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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My friend is ruining my Wimbledon experience!!!

198 replies

LadyGarcia · 05/07/2023 14:07

So I managed to get tickets for Wimbledon, during the finals weekend and am going with my university friend and it's something we've been planning for a long time - to go Wimbledon.

Now I'm quite simple and I'm happy put on some makeup and a dress, head out and enjoy my day and the experience.

However since the tickets have been booked, my friend has done nothing but hammer my phone day and night about how she will be dressing up on the day from ordering Hermes Sandals to a Dior Bag to even looking for a GOLD sunglasses chain etc...

I really regret asking her now, I just want to go and enjoy my day - I love Wimbledon and it's my happy place (as in the tournament itself) so be actually be in the grounds is just a dream come true but now I feel almost like I need to dress up just as much as her and look good on the day, I don't want to burn my money and on designer sandals and a designer bag (not that I will) but I can't help care now about how ugly I'll look next to her!

AIBU?

OP posts:
rigamortiz · 05/07/2023 14:33

It sounds like she's excited and treating herself to some new bits. Why is that ruining your day? You don't have to wear designer clothes just because she is.

ManateeFair · 05/07/2023 14:33

Unless they're sitting the VIP boxes, most people will be wearing normal clothes. I was in cropped jeans, a shirt and Birkenstock sandals when I went. It's not like going to Ascot or the Henley Regatta! Most people there will just be sports fans dressed comfortably to watch the tennis.

sillysmiles · 05/07/2023 14:34

Fraaahnces · 05/07/2023 14:13

Just send her a message and say “FFS, I’m going to watch the bloody tennis, not you! If I wanted to go to a fashion parade, I would have booked Paris Fashion Week instead.”

Why would you do this? She's clearly excited about the opportunity to get dressed up. Leave her be.

Ozgirl75 · 05/07/2023 14:34

My son is there today with school (as he’s on the tennis team) and he’s wearing shorts and t shirt. I’m sure you can dress up if you want to but just wear what you like.

35965a · 05/07/2023 14:35

Just wear what you want and let her wear what she wants. You don’t need to feel bad about what you’re wearing or compare your clothes to hers.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 05/07/2023 14:36

This seems quite mean spirited to me.

She's excited - she's looking forward to dressing up and she's sharing that with you.
I don't think she's under the illusion that she'll get a standing ovation for her choice in footwear.

It's quite usual for people to share what they are wearing to an event they are excited for.

Just say 'sounds lovely' or don't respond to it.

Pinkdelight3 · 05/07/2023 14:37

I'm not into all that designer guff either so I sympathise - but equally this must have been part of what your friend was looking forward to as her Wimbledon experience, so why can't she enjoy designing her look, buying stuff and living out her own dream come true of posing in her swanky gear at Wimbledon. It doesn't have to ruin or even interfere with your experience if you don't let it. It's for her to feel happy not to make you insecure, that's your own issues to deal with and you know, as the first PP said, that designer gear doesn't make anyone pretty. Live and let live, enjoy her enjoyment and you do it your way.

BrandySlap · 05/07/2023 14:37

I don’t know anyone who gets dressed up for Wimbledon! Is she hoping to be snapped by the cameras?! Let her get on with it. I think she will be disappointed by how little it matters ;-)

Frabbits · 05/07/2023 14:38

I've been to wimbledon multiple times. As a normal member of the general public nobody cares what you wear.

I will say however that it's a long, hot day so I would definately favour comfort and practicality over anything else.

pimplebum · 05/07/2023 14:38

She is having her fun with dressing up and going somewhere fancy , she will be v disappointed that she is not sitting on pippa Middleton a lap !

expensive clothes do not make you pretty and cheap clothes do not make you ugly

I am going to a posh do this weekend every bit of my outfit is from a charity shop - maybe next time go on your own as it is your happy place

IDontLoveTheWayYouLie · 05/07/2023 14:39

Butchyrestingface · 05/07/2023 14:26

I thought this was gonna be about your friend blasting you with a non-stop, wall-to-wall running commentary throughout proceedings. Confused

She isn't "ruining" anything for you. Just let her do her and you do you.

Me to, or moaning that she doesn't want to go/be there and thinks it's shit.

RoseslnTheHospital · 05/07/2023 14:42

Why would what she wears make you look any more or less "ugly"? She will most likely look massively overdressed, which is her choice if it makes her happy. Just wear what you were going to wear and have a great day. This is only an issue if you choose to dwell on it.

