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Friend’s awful dress and my reaction

984 replies

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:28

A friend is mine is quite heavily into fashion and spends a lot on clothes. Some of her choices are quite bold and not necessarily what I would pick, but she has a good figure and is quite distinctive looking, so can generally pull off something a bit more “out there”.

However, yesterday she showed me the dress she has spent a fortune on for an event - and it’s hideous. Not “not to my taste” - objectively hideous. And my face reacted before my brain could tell it to keep quiet.

She could tell immediately that I thought it was awful and she looked really upset. She said straight out, “You hate it, don’t you?”, and while I tried to say it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea, it was too late. It was obvious I hated it. I said we all have different tastes, what suits her wouldn’t suit me and that I’ve seen things look amazing on her that I could never wear, but the rest of the evening was really awkward.

I’ve messaged this morning saying I’m sorry if I upset her and that I didn’t mean to, and that she shouldn’t let what I think affect her choice. She hasn’t replied.

How do I fix this? Do I just hope it blows over? I know I should have tried to hide my thoughts, but when she said she’d spent twice what I pay a month for my mortgage, I was expecting something amazing - I just couldn’t hide my reaction when I saw this monstrosity.

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MilkyLeonard · 04/06/2026 12:32

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Erm… it was on the second page. A month ago.

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 04/06/2026 12:29

ODFOD with mis-using the name Karen as a vile put down.

TinkersBelle · 04/06/2026 11:01

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clearlyy · 04/06/2026 10:59

Fuck me. That dress is certainly a choice. A really bad one. If she opens this thread at least she will know it’s not just you that hates it!

latetothefisting · 04/06/2026 10:20

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TinkersBelle · 04/06/2026 09:34

BMW58 · 03/06/2026 09:47

TinkersBelle

The OP has already posted a pic of the dress, which you'd have seen if you bothered reading past the first post FFS.

🙄

Well excuse me! I have chronic health issues & can’t see very well due to limited eyesight! Lucky you for being so bloody perfect!!

BMW58 · 03/06/2026 09:47

TinkersBelle

The OP has already posted a pic of the dress, which you'd have seen if you bothered reading past the first post FFS.

🙄

TinkersBelle · 03/06/2026 09:34

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:28

A friend is mine is quite heavily into fashion and spends a lot on clothes. Some of her choices are quite bold and not necessarily what I would pick, but she has a good figure and is quite distinctive looking, so can generally pull off something a bit more “out there”.

However, yesterday she showed me the dress she has spent a fortune on for an event - and it’s hideous. Not “not to my taste” - objectively hideous. And my face reacted before my brain could tell it to keep quiet.

She could tell immediately that I thought it was awful and she looked really upset. She said straight out, “You hate it, don’t you?”, and while I tried to say it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea, it was too late. It was obvious I hated it. I said we all have different tastes, what suits her wouldn’t suit me and that I’ve seen things look amazing on her that I could never wear, but the rest of the evening was really awkward.

I’ve messaged this morning saying I’m sorry if I upset her and that I didn’t mean to, and that she shouldn’t let what I think affect her choice. She hasn’t replied.

How do I fix this? Do I just hope it blows over? I know I should have tried to hide my thoughts, but when she said she’d spent twice what I pay a month for my mortgage, I was expecting something amazing - I just couldn’t hide my reaction when I saw this monstrosity.

Well firstly I want to see this dress! 🫣🥴😆 2nd.. I don’t see any issue with your reaction.. if you are good friends she needs to learn to deal with others not sharing her distinctive tastes. Would she rather you tell her a lie & say you love, it for me I’d rather the truth.. it’s her who will wear it so it shouldn’t really matter to her what others think. Don’t sweat it she’ll get over it & if she doesn’t then she’s got some learning to do.. life isn’t all sweetness & light it’s pretty bloody brutal on times! Reality check right there! 🤷‍♀️
please show us the dress 🫣🤣

Quokkas · 30/05/2026 18:53

Have you and your friend made up yet, OP? I saw this thread mentioned in the Telegraph - made me giggle!

Quokkas · 25/05/2026 12:37

Have you patched things up with your friend yet, OP?

ruethewhirl · 15/05/2026 15:46

Poppyfie1ds · 15/05/2026 11:44

Not really trying to get one over on anyone? The point was that if you’re not interested in that sort of thing then your opinion isn’t really relevant.

If an individual admits they know nothing about cars then shares their dismissive opinion about a friend’s Maserati being a bit loud with no boot space, would you expect the friend to treat this opinion seriously? It’s true but laughable because being impractical is the point. Same with designer outfits. It’s meant to stand out. And just like with an interest cars/football/birdwatching etc, sometimes only others in ‘your tribe’ will get it. That’s okay but people who don’t ‘get it’ need to realise some things simply aren’t made for them.

I bet that's what the emperor said about his new clothes.

BrieAndChilli · 15/05/2026 11:47

For me it is the combination of the elements:

  • the colour is quite a bright choice - alot of people would not choose this
  • There are a LOT of ruffles
  • Off the shoulder
  • The materials is very shiny which I think in a black may not look as OTT.
Poppyfie1ds · 15/05/2026 11:44

MilkyLeonard · 15/05/2026 10:58

I think @Poppyfie1ds thought she was getting one over on the OP. But honestly, she just demonstrated that some people will pay a fortune for tat if it has the right name attached.

