Do others on here loving dressing up?

[friendlyflicka]

As I am writing this I suddenly have a vision of my youngest daughter, as a toddler, always in princess dress and wellington boots...but probably a similar mindset:

I always think about what I am wearing, I love getting ready for things, I love putting on makeup. I always have. Even in lockdown I bothered because it is something that gives me immense pleasure.

When people on here suggest that an outfit is 'overdressed' it makes me feel sad.. I love looking online for beautiful second hand expensive clothes. I enjoy making an effort. I don't think is is for anyone else. I am 56 and I admire women of all ages who look as if they have put thought and effort into their appearance.

I don't advocate that everybody should do the same at all. And I appreciate that for lots of people, this is not a priority at all. I do spend time on a lot of other pursuits that might be considered less superficial. But even when I am properly ancient, I can't imagine that I will change.

I can remember when my grandmother, was on a stretcher in hospital, after a heart attack (she lived another 20 years) and she whispered to me 'are my eyebrows still on, darling?'. It could be genetic.

I just wondered if there are others on here who are similarly ardent.

Im not one for 'dress up' as such, def more of a tomboy/middle aged man! But I still do love planning my outfits and wear make up and perfume most days.

Thats why I cant wait for spring to finally arrive....so I can wear some nicer outfits! I feel like Ive spent the last few months looking like Kenny from South Park!!LOL

Yes! I love outfit planning- it’s the first thing I think of when any invitation comes up, and I spend ages working out the perfect outfit for the occasion and conditions. Not necessarily “dressing up”- I get just as much enjoyment out of choosing what to wear for a summer picnic concert (need to look summery and casual, comfortable and practical for sitting on the floor, but actually significantly warmer than summery sounds) as for a big party.

During lockdown I put more care into dressing for the weekly supermarket trip than I used to for going to work. Because there wasn’t anything else to leave the house for.

I really enjoy choosing and wearing clothes I like. I don't think my personal style would meet most definitions of dressed up, but there is also thought behind my clothes, even pyjamas!

It’s wonderful to read this thread.

Not so long ago dh and I were dining in an expensive Mayfair restaurant. A group of 6 women came in who as it happened were all black. They were dressed magnificently- lots of jewellery, fabulous fabrics in rich jewel colours and lots of volume. They just looked sensational. It was so lovely to sit next to them as they all seemed so joyous. The other side of us was another table of women, all wearing greige athleisure clothes. I’m sure these women were very happy with their outfits but the contrast was really striking.

Women of a certain generation were made to feel it was somehow shameful and frivolous to care about clothes. To me beautiful clothes are one of the great pleasures in life and I absolutely love the fact that you can now pick up treasures on resale platform for peanuts.

@LoobyDop Yes! As soon as I get a nice invitation all the potential outfit choices float before my eyes.

Not me but I don’t think if you really enjoy it that it’s superficial.
I just can’t be bothered, the idea of dressing up or getting glammed up fills me with dread, I hate anyone looking at me, would far rather blend into the background!!
I’m always clean and tidy and dressed for the occasion but I’ll never look like the smartest person in the room.
Rarely bother with makeup but I do absolutely love doing my skincare and I look after my skin, it’s like a nice ritual for me.

I don't get ' dressed up' as such but I love clothes and I love it when my outfit matches my vibe and it feels right and I feel good. Which , despite my intentions, doesn't happen all the time. I try to be at a consistent decent standard.

@TheLeadbetterLife I would love to see some examples of your fabulous duster jackets!

Yes OP. Although I have terrible executive function (thanks to ADHD) and don't always manage it , I love nice clothes 😍
Am heading to my first post-Covid makeup shop and have a long list contour palette, bronzer etc cannot wait to hit Sephora! Also need to fix my hair

Such a wonderful, positive, life-affirming thread!!

I also like putting outfits together, make up etc. It’s nearly always on the casual side as I barely go out anywhere that interesting! But I pay attention to what I wear everyday - at least when I leave the house - and enjoy it. It’s one of the joys of life to my mind: colours, fabrics, patterns and designs.

I think I’m probably a very late bloomer. It took a long time to come together - I’m 60 now. I just didn’t have the money, time or confidence when younger; I had hardly any clothes before I was 50. Also when younger, it was all 90s grunge too - which I liked by the way.

Even now I’m limited financially - but I have more clothes, some better quality and more interesting (to me) and make it work! My tastes have developed with my personality too I think. In fact I have more than enough clothes I think for my lifestyle and feel it’s time for me to stop and just enjoy what I have.

ps. since the OP mentioned this - I had an auntie in her 80s with the most beautiful white hair, it really was entrancing, like a fairy’s.

ps. to previous poster’s turban hat - Oooo I like that!

exactly

I shed loads of fantastic clothes that would probably be worth a lot now. that is why I have decided that if I like something, I will keep it, despite all my strong decluttering urges

Totally agree with every detail of your last paragraph

Thanks @BlossomBlossomBlossom I take courage from your turban advice. But no, a fat hourglass is the worst to dress unless you enjoy looking like something out of Carry On Matron.

Me! I love looking nice. I think it’s a shame to go through life in hoodies with a hole and ratty jeans. Makes a difference to my mental health to wear something I feel like a sparkle in.

I take pride in my appearance although I've had considerable weight gain due to crippling arthritis. I don't own anything 'fancy' and hate fancy. I have good quality clothes. I'd rather spend money on a few great quality items than a lot of cheap shite. Saying that, when I do chores etc or not leaving the house, I put on yoga pants and a perhaps past it's best top.

I used to love dressing up Christmas time but now it is just me don't see the point, plus I am usually working!

I did dress up on a cruise. A lovely long white (well maybe ecru /off white) dress. I felt good!