<p>Ha ha Sally, the article says there is a $95 Missoni scrunchie; if they have a purple one I have the perfect accessory for the purple Missoni dress :-). (Joking, of course. I use elastics from the drugstore to tie my hair back!) </p>
<p>Nope, I am definitely in the former group, @pizzagirl. But I find the fashionista’s exasperating because they are so judging of those who don’t care. Wish they would all just MYOB, focus on their OWN clothes, and not make difficulties for those who think it is ridiculous if ruffles were “in” for 2007, but “out” for 2008. They were only made “in” or “out” by people who want to make money off of you to get you to buy a new dress every season or two.</p>
<p>I am such an elitist snob and have over thought this to the point that if it is “on trend” I retire it from my regular rotation for a while. Therefore, “outdated” ruffles make a desirable statement in my world view. </p>
<p>Huh. Well, glad I’m not one of those women you described. I don’t slavishly follow trends and I believe that classic and timeless is always appropriate. </p>
<p>^^ : ) : ) : )
…
Trends are fun. I used to do trends. Now I avoid them. I like to see them on others. It makes the world a very interesting place. Now I am old(er) I’m too cool for trends. : ) (however, I can probably entertain myself thinking about the meaning of trends the rest of the day)</p>
<p>Is it possible to just dress for ourselves and not for how others perceive us? To not really give a …</p>
<p>Sure. But then one wouldn’t ask “is it ok if I …?” The OP’s question indicates at least some concern with how she would be perceived. Whether that’s good or bad isn’t for me to say. </p>
<p>No, a t-shirt and shorts are not whatever-formal-level is requested for an event. An “outdated” dress (whatever that means) is. It’s still formal wear, just not the taste of those who judge by the latest runway styles.</p>
<p>^^^Of course, not–which is what I meant by “test the waters”. </p>
<p>PG–Missoni dress is great. Spend a few more bucks and buy the scrunchie if it’s available in purple. </p>
<p>intparent, you have not answered my question - why do your think your opinion is more valuable than the opinion of “fashionistas”? 
I used the example with bicycle - we value CF’s opinion in those matters since she is an expert. Form vs function has little to do with it. Or is it a veiled “some majors are useles” kind of thing? 
Like why would anyone study fashion vs engineering? </p>
<p>Again, CF is an expert on “function.” She does not claim to tell you what bike is most trendy (as far as I have seen.)</p>
<p>Function is objective. Taste is entirely subjective. Fashionista taste is only important to other fashionistas, not to everyone who dresses; bike function makes a difference to anyone who uses a bike.</p>
<p>“Form vs function has little to do with it. Or is it a veiled “some majors are useles” kind of thing?” </p>
<p>Yes! Caring about how you look is definitely sneered at in some circles, usually by people who are not all that good looking. But, I do think OP should wear the dress again if she loves it and no-one attending the wedding minds. The picture problem doesn’t make a lot sense to me a all.</p>
<p>^um, wow. </p>
<p>"But I find the fashionista’s exasperating because they are so judging of those who don’t care. Wish they would all just MYOB, focus on their OWN clothes, and not make difficulties for those who think it is ridiculous if ruffles were “in” for 2007, but “out” for 2008. "</p>
<p>If you’re someone who has just never shown a lot of interest in clothing / fashion, chances are any “fashionistas” around you already know that about you, so they aren’t going to be surprised if you show up in something that’s just meh. </p>
<p>I mean, I know which of my girlfriends I can eagerly discuss “what are you wearing to…” or “what do you think I should wear with …” and those with whom I’m not going to discuss it because I know they don’t care and that’s them and that’s perfectly fine. So I think you might be a little overstating to what extent “fashionistas” are “dissing” you. </p>
<p>I just had dinner w a good friend last night who falls into that category. Her clothing is plainer, neither in one out of style, but always appropriate, but it’s just not a priority for her. If she wore the same thing to both her kids’ weddings, I’d know - that’s how she is, she wouldn’t get a big thrill out of a new dress. Other friends - I’d hear the blow-by-blow of outfit and accessory selection, and have vicarious fun doing so. Really. It’s all good. </p>
<p>^^First of all, in reply to actingmt, caring about how you look and being up to date fashion-wise are not the same thing. As for the second part of your first sentence, there’s nothing I can say in answer to that.</p>
<p>Woooooooooow.</p>
<p>PG–I would have assumed that, too. But t his whole line of discussion came from a comment way up thread that the OP might be asking for that kind of dissing if she wears something “outdated.” Therefore I (and others) were led to think that that happens (I didn’t before.)</p>
<p>Well, you’re probably reading things into that I didn’t intend. Anyway, I’m far from the most judgey poster on this thread since I happen to think weariing the dress again and looking awesome in it is fine.</p>
<p>Garland - I interpreted this as such: the kind of person who isn’t into clothing may be less skilled, and may not be able to distinguish between “classic, timeless style that will always look good no matter what the year” and “whatever was on the rack in 2008 when she steeled herself to buy a dress, a task she hates - which unbeknownst to her, contained a feature which dated the dress.” </p>
<p>If I were the OP, I might consider asking friends who are more into this whole area and who she trusts to be honest to look at the dress and assess which category it falls into, and / or help her with ways of freshening the look with jewelry, shoes, etc. </p>
<p>If there is going to be a competition - I think I should get the prize right now for judgyest on the thread because no one else could possibly be more obsessed and “judgey” about all this.</p>
<p>I can’t even imagine a tie.</p>
<p>Going back and reading the OP, it seems her concern wasn’t that the dress wouldn’t look good, but would it to be tacky to rewear. I say, if it’s a great dress, go for it. It’s enough “distance”, different setting, etc. If it’s not a great dress, re-shop </p>