It reminds me of the first episode of Absolutely Fabulous, where Edina is wearing a very unflattering designer outfit. When Patsy incredulously asks “What ARE you wearing?!”, Edina replies “Lacroix”. Patsy says, “It’s fabulous”.

Not really trying to get one over on anyone? The point was that if you’re not interested in that sort of thing then your opinion isn’t really relevant.

If an individual admits they know nothing about cars then shares their dismissive opinion about a friend’s Maserati being a bit loud with no boot space, would you expect the friend to treat this opinion seriously? It’s true but laughable because being impractical is the point. Same with designer outfits. It’s meant to stand out. And just like with an interest cars/football/birdwatching etc, sometimes only others in ‘your tribe’ will get it. That’s okay but people who don’t ‘get it’ need to realise some things simply aren’t made for them.

MilkyLeonard · 15/05/2026 11:01

I think @Poppyfie1ds thought she was getting one over on the OP. But honestly, she just demonstrated that some people will pay a fortune for tat if it has the right name attached.

It reminds me of the first episode of Absolutely Fabulous, where Edina is wearing a very unflattering designer outfit. When Patsy incredulously asks “What ARE you wearing?!”, Edina replies “Lacroix”. Patsy says, “It’s fabulous”.

MilkyLeonard · 15/05/2026 10:58

I think @Poppyfie1ds thought she was getting one over on the OP. But honestly, she just demonstrated that some people will pay a fortune for tat if it has the right name attached.

It reminds me of the first episode of Absolutely Fabulous, where Edina is wearing a very unflattering designer outfit. When Patsy incredulously asks “What ARE you wearing?!”, Edina replies “Lacroix”. Patsy says, “It’s fabulous”.

Imdunfer · 15/05/2026 08:02

Poppyfie1ds · 05/05/2026 12:01

Well this is grim. The dress is fine. Anyone who knows about fashion will know it’s a D&G number. Those who don’t know aren’t worth bothering about.

Here’s the thing though, if you know your friend wears ‘out there’ stuff and you know they spent thousands on it, why wasn’t your face ready with a big smile regardless? Like when a child presents you with something they’ve made and you know it’s gonna be sh*t, you’re still ready with the smile and the positive comments. That’s what you do for a friend.

All the defensive bite-back to various comments isn’t really helping that ‘mean girls’ image you’ve created.

Well this is grim. The dress is fine. Anyone who knows about fashion will know it’s a D&G number. Those who don’t know aren’t worth bothering about.

I hope this was irony, but just in case it wasn't.

😆😅🤣😂🤣😅😆

Tikitaka20 · 14/05/2026 22:13

U ok, @SummerFate?

Tikitaka20 · 14/05/2026 14:34

Shitshowpolitics · 12/05/2026 18:59

Your getting your kicks out of it. Pot meet kettle

What now?

Shitshowpolitics · 12/05/2026 18:59

Tikitaka20 · 02/05/2026 23:59

How have I misunderstood the sentiment? On AIBU, posters ask if they’re being unreasonable or not, and I think you have been unreasonable. You’ve used this thread to justify criticising your friend’s dress and have a good laugh at her expense, which I think is nasty.

Your getting your kicks out of it. Pot meet kettle

Shitshowpolitics · 12/05/2026 18:50

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:48

Well, it’s your fault if she finds the thread and never speaks to me again 😄 But here it is:

Yikes!

AWeeCupOfTeaAndAnIndividualFruitTrifle · 12/05/2026 16:31

you need to learn to control your face better, which is something most adults are capable of.

Normally, yes; but sometimes, if you get a massive enough shock...

m.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Y2uQn_wvc&pp=ygUIZ3V5IGdvbWE%3D

MilkyLeonard · 12/05/2026 15:21

There’s no such thing as ‘objectively hideous’.

I’d have agreed until I saw this thread 😝

Ghostorno · 12/05/2026 14:53

I’m not sure I could’ve acted my way out of this. It’s 1980s meets The Nutcracker ballet with a hint of James and the Giant Peach. I asked ChatGPT to make it less fussy

Friend’s awful dress and my reaction
NationalEspresso · 12/05/2026 14:14

Many years ago I lived between the Dolce & Gabbana head office and their outlet store - and was constantly asked for directions to there. I’m not in the slightest bit fashionable so goodness knows why they always picked on me!
My ex used to refer to them as ‘Vivace Gabinetto’ (happy toilet) and I would say that’s very apt right now.
Incidentally I went for a job there and the interview was going swimmingly right up to the point they questioned me about my childcare arrangements and whether I had any grandparents living nearby to help out, so as a brand they don’t impress me whatsoever.
The dress certainly….makes an impression!

Pinklombada · 12/05/2026 12:43

There’s no such thing as ‘objectively hideous’. Fashion is entirely a matter of subjective taste and preference.

I actually don’t hate the dress at all, I could imagine Margot Robbie looking incredible in it on the Barbie press tour for example. I would never wear it myself but I’d love the whimsy and joie de vivre of someone else doing so.

Anyway, to the AIBU - you need to learn to control your face better, which is something most adults are capable of. It doesn’t hurt to train yourself into responding warmly to the things other people love when there is no personal cost to yourself. But don’t make a mountain out of a molehill - you’ve apologised and everyone should now be able to move on quite happily. If your friend has a sulk about something as minor as you not liking her dress she’s being a bit ridiculous.