaker, something that people can comment on to start a conversation.

Kathie

Veteran

I do comment on great outfits, and I always appreciate it when people notice something I’m wearing. I think commenting on color can be “safe” especially in the workplace. My red shoes get lots of comments, especially the Chelsea boots and Oxfords. That said, I rarely remember specific outfits a few days later, unless it’s a really unusual architectural cut or interesting fabric. And for the holidays, I dress for myself..I have two reasons to bring out my navy tulle skirt this month, and I’m already planning the outfits.

Style Fan

Veteran

I always notice what people are wearing. I don't pass judgment on their choice of outfits but I am interested in clothing. Mr SF also notices these things. We will often discuss an exceptionally great outfit on someone.
I have gone up to someone to say that I liked what she was wearing. She looked amazing and different in a very fashion-forward outfit. I have also had someone do the same for me.
I don't mind genuine positive comments about my choice of fashion. Now, men commenting on my body, etc. That is a big no.