Am I nuts to have splurged on this?

[Peppermintcreamz]

Have loved this Self Portrait dress for a while and saw it went 25% off today. It was reduced to €390/£335. I have no formal enough occasion coming up this year for it but I’d love to save it for the next wedding or something appropriate. I’m trying to save a bit more at the moment (for nothing specific) so I can cover it if I dip in to those. There was 1 left in my size and I couldn’t resist. If it fits should I keep it? 😅

@Moveoverdarlin - it’s £300 not £3000! Hardly terrifyingly exclusive. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with formality. 😄

It will also carry a whiff of wit and irony worn by someone as young as the OP.

I think some of you just aren’t getting the references. It’s nothing like those vile MOB things people with no ongoing interest in style or fashion post on wedding wear threads …

And to say it looks like something the late Queen might have worn in the 1950s (either in fact or fiction) is surely the highest praise? The 1950s was an astonishing era for glamour and newness - but most women couldn’t afford those wonderful frocks. The Queen could, so she was able to wear some of the best examples of the era.

This dress is obviously just an affordable facsimile of those styles - but it’s well executed for the price and would be great fun to wear.

It's very Princess Anne 1974 but if you love it then that's all that matters.

No, you're not nuts. Self Portrait is ridiculously overpriced, so buying it at 25% off makes good sense.

It's classic style that is really pretty on. It won't really date. It will be perfect for any weddings over the next decade.

The only thing that might be an issue is if you gain any weight. However, and in that case, you can always sell on. SP has a decent resale price, although be prepared to get around £80-£100 for it.

Exactly this!

Obviously if you love it then it’s up to you and I hope you enjoy wearing it but it would be languishing in my wardrobe unworn and me wondering why I liked it in the first place, and I am more than old enough to be your mother (sorry). It reminds me of the 1980s (minus the shoulder pads).

As ever, am baffled by some of the comments, but at the same time, it does rather validate my belief that if the critical mass of S&B don't like something, it's a great item!

Thank you, and yes I agree, I love the Dior New Look silhouette!

If we all had the same taste the world would be a boring place! If it suits the OP that’s all we need to know.

Thank you @Netaporter, I can’t wait to see it now 😊

I'm in my sixties and I think it looks dated - maybe because I remember the '80s when Fergie and Princess Di wore things like this and looked old before their time.

That being said if you love it and it suits you you should keep it. Life is too short to pay much attention to other people's opinions.

I agree.
I'm completely baffled by the "ooh it's so dated" /"it'll date quickly" comments- particularly when S&B is usually obsessed by "timeless classics"

[I really should get back to work but this is fascinating]

I did actually have skirt suit in a very similar style back in the 80s when I was in my twenties. It was dark blue and more of a chiffon. I bought it from Wallis and absolutely loved it (for the time).

It looks more like a suit than a dress. Will you let us know what it’s like when you get it? I hope you love it.

Um, yes and what is wrong with referencing that? 1950s tailored suits were fabulous.

This kind of outfit is always going to be polarising.

I could never pull it off and am not sure about the skirt shape, but I 100 percent see the appeal and think it could look insanely elegant on the right person.

Enjoy unboxing
Enjoy trying on
And if it makes your heart sing when you try it on, you absolutely keep it.

Reminds me of Nara Aziza. I think it's very fresh if you're young and can pull it off.

If it suits you then you should absolutely keep it. It’s classic.

I wear black to everything and I still think this is beautiful.

I think it’s better to keep classic pieces like this in your wardrobe.

If you don’t have anywhere to wear it you should go to a high tea with a friend some place fancy for your birthday.

Really?
Do you dress in a very vintage style normally?

are you a Mary poppins cosplayer

that is the absolute opposite of every 26 year old I've seen (and been) attending weddings. How on earth will you dance in that in the reception? Not to mention if it's a sunny spring day you might be OK inside the church but absolutely boiling the rest of the time.

I think it's more Melania Trump.

And that's where they should stay 😆

It’s not that we don’t get it @AFrolicOfMyOwn

Its that we don’t like it 😁

People disagreeing with you doesn't mean they are wrong or ignorant of fashion

Anyone who has ever seen a dress understands that the one op has bought is based on a classic silhouette etc
But it's such an extreme style that, 26 or not, there's a point at which something goes beyond "classic" and looks like fancy dress.

Not nuts at all!! You treat yourself!v

Are you not familiar with Self Portrait, @latetothefisting? It’s a perfectly mainstream brand, very popular for wedding guest outfits or party / black tie frocks - not cos-play at all.

@Peppermintcreamz one thing I notice from your photo (what site is that?) and from the SF website is that the sleeves are far too long on the model. If they’re equally long on you, I really hope you’ll have them altered! Bracelet length would be more appropriate for the proportions and intention of the design.

listen, if you love it and you love how it looks on you both buy and WEAR it. Do not buy it just to have it waiting for the right occasion. Life is too short not to use the nice soap or the expensive dress or the best plates.

Gorgeous, I would never get away with it because I'm as awkward as a bull in a china shop but if you have the sass and confidence go for it! I always admired women who can wear this kind of outfits with ease.

But it's such an extreme style

It really isn't.