Where to buy quality, classy clothes for a fancy trip away? What brands to look for?

[Flingmoo]

My in-laws run a fancy-schmancy exclusive hotel in a wealthy part of Switzerland. Most guests there will be decked out in expensive designer clothes, furs in the winter, etc.

I will feel a little out-of-place when we visit as my wardrobe mostly consists of charity shop bought clothes, alongside Primark, New Look and supermarket brands. Not only that but most of it doesn't fit me now I'm breastfeeding my new baby anyway. So I need to update my wardrobe.

I've still been shopping as if I'm a broke student despite being on a fairly good income now. Any suggestions of where to buy a few key pieces of good quality, classy, more expensive-looking clothing for a trip like this without spending more than £100 on a single item such as a dress? I'm happy to eBay it, I just don't know what brands to look for!

(If it helps, I'm mid-20s, probably dress more like I'm mid 30s... I like simple, smart, classic styles. I tend towards dark colours like navy, burgundy, black.)

Hobbs ? On eBay they do a youngish range called NW3 or something and there are outlets. Very classic and good materials

Sorry that should say buy on eBay and they do a younger range called NW3, sorry

eBay is your friend - I find it's much better to buy good quality second hand items than lots of cheap stuff. I got a Jigsaw wool coat last year for £10 inc postage. Look at Jigsaw, Hobbs, Boden, Reiss etc but also get a few nice magazines and pick some nice outfits and then search for similar items - I have also picked up cashmere jumpers for a few pounds. I also stick to certain colours and classic styles - I tend to go for black, white, cream, grey and nude. Boring some might say but everything goes and I find it looks more classy. I get lots of nice comments - there's no way I could afford it all brand new!

Having your nails/eyebrows done also makes you look more polished without spending a fortune.

Enjoy!

I have just bought everything for a fancy trip away in the sale at Debenhams. Mainly Betty Jackson Black and Kaliko. Plus a bit of Primark

Generally the key to looking fancy is to look co-ordinated and possibly through in some costume jewellery. This massively covers up the fact that no individual item costs more than £30.

I'd also really recommend going with a personal shopper - either from a big department store or some do it free lance (costs, but means you can go in all the shops). They are really good at the whole co-ordinated, capsule wardrobe thing while on my own I'd just buy random things and then realise I'd spent ££££ and didn't have an outfit.

Also don't panic - 99% of the effect is looking like you are entitled to be there. And wealthy middle European style can be a bit to UK fashion eyes.

Jaeger outlet has some lovely stuff. I am trying to convince myself that I really do not need a jacket with ladybirds on it from their Boutique collection at the moment!

These are great suggestions everyone, thanks! Nelly I like the idea of getting my nails done, gives me an excuse for a bit of pampering...

Looking at Hobbs online store, love this dress although it's a more adventurous colour than I'd normally go for!

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0114-5706-3992S00&productvarid=0114-5706-3992S00-CHARTREUSE-14&refpage=outlet/highlights

That's lovely. Don't be scared of the colour as it's is the colour that makes it look luxe rather than office.

Great shape too ! What's your colouring ?

I'm super pale with medium brown hair. Not sure if the colour would suit! Weird thing is that it says "green" on the description, but from the picture I'd definitely call it yellow, or mustard...

Aaaaaaah they have it in red/orange too and at a better price :D

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0113-5706-3992L00&productvarid=0113-5706-3992L00-ORANGE%20ZEST-10&refpage=outlet/dresses

Pah, it's size 16 only, and I'm an 8. Oh well, I'd better stick to ebay anyway!