Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Sometimes you just need to get your favourite frock on

I'm home for a couple of days. Because I really needed to wind down with my favourite dress on. 

It's been a difficult year because of a relative of mine was in hospital for six months after disastrous surgery. He's been back home for a couple of weeks now. I did his tax return for him in September, which was very stressful, so dealing with his domestic arrangements and residual administrative stuff this month has been OK, if dull. But I've gone home for these two days as, frankly, he's able to cope now and I really need a break. More than that, I really need my favourite dress. It's all very well wearing women's trousers and shirts away from home so as to be mistaken for masculine and thereby avoiding awkward questions, but it's another to feel properly feminine, and for that a dress is the best option.

My favourite dress is nothing to excite interest. It's not glamorous, it's not fancy, it's not daring, it's not pretty, it's not eye-catching. Quite the opposite: it's just a plain, charcoal-grey, three-quarter length, soft jersey dress that I have had for nearly 30 years! Yes, I bought it in the January sales in London's Oxford Street in 1997 for just £11.50 and I have worn it and worn it and worn it. It's apparently indestructible! And it flows with me. So it's my favourite, the one I always pick when I really just need to be me. 

Phew! I needed my dress. Feeling better now.

Sue x 

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10 comments:

  1. Lynn Jones13 November 2025 at 10:13

    Ah, the healing effect of the Richmond-Jones Second Principle - being able to be as you need to be🙂

    I hope you are managing to recharge and recover after all your caring duties.

    I think the dress looks very classy and timeless - the age hasn't diminished that.

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    1. Sue Richmond13 November 2025 at 21:39

      Thanks, Lynn. Yes, there's always something healing about being dressed right, the outer look matching the inner feeling. I was glad of the break. Sue xx

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  2. Michelle13 November 2025 at 21:06

    I get this so much, Sue. I have one dress that just holds me in all the right ways, and the second it’s on I physically feel different. Calmer and more me. I’m really glad you gave yourself these two days to breathe and settle back into yourself. Now I just need more excuses to wear mine too, lol.

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    1. Sue Richmond13 November 2025 at 21:41

      Thanks for visiting and commenting, Michelle, and glad you felt affinity. I haven't seen your dress, but I like the sound of it already. Do you need an excuse to wear it? Just go for it! Sue xx

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  3. Violetta16 November 2025 at 10:44

    Dear Sue, sometimes you have to have a break. And you did so much for your friend. Times for yourself. I also have a few outfits that are my favourites, but I can´t name one that would be my absolute number one. Changes from time to time. This dress fits you very well and I understand, that it is your favourite.
    Thanks for your ever so kind visits to my blog .
    Have a good time and all the best
    Violetta

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    1. Sue Richmond16 November 2025 at 11:47

      Thanks for your sweet comment, Violetta. You have so many great outfits and I can understand that it must be difficult to choose just one. But this is always the one I go to when I need to feel most comfortable and content.

      Your blog is more beautiful every time I visit it. The autumn colours in Tyrol this month are special.

      Sue xx

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  4. Charlotte Sparkle16 November 2025 at 19:32

    Hi Sue,

    Apologies for the late reply, I’ve been caught up preparing for my upcoming bridal makeover and photoshoot, so things have been a little hectic!

    I’m really glad to hear you’ve managed to take a couple of days for yourself. It sounds like you’ve been carrying an enormous amount this year, both emotionally and practically.

    Six months in hospital is such a long time for anyone, and being the one who steps in to handle tax returns, domestic arrangements, and all the “leftover admin” can be draining in ways people don’t always see. You’ve done so much, and it makes perfect sense that you’d need a genuine break.

    Love your dress photos. There’s something very grounding about turning to a favourite dress, especially one with history, comfort, and memories stitched into it. I love how you described it: simple, reliable, unassuming, yet utterly you.

    Those are often the items that hold us together when everything else feels a bit heavy. And 30 years! That’s not just a dress anymore; it’s practically a companion, and clearly a very loyal one.

    I’m really glad you’ve given yourself these days to decompress, breathe, and reconnect with your femininity in the way that feels right for you. Sometimes the most ordinary clothing is what lets us feel most authentically ourselves.

    Wishing you a restful, gentle time at home.

    Lotte x

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    1. Sue Richmond17 November 2025 at 09:07

      Thank you for your very sweet and thoughtful comments, Lotte.

      I am so looking forward to your bridal makeover photos if you are willing to share them. That should be a wonderful occasion. Well, perhaps not quite like a real wedding but a big step in any TGirl's journey.

      Sue xx

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  5. Deeanna Williams17 November 2025 at 21:36

    That dress is simple but elegant and you look fabulous wearing it.

    Dee xxx

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