My friend is ruining my Wimbledon experience!!!

[LadyGarcia]

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?

I don't think anyone is misjudging any dress codes.

All that's happening is someone is planning the outfits they want to wear and will feel good in, and getting slated for it.

If anything, people are misjudging how to be a pleasant person - and the OP's friend is misjudging her relationship with the OP.

Do her a favour and show your true self to her OP, instead of being a 'friend'

Wear what is clean, neat, and comfortable and you'll fit right in. The only thing Wimbledon says is 'smart dress is encouraged'. And frankly, I've found that people who are head to toe designer are more often looked at askance than the people in nice (meaning clean, well fitting and no rips or scuffs) attire. As the saying goes "Manners maketh the (wo)man".

Check her bag for something orange otherwise you won’t even be noticed so wear what you like

We were lucky enough to get Centre Court tickets a few years ago. I can't remember for the life of me what I wore, but it would have been something pretty ordinary. It was a really hot day so I think comfort would have been my main concern. So almost certainly flats, possibly sandals but also possibly trainers.

Just wear what you want

Just smile and wave! Let her do her excitement and you just do yours! You don't have to compete, just have a fabulous time!

I was lucky enough to get invited to the vip area last year, dinner in the pavilion etc. it was a huge privilege and way out of my usual price range!

I worried about fitting in and what to wear as I went on my own, to meet people I’d never met before!

I bought cheap M&S nude heels I could use for work afterwards and a shirt dress from next! I didn’t feel at all out of place and couldn’t even tell you what anyone else wore! I just soaked up the atmosphere and the tennis, which was amazing.

Just ignore your friend and enjoy the experience, it’s so worth it xx

I think a lot of people are missing the fact that it isn’t that unusual to dress up for Wimbledon.

Yes, most people who go regularly and who have tickets in the ballot know about comfy footwear and having clothes that work for hot mid-day sun and a chilly evening. But there are lots there on company hospitality and tennis tourists and people who will be wining and dining as well as watching the tennis and going into the hospitality suites and smart restaurants. Lots are in high heels, wearing designer gear and have fancy handbags. One of the pleasures of Wimbledon is seeing some people look very done-up whilst you go past in your shorts and t-shirts. There are lots of men in blazers and chinos and ties, and plenty of champagne swigging etc.

It’s not ascot. There are no hats and orange fake tans and lots of make-up isn’t seen loads, but there are certainly lots of very decent upper-end high street dresses and very nice sunglasses.

Lots of people enjoy dressing up. And it’s a place you can do it if you want to. But won’t feel uncomfortable in shorts and a T-shirt and trainers either. It’s one of the joys of it.

she's not simply "planning" is she. She is making an awful fuss about it all, if she keeps messaging constantly talking about the most minute details.

Who keep texting their friends to tell them about shoes, then glasses, then outfit, then...? Even a bride would bore everybody else to death if they were going on and on. and on.

Don't you think the OP would have been fine if it had been just one, two at most, messages saying: wearing that dress with these shoes!

This. I don’t know why you think it’ll ruin your time there?

I’ve been a few times and dressed up a bit, with comfortable footwear and layers on hand. Lots of people make an effort for Wimbledon.

Bear in mind there's little shade or cover, so you'll need a hat and a rain jacket. Would probably spoil a designer outfit, but let her do what works for her, and you do you. Big sunglasses will be perfect.

You could also add “ and I’m looking forward to seeing your outfit” that’s what friends are for.

Except this would give the impression OP wants to be bombarded with more messages about friends outfit instead of excitement about the tennis. How is her friend supposed to pick up on what OP wants out of the day if OP gives her mixed messages?

Most people wear ordinary smart casual clothes to Wimbledon. Why is your friend going fashion crazy over it?

Because she wants to

but does everyone else really want to hear about it non-stop?

Depends if they are into that or not

OP isn't coming back!

Oh

Not if she says that part of the fun is being surprised by her friends' outfits on the day.

And OP can just open her mouth and tell her friend what she wants out of the day. If she can't do that then they're not really friends. I doubt the friend will be going on about her outfit on the day, will she? Because she'll be wearing it. As others have said if the friend is so annoying why did op invite her to Wimbledon and why is she friends with her?

Sure, if she doesn't just add “and I’m looking forward to seeing your outfit” but says something different, she might not get bombarded by messages about oufits before the day.. Though your approach would still give the impression that OP is interested in Wimbledon as a fashion event rather than a sporting one.

It does seem odd that this would come out of the blue if they've been friends since uni and they've been talking about going for ages. But that would be why clearer communication now would seem more advisable than mixed messages.

Crazy. My advice is, after going there a couple of times, is dress comfortably, especially in the shoe department! I wore comfy trainers last time, not designer or expensive, just comfortable. Enjoy! It's a fab day out 😊

Go and enjoy your day, let her dress up if she wants, it obviously makes her happy. Just do what makes you happy, enjoy the pimms and strawberries and cream 🙂

I’d Just say “that’s nice I’ll just pop on a random dress out of my wardrobe on the day haha” and act disinterested. I can’t remember what I wore any time I went to Wimbledon. She’ll be hobbling around with blisters and worried about her clothes etc if you want to sit on the grass for a drink or anything. You’re the sensible one just pop on a dress and some comfy shoes, remember your shades and you’ll be good to go

Why do people hate the word ‘to’ these days? You’re happy to go TO Wimbledon, TO put on a dress. Irritating and odd people are always ‘going Amsterdam’ etc. you’re going TO Amsterdam! Hey ho