Anonymous wrote:I work in a small office and know my coworkers pretty well - enough to know DH and I have the highest HHI by far (though still low by DCUM standards, maybe $220k). I don't flaunt that, but I do tend to dress nicely and carry better handbags than them, for the simple fact that I'm very overweight and can't get away with cheaper fabrics and less structured accessories - I look like a fat slob! I'm not even talking super pricey - maybe a Coach or Brahmin bag and Talbots or J Jill vs. Target or LuLaRoe. I do have a pair of Louboutins I used to love wearing but had to stop, because...
...they continually comment on how pricey my clothes (and the few purses, especially) must be. Where is the happy medium here? Nothing has giant logos on it, so like I said, I'm not flaunting. Our dress code is business casual, but lots of people wearing leggings and tunics, something I just can't do. Do I really need to buy a cheap purse for work purposes? I love spending a bit more on them because handbags don't care how much I weigh.
This is a tough call OP. We all have stories, about money, backgrounds, etc. Not all of us grew up rich...but really, what you do with your money is no more their business, than what they do with their money is yours. You have learned not to care, they have not. You have received some good short and sweet shut downs to use. It is simply not their business. Where I work, I play down some of my clothing and accessories, because of the environment. There are certain things I will definitely not be wearing or using at work, both because some would be deemed too casual, but also because others would be deemed "noteworthy". This can backfire, so be careful - as can being "too anything". Do what makes you happy - you owe no one any explanations. I am telling myself this as much as I am also telling you this.
If it were me, I would answer their "compliments"/comments with a flat "okay".