Does anyone know the etiquette around wearing expensive designer labels to social functions?
I popped into a local charity shop yesterday and found what I thought was a real bargain - a nice ladies suit; not work style, more the sort that is worn to weddings, garden parties and the like.
I do occasionally have to wear that sort of thing - my DH does the paperwork for a couple of local charities, and we get invites to the charity "do's" - garden parties, receptions and so forth - we're not in the same league as the local gentry/business owners etc who are invited along but it's nice to be asked and we obviously make the effort and get dressed up appropriately. I bought the suit with those events in mind.
Having got it home and checked out the designer, I've realised that it is much more expensive that I thought. It's a Presen suit - which sell for hundreds of £ brand new; often worn by mothers of the bridge/groom etc.
So my dilemma is, should I sell the suit (it's in perfect condition, obviously only worn once) or keep it, and wear it to an event where many of the other guests might recognise the designer and judge me for wearing something "too fancy"? It fits perfectly and really suits me - but is it a social faux pas to wear that sort of thing to an event where I am not a social equal?