Ouchee · 05/07/2023 14:42

What will excite her about the day isn't what will excite you. Don't feel the need to compare your wardrobe to hers. No one can read a designer label in a crowd.

justawee · 05/07/2023 14:43

Gymmum82 · 05/07/2023 14:09

Designer clothes don’t make you pretty

This!
Enjoy your day!

WombatChocolate · 05/07/2023 14:49

It’s one of those events where some people are VERY dressed up and others are in their shorts and a pretty basic t-shirt. It’s all fine.

Yes, for some people, especially those getting the lovely hospitality experience, dressing up is a big part of it. Lots of people plan their Wimbledon outfit. Personally I like to wear a nice summer dress and flat sandals and carry a rucksack. There is a lot of walking about, but lots seems manage it in high heels.

The fact you’re together doesn’t mean you have to dress similarly. If you didn’t plan to spend big on an outfit, don’t do it to keep up with her. And don’t flatter yourself that everyone will be looking at you and judging you. Honestly, they will be looking to whizz into their seat during the end changeover, or to beat the queues for strawberries of pimms.

Id let her enjoy dressing up if that’s what she wants. Don’t let yourself feel it badly reflects in you ir try to out her off. You can’t WL her you will be going casual and if she tries to persuade you to dress up, just politely decline, but I don’t think you need to be cross with her.

MarkWithaC · 05/07/2023 14:50

Just focus on enjoying the tennis. Wear what you'll be comfortable in; I recommend things that'll keep you cool, that you can sit comfortably in for a long time (no tight trousers) and a layer and/or light raincoat.

Just look at some of the crowd there. Everyone looks different.

I'm envious! I adore Wimbledon but stupidly booked my summer holiday for dates that mean I can only watch until tomorrow and then I'm away. Don't know what I was thinking...!

Mariposista · 05/07/2023 14:51

Gymmum82 · 05/07/2023 14:09

Designer clothes don’t make you pretty

This.
If anything she will look like a drag queen and you will look very elegant.

Erdinger · 05/07/2023 14:51

Congratulations on getting tickets ! I’m sure you will have a fantastic time . I’m not quite sure why you are getting stressed about your friends outfit though. I’d just be there for the tennis and experience.

Iamnotalemming · 05/07/2023 14:53

Blueskysunflower · 05/07/2023 14:15

I went to Wimbledon multiple times in trainers, shorts/trousers, a t shirt and a rain jacket. I did not stand out. Most people were wearing ordinary clothes, certainly outside the boxes/hospitality part. Just wear whatever is comfortable, weather appropriate (the security queue is long this year) and fits the rules about bag sizes etc. You will look perfectly nice and everyone will be looking at the tennis players and maybe spotting the odd celebrity. No one will give a monkeys about the colour of a student’s sunglasses chair or whether their sandals are from Hermes or Primark. Tell your friend to wear what she likes but you don’t need a running commentary on such trivia.

Agree with this. Ive been lucky enough to go a few times and wore / saw similar. Noone cares about where your sunglasses came from. Enjoy it and leave your friend to her outfit planning.

Gymtastic · 05/07/2023 14:54

Mariposista · 05/07/2023 14:51

This.
If anything she will look like a drag queen and you will look very elegant.

Show quote history

😱

GreyTS · 05/07/2023 14:56

My god, the judgemental posts on this!! I get where your friend is coming from tbh, whenever I'm invited somewhere my first though is what shall I wear, and I enjoy planning outfits despite my budget being more H&M than Hermes. So likely this is just her way of getting excited for the big day, so I wouldn't let it make you feel bad, I doubt she'll notice what you wear, I never do, and it's not a competition unless you make it one.

And for the delightful woman who described your friend as tottering on her new sandals, those super fashionable Hermes sandals are flat and quite perfect for the occasion

Waspie · 05/07/2023 14:56

Also, if you are walking down from Southfields station you need nice, comfy shoes as it's quiet a walk.

It's not like Ascot OP, most people in the normal seats are wearing what those upthread suggest and carrying a rucksack. If there are designer labels on any of these, nobody notices. Have a wonderful day Smile

GreyTS · 05/07/2023 14:57

@Gymtastic I know!!! None so judgemental of women as other women, fuck the patriarchy we literally throw each other under that bus

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 05/07/2023 14:57

This.
If anything she will look like a drag queen and you will look very elegant.

What a horrible thing to say.

fdgdfgdfgdfg · 05/07/2023 14:58

Sounds like you're ruining your Wimbledon experience rather than her.

Stop comparing yourself, wear what you were planning to anyway and just enjoy your day!