My DS and friends now shop exclusively for vintage clothing, because they don’t want to look like fake rich kids. DS is working his way through DH's ancient adidas and Nike sweatshirts from the 80s and 90s.
It may just be a student thing like it was back in my day. We bought most of our clothes from charity shops and jumble sales to “look different”.
DS is very condescending about street fashion.
He does, however, love a RL quarter zip and wears my 40yr old Barber jacket. Clothes have to look battered and well worn for casual wear. They do smarten up when the occasion calls for it. DS has discovered the iron and although his T shirts may be vintage he likes them ironed.
Nike airforce are the popular footwear but they have to look like they’ve spent a weekend in a festival muddy field. Crocs are the footwear of choice for popping to Tescos.
A pair of pristine Nikes are a big giveaway apparently. No rich kid would be seen dead in them. DS cleaned his ( well gave them a quick wipe) yesterday to go out with us for a meal. If the occasion calls for it it’s the tan shoes ( last cleaned in 2021) with smart pink or blue shirt, long sleeve, with chinos and Schoffel gilet. Either rugby or young farmers uniform.
So yes you can spot fake rich a mile off. Their shoes are too clean and they go for brand new rather than vintage family hand me downs.
I disagree with personal number plates being fake rich. We have them because we buy cars outright and it stops my SIL constantly commenting on how wonderful it is to have a brand new car every 2 yrs. We also never buy new. Most people I know buy cars outright and use personal number plates for the same reason. You don’t really want to draw attention to the fact you have a brand new car since it’s more likely to get pinched.