How to look 'expensive' 2

[IkeaGoddess]

(old thread got to 1000 posts)

[Donge13]

Pleased a new one has been started. Really enjoying this thread

[IkeaGoddess]

Inspired by the old thread!

( not trying to look 'expensive' I'm dirt poor but I do sure like that classic/practical look)

Today I bought:

Green short jacket from H&M for £20

Pearl hairslides (so one pearl on a single slide) from Accessorise (reduced at £2 for about 6)

Red wool pencil skirt from charity shop for £3.75

Was a bit worried as I brought my loot home (trying to save money it's all within budget but felt a bit extravagant). I don't want to get into debt trying to look 'expensive' nothing cool with that!

Happy with the trying on session though!

The green jacket I wore over black leggings tucked into long brown Morlands boots and a white shirt. LOVE. Practical and all. Just hope the weather where I am (Scotland so often one needs a Proper Coat not a nice chic little jacket) allows me to use this.

Pearl hairslides work a treat.

Red wool skirt was great - this can be my suit skirt for when I need something formal.

I'm Asian so I agree that "neutrals" aimed at white people can look fairly dowdy on me (I spent my early 20's looking at minimalist blogs and I look like shit in camel!).

I also am glad I went for uber figure-flattering and flattering colours too? To my mind, a classic look can look a bit dowdy if it's not suited to one's particular form?

[Donge13]

It is all about finding colours to suit your skin tone

[sundayrose]

God, I had a panic when I saw that the other thread had closed. Am enjoying reading this one too much to let go just yet!

[Wagglebees]

Hooray for part 2!

I'm at the red wool pencil skirt. It sounds lush.

Found this blog post about 'how to make your clothes look more expensive' but most of the tips are what we were saying on the previous thread about grooming and looking more polished. I wonder if the buttons tip works?

www.careergirldaily.com/10-fashion-tips-tricks-every-girl-should-know/

[friedafilmer]

IkeaGoddess - agree with camel! I am Asian too, and cool-toned on top of that, and I look horrible in anything warm-toned and neutral except black and white (black and stark white suit me).

[TrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous]

I perused the last thread, and am nervous about writing but I'm often told I look really posh so maybe I can comment??

I have less clothes than probably anyone. I have very good quality clothes and I buy them carefully and get rid of items quickly when I see they don't work.

I break them up into where I usually go in my head (home/shops/school/work/casual dinner etc/formal occasion). And I go straight to the same outfits each time (my work and casual outings are the same). I have no concerns about being seen wearing the same thing and people are surprised when I actually tell them how few items I have (and I'm shocked when I see overflowing cupboards and the need for huge WIR).

My jewelry is all from the same designer (custom made) and I wear it all every single day regardless so this goes against some suggestions about wearing minimal jewelry.

My hair is long wavy/curly (like Halle berry's hair) and I wear it the same every single day - so again, not sleek and styled like others have suggested!

I don't wear make up unless going out at night/formal occasions but might put on some powder if I feel yuck. I think my skin's pretty good.

I have excellent teeth!

[squoosh]

Are you a Jem fan by any chance Truly? If so she's a wonderful style icon for anyone!

[looki]

Truly - I suspect you have very good posture and an air of confidence about you which coupled with a certain 'style' gives an aura of wealth?

[Wagglebees]

I don't think very styled hair looks expensive. Clean, shiny hair that looks natural is more polished looking I think. By natural I mean, it still has movement and the colour is in the natural shades spectrum. So, dare I say it, more Made in Chelsea than TOWIE. That's just how I think of it anyway.

I'm in the anti camel camp too. It looks amazing on some people but drains me. I'm very pale and cool toned. I often used to think that it was easier for people with warmer skin to look groomed but not sure why I thought that.

[TrulyTrulyTrulyOutrageous]

Ha! I rediscovered Jem the other day!!!! Nice pick up!

I'm very short but naturally thin and probably have good posture from my ballet days....

[TheDowagerCuntess]

Marking place!

[GrinAndTonic]

Double I had a look the other day. There wasn't a lot there for me. As I am not in the UK I shop got opposite seasons. Also is always hot so a cardi is all I wear in winter.
It's a pity as I look so much better in winter clothes.

[kiwimumof2boys]

OK I'm late in the game (haven't had time to read 40 pages of last thread!) but I'm a former stylist and I moved to a wealthier area five years ago (we live in the poorer part!) so I thought I'd add some of my own thoughts and tips I've picked up and used with clients over the years. Apologies if they have have been repeated from the other thread.
OK, My 3 rules I start with:

1. Your bra must fit perfectly. Get fitted professionally if you are unsure. I cannot describe how awful it is too see a too tight bra with flab poking out under a thin t shirt. Eek.
   

1. Jeans must also fit you perfectly and compliment your body shape. Get the shop assistant to help if you are unsure. There are so many different cuts/shapes now.
   

It is worth it, believe me, even if you can only afford one bra and one pair of jeans - best to have one that flatters you and looks great than 5 that make you look so-so.

1. Foundation must be exactly your skin colour. Ugh foundation tide marks are horrific. Again, ask for assistance. And, although I'd say foundation is the one thing you should spend money on, i have found a lot of reasonably priced ones which were perfect for clients (and myself) who have pale skin. I have used a mid priced Revlon one for years. And don't use too much foundation!
   

