Keep or return dress - dabs eyes

[MrsChrimbo]

I bought a dress. The reviews say it can be worn in a few different ways, and they always look more fancy in the pictures. Also, it’s not a very fancy shop.

Anyway, got it home and tried it on. It fits beautifully (could do with an extra 1cm round torso but it’s fine) and it is stunning. However, it’s fancier than I expected and I’m not going anywhere I can really wear it. I’ve a few Christmas things but they’re mainly pub etc. it’s also just a Christmas dress. It’s beautiful green velvet (I bought it before Princess Kate worn hers ;) I’ve a “do” in Feb, but will green velvet work post Christmas?

Keep, or return. I fear it may just languish in my wardrobe.

I’ve found in the past that when you own a beautiful dress like that, the occasion to wear it soon presents itself.
in other words - you love it so keep it and wear it. Don’t save it for best. Enjoy it.

Keep it! I’d wear it in Feb, to the pub, hosting dinner…

It’s beautiful. I would be very happy to own that dress ❤️

I like how it looks onscreen but, for counterbalance, I've banned myself from big buys in the run up to Christmas because I've learned the hard way that things I see in late November that I think will be wearable all year round can mysteriously turn to cheap tat on 2nd January. I'm not saying this dress will be one of them but the point is, I no longer trust my own judgement at this time of year.

What I do know is, I'm not normally keen on viscose or synthetic velvet. It can photograph well (I assume because it catches the light) but in real life... sorry people but no thanks.

As for it being timeless, velvet's a funny fabric I think. When it's in fashion - and it definitely is right now - it's so tempting to see it as a classic that won't ever date. But then the cycle moves on and it's left looking a bit cheesy, until it comes around again a decade or so later. I've been on this merry-go-round a few times now and I still get sucked in.

I know you didn't ask but I think I prefer the Kemi Telford dress that @TheApocalypticiansApprentice posted upthread. I think it'll be easier to dress it up than the Boden one will be to dress down.

The other dress posted is totally different though and when I first clicked on the link I thought it was a coat!

Maybe, but I still think I prefer it, and I'd definitely wear it more.

I just think it’s a very different style to the one OP has so not comparable for this purpose

I have a sparkly dress that I wear out to dinner pretty much every time we go (except in high summer). We don't have any friends that go to the pub!

Oh no - why did I look at this thread?! It's available in my size and I love it! Damn it.

Keep it! It's not that fancy and if you love it you will wear it.

I vote keep too. Would totally wear this to a Christmas do in a pub and at home on Xmas day. Green velvet would look lovely in Feb too - it’ll still be winter so totally appropriate.

I’d change the buttons but keep the dress. I’d totally wear that to the pub for drinks with friends.

I would send it back. It's lovely but it's dry clean only and that would put me off. If it was regular in the wash I would buy it and wear it for work with boots and for going out in too

I love it and agree about the buttons. It could be dressed up or down in a Helena BC way for day time with a tweed coat and boots.

I disagree that it’s just a day dress. I’d wear that to the pub, or to a ‘do’. It’s a really nice dress.

I hate Johnnie Boden and his pro-hunting stance though, so I’d send it back for that reason alone 🤷‍♀️.

Beautiful! I would keep and alternate buttons with fancy or non fancy clip on ones . Can get on SHEIN (non mumsnetty I know)

Keep it. Green is fine anytime. And there is next Christmas as well. Can you show us the dress?
Seen it and it's lovely. I'd wear it to the pub if that was where the 'do' was.

I agree, I think the buttons are tacky and ruin the look of an otherwise beautiful dress.

I agree. It's too nice to send back. It's not too fancy. Keep it.

It's gorgeous! You could dress down with shaggy gilet and chunky boots or up by leaving as is and heeled boots.

What does dabs eyes mean?!

Wiping away tears because she didn't want to send it back but thought she might have to

Keep it! Every now and they you'll get it out for some occasion and look wonderful. It's not just a Christmas dress at all but would look nice for any slightly dressy occasion including a meal out with DH or friends. And it looks warm.

Keep it if you love it. An occasion will pop up when it will be the perfect dress.

I like it a lot , but I’d change the buttons .
If you love it , it fits you really well and you can afford it keep it