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I've bought this dress but it's pricey. Should I keep it?

70 replies

sarahh96 · 05/07/2023 20:46

I've bought this dress. (Not me wearing it). Nothing really special about it but it is cotton.
The trouble is it's £80. Is that pricey for it?
It's comfy to wear (big and baggy so covers all lumps and bumps etc) but the price is grating on me.
I can't seem to find anything similar anywhere else, and believe me, I've looked.
So, send back or keep?

I've bought this dress but it's pricey. Should I keep it?
OP posts:
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Sparkleshine21 · 05/07/2023 20:46

Does seem pricey for the style. Try next and H&M for similar styles at lower prices

Howmanyroses · 05/07/2023 20:48

Have you looked on Vinted? Lots of summer dresses on there at the moment

MrsRickAstley · 05/07/2023 20:48

Too expensive for what it is IMO.

PermanentTemporary · 05/07/2023 20:50

My question would always be how you feel when you put it on. And also, whether you're in debt to buy it.

If it sits just right, the shade lights up your skin, you feel you look great in it, then keep it.

If you don't love it, or if you can't afford it, send it back.

Skinnermarink · 05/07/2023 20:55

Divide the cost by how often you’re likely to wear it. I have a cotton summer dress that was similar cost but I have worn it for 3x summers now approx 20 times in each. So £80 divided by 60 is about £1.33 a wear- so far. I think it’s worth it. But you have to be sure it’ll wash well and last!

eandz13 · 05/07/2023 20:56

I have one that looks pretty much exactly the same from Asda, it was about £16

sarahh96 · 05/07/2023 20:58

I don't feel particularly great when I wear it but then I don't feel that way about myself anyway.
I've put on quite a bit of weight round my tummy recently and everything that has a waist just accentuates that.
I'm wondering whether I'm just trying to hide inside a tent type thing.
If it was £40 I would definitely keep it but £80....definitely overpriced. DH is sick to death with me asking him. My mother liked it (surprisingly) didn't tell her the price though. I'll scour H&M for something I think

OP posts:
Peony654 · 05/07/2023 20:59

id think about it as cost per wear. If you’re going to wear it a lot it’s worth the money.

Unbridezilla · 05/07/2023 21:00

There may be cheaper versions of this elsewhere, but if it drapes beautifully, then I'd keep it. A cheaper version will probably be lighter and flimsier, there's cotton and there's cotton

I have a simple loose midi shift dress that I spent £80 because the heavier than average materials drapes wonderfully on me and is so flattering.

noglow · 05/07/2023 21:19

Clothes are more expensive these days than say 5 years ago. So for quality you have to pay more. If you think you'll wear it then keep it. Unless you are struggling with COL in which case return it.

noglow · 05/07/2023 21:19

Unbridezilla · 05/07/2023 21:00

There may be cheaper versions of this elsewhere, but if it drapes beautifully, then I'd keep it. A cheaper version will probably be lighter and flimsier, there's cotton and there's cotton

I have a simple loose midi shift dress that I spent £80 because the heavier than average materials drapes wonderfully on me and is so flattering.

I agree. Same as sometimes it's worth spending more on a plain tshirt

PermanentTemporary · 05/07/2023 21:22

Hm. In that case, I'd probably send it back, if it's just designed to hide bits you don't like.

Join the Planks every day for a month thread (I did 2 days)

Placesto · 05/07/2023 21:23

noglow · 05/07/2023 21:19

I agree. Same as sometimes it's worth spending more on a plain tshirt

What I was going to say.

MonumentalLentil · 05/07/2023 21:23

Cotton costs more these days, I can't find anything cotton or linen that I like.

I don't want to wear plastic bottles so will manage with what I have. If you don't mind what type of fabric it is I would think you can find one you are happy with.

Blacmirror · 05/07/2023 21:25

I'd keep it, sure its a lot of money but I'd personally rather have fewer better quality items than more crappy ones. It's quite versatile so you'll probably get a lot of wear out of it.

noglow · 05/07/2023 21:26

MonumentalLentil · 05/07/2023 21:23

Cotton costs more these days, I can't find anything cotton or linen that I like.

I don't want to wear plastic bottles so will manage with what I have. If you don't mind what type of fabric it is I would think you can find one you are happy with.

I think its only going to get worse :(

NorthWestThree · 05/07/2023 21:46

I love it but I have similar from New Look (a short version, I love it, was £16) and H&M (midi dress, I'm 5 ft nothing so it's maxi on me 😂 was £18)

I really like that style but it is definitely available cheaper! Send the £80 one back, buy a £20 one in two different colours, and then buy prosecco with the change 😁

sarahh96 · 05/07/2023 21:49

@NorthWestThree I wish I could find one cheaper. I'm 5'9 so I'm a bit limited. Most maxis are midaxi on me.
Loving the prosexy idea though 😁

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rookiemere · 05/07/2023 21:49

Where did you get it from ?
With the weather the way it is a lot of places seem to,be starting their summer sales early, so there is a good chance if you return it, you might able to buy it half price in a few weeks.

henrypenry · 05/07/2023 21:54

Of it's nicer heavier material it will sit a lot nicer than a cheaper item.

These style purchases (expensive, plain items) are often the items I find I end up living in & wearing to death.

sarahh96 · 05/07/2023 22:01

@rookiemere it was the My Best Friends Wardrobe. You've got a point about the sales 🤔

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ChiefWiggumsBoy · 05/07/2023 22:42

If you can afford it and you like it, keep it. You're overthinking it. Just because you're bigger than you'd like doesn't mean you don't deserve to spend money on yourself.