Colour: Avoid cheap prints wherever possible. Surprisingly, the wealthier women here wear a lot of colour. It is, of course as more expensive prints use better colour and are less mass produced. for the rest of us who can't afford expensive prints, I'd say if you love a cheap print but are worried about it looking 'cheap', if possible buy the garment in black and white print.
Colour combinations. I have discovered many colour combinations over the years - and some will definitely make you look 'richer.' Silk scarves (From the second hand shop!) are a great way to do this. eg I worked with someone who had an aubergine coloured top and we added a mint silk scarf and it really brightened up the outfit! little things like that. designers often use colour combinations, so maybe worth checking their websites to get some ideas. But, avoid too many primary colours - you'll look like you're wearing a football team top! but experiment. And find out which colours flatter you.
Things to spend money on Boots. Good, flattering leather boots that will last a lifetime. Buy at the end of winter - when they're on sale. Also, good leather sandals. Buy at the end of summer, again when on sale. If they're a classic shape they will still be in fashion the next year. Cheap boots tend to lose their shape early on and look awful.
Things not to spend money on Cheaper shops do great long layering singlets, and simple cardigans for summer. Op-shops are great for scarves, jewelery, dresses, cardigans (again!). Sunglasses - I never buy expensive brands as cheaper ones generally provide just as much UV protection and look just as good.
Things to avoid 'blinging' jewelrey and cheap shoes are just hideous. Looks cheap and nasty. Coloured beads, and anything from a craft stall is so much nicer. If you wear cheaper shoes, make them plain as possible.
Fake label bags are just tacky and generally shit quality. Buy a plain nice bag in a neutral color (try to avoid black). Sequins - Err on caution. Can look alright in small doses but too many look cheap and nasty. Particurlarly on black garments. Shudder. VPL - need I say more??
Obviously dyed hair - if you dye your hair, like me as you can't afford to get it done professionally, dye it to match your natural colour. (Although if having purple/blue hair is your thing, then go for it!). Cheap tatoos - are just ugly. If you made a mistake when you were younger, keep the damn thing covered!
Phew! just a few thougts turned into a novel, you may agree or disagree, but hope this helps a few of you. I may add more when i get the time.

[velourvoyageur]

Thanks for that link Waggles, the buttons tip is really good. I often reject things on buttons alone, so...
Although Zara is still going through a penchant for buttons on sleeves of thin jumpers which never looks good! IMHO. Replacing with heavier, nicer buttons would pull the fabric, whereas the cheap ones do just look cheap.
I have a plain black thick Zara sweater I wear all the time - no silly slits or buttons. Would stock up by the armful if they did those again.
Has anyone managed to make the Zara button tops look good? It might just be me....but oh the frustration when you find a perfectly nice top and then you find they've gone and slit the hem! so hit and miss re: quality, anyway.

I always think long swishing camel coats look lovely on others, but I don't think I could pull it off myself. My hair's a light brown and I'm not sure how that would work. Don't tend to wear any shade of brown actually.

not keen on the YSL camera bag she proposes in that link though....bit blingy, no? If I saw someone with that I would probably think it was a fake because it's so brand-y

[TwentyOneGuns]

I was out and about yesterday and spent a lot of time people watching, working out who looked polished/well put together and why. I don't think there is any magic formula you can follow where x plus x with y and z = 'that' look but I think the following are key:

Posture - tall or short, any size, it's about how you hold and carry yourself
Wearing things that fit really well
At least one obviously good quality item eg leather boots, decent (but not necessarily flashy) bag
Grooming - but not being overdone. Thick, well cut hair in particular
Confidence!

[Kennington]

Easy things I have picked up from chic friends
Eyebrow threading regularly
Clear nail polish slapped on weekly
Wear black a lot! Just add some blusher if you looked washed out
Black ankle boots
Highlights - hair doesn't need to be blow dried though, dried naturally can work well too

[Newyearnewme2016]

After reading the last thread, I looked in my wardrobe and everything I own is complete and utter tat .

[bigbuttons]

Hooray, more thread for me to be a saddo on.
At least I'll be a well dressed sad do!
I'm off to Bath for a few days and am hoping to find a bargain in the charity shops there!

[mrsvilliers]

I used to get told I looked 'well turned out'. I think it was a combo of posture, confidence and good clothes that fitted. Plus I wore heels all day every day. Two kids later and I haven't been told that in a while so following thread with interest to get some ideas.

Interested to hear your thoughts on back fat kiwimum I am not big (size 10 - 12) and I wear a properly fitted bra but I have awful back fat. What would you suggest? Genuine question as am being a bridesmaid in June and terrified of back fat spillage out of dress!

[Paperblank]

Placemarking. My shape has changed massively (for the better) since being pregnant and I need to rediscover my style once this baby arrives.

[Bunbaker]

The sunglasses advice annoys me. I have to wear prescription sunglasses, and as I have a small head my choice is very limited.

I have just been and checked the Facebook page comments on this thread. I see the worthy "I am a better parent because I don't give a shit about my appearance" posters are out in force. I bet they don't iron either.

What is wrong with being a good parent who spends loads of quality time with their children, and wanting to look stylish in the process?

[Sansoora]

Where is the previous thread pls.

[PeoniesforMissAnnersley]

Not sure why people have a problem with this thread... it's in the style and beauty topic fgs! I really object to being told off for caring what I look like...I'm intelligent, hold down a job, donate to charity, read books etc. but I can still care about fashion and it doesn't make me superficial.

[Donge13]

I refuse to let the fb haters de rail this thread! This thread has been lovely, no bun fights, lots of advice and it's been lovely reading all the different opinions. The you can't be a good mother if you spend more than 5 mins on your appearance can go and spread their negativity elsewhere please!