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Friend’s awful dress and my reaction

974 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.

OP posts:
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Sourandsweet1 · 02/05/2026 15:30

and it’s hideous. Not “not to my taste” - objectively hideous.

no, not “objectively hideous” at all.

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:31

Sourandsweet1 · 02/05/2026 15:30

and it’s hideous. Not “not to my taste” - objectively hideous.

no, not “objectively hideous” at all.

You haven’t seen it 🫣

OP posts:
newornotnew · 02/05/2026 15:33

You can't fix it, give her some space.

BinNightTonight · 02/05/2026 15:33

I want to see the dress Grin

Sourandsweet1 · 02/05/2026 15:34

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:31

You haven’t seen it 🫣

Your friend has though.

and she likes it

shesarunnershesatrackstar · 02/05/2026 15:34

Show us the dress then

Notmyreality · 02/05/2026 15:34

Show us the dress..

newornotnew · 02/05/2026 15:34

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:31

You haven’t seen it 🫣

But why did you react so strongly? It doesn't matter if you dislike someone else's clothes, you don't wear them.

Createausername1970 · 02/05/2026 15:35

She asked you what you thought. If people can't cope with honest reactions then they shouldn't ask.

You didn't say anything bad about it and were trying to be diplomatic.

I think she is the unreasonable one for getting annoyed.

PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 02/05/2026 15:35

Why do you feel the need to fix it…. It’s ok we don’t all have similar tastes

If she didn’t want an opinion she shouldn’t have shown you the dress- the fact she went straight to you must hate probably means she wasn’t the biggest fan of it either and you have confirmed that.

I wouldn’t try to fix it - if you loose a friend over an outfit where you didn’t actually say anything bad anyway - is she actually a friend?

SemperIdem · 02/05/2026 15:35

I too need to see the dress!

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:36

shesarunnershesatrackstar · 02/05/2026 15:34

Show us the dress then

I want to, but it’s very distinctive. Although to be fair friend thinks I’m mad for using Mumsnet, so she’s unlikely to see it 😁

OP posts:
SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:37

newornotnew · 02/05/2026 15:34

But why did you react so strongly? It doesn't matter if you dislike someone else's clothes, you don't wear them.

I tried not to - it was just my first reaction as it was so unexpected.

OP posts:
Sparkletastic · 02/05/2026 15:37

No dress no comment 😶

Megifer · 02/05/2026 15:38

What sort of style is it? Is it like a Toast apron type thing in brown, or proper sequin/tulle gown in highlighter pink?

Gettingbysomehow · 02/05/2026 15:39

We need to see this monstrosity urgently. Well I do anyway 😂

gamerchick · 02/05/2026 15:39

Sorry OP, we want to see the dress.

ManchesterGirl2 · 02/05/2026 15:39

Why do you need to fix anything? You weren't rude, you just didn't massively convincingly lie to her.

And it seems pretty insensitive of her to tell you that she's spending such huge sums on a dress.

faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 02/05/2026 15:39

S&B in here shows the huge variety in peoples tatse - there is no 'objectively hideous dress" just opinions. And yours is no more valid than anyone elses. Have you considered that as she is very knowledgable about clothes she may know more than you? Your confidence in your personal taste is arrogant - your view is no more 'objective' than hers is it?

SnappyQuoter · 02/05/2026 15:40

You’re not rude for disliking her dress. You are allowed different tastes. She was a bit rude for having a huff about that.
But it is always better to be tactful so you need to prepare your face from now on so it’s ready to hide the disgust no matter what!

But… we really need to see the dress because if it’s that awful, maybe no one could control their face!

Leavesandthings · 02/05/2026 15:40

People who dress extremely boldly, and in a way intended to get a reaction, should take it on the chin if someone else doesn't like it!
It's par of the course.

Mischance · 02/05/2026 15:41

Anyone mad enough to spend that sort of money on one dress would not be my friend. People are using food banks FGS!

Sourandsweet1 · 02/05/2026 15:41

Mischance · 02/05/2026 15:41

Anyone mad enough to spend that sort of money on one dress would not be my friend. People are using food banks FGS!

The op hasn’t actually said how much!

how much?!

newornotnew · 02/05/2026 15:43

SummerFate · 02/05/2026 15:37

I tried not to - it was just my first reaction as it was so unexpected.

Stop doing this then!

DreamyScroller · 02/05/2026 15:43

Mischance · 02/05/2026 15:41

Anyone mad enough to spend that sort of money on one dress would not be my friend. People are using food banks FGS!

People are using food banks FGS!

I don't see what this has to do with what anyone else chooses to spend their money on.

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