I need to pull off an effortless, expensive, casual look - help!

[MrsMcGregor]

Note, expensive but without being expensive! How do I turn a pair of skinny jeans (premium denim so a good fit) and charcoal suede high heeled boots into one of those casual outfits that looks thrown together but actually isn't. It's the top half I can't get my head around. Fancy a nice knit as I don't really do silk shirts and the like. Daywear. Who can help me please?

Thanks

Cashmere. Have you seen the Uniqlo cashmere roll neck that's in their sale section? It's reduced to £30 and it comes in wine, and some yuck colours, too. Using dm70 will also get you £10 off a £70 spend.

agree a casual yet expensive looking sweater is your mate, maybe in a pastel that suits you if you are blonde

try Mint velvet or White company

www.celticandco.co.uk/ladies/knitwear/womens-jumpers/supersoft-slouch-jumper/

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Knitwear/Jumpers/WK969/Womens-Pamela-Jumper.html

www.hush-uk.com/daywear/jumpers_cardis/winter_stars_jumper_grey_marl_beetroot.htm

Ditto, cashmere. If not a sweater then a beautiful scarf. Shiny hair, manicure (even if clear varnish), subtle makeup and a lovely piece of jewellery (unusual/noticeable more important than pricey), definitely add up to more than you think when it comes to looking 'expensive'.

How does one achieve shiny hair? I'd truly love to know the secret.

This is why I love Mumsnet ... you lot are great . I can do the shiny hair, I could manage the manicure, tick to subtle make-up, jewellry I have to work with what I have but that's okay. Nice jumper is just what I wanted you to say! I have a burgundy/claret cashmere slouchy boyfriend jumper from Pure last year. It looks nice but I think maybe a neutral colour like the first link would be better. Love that Celtic jumper but the neck is too wide .... now if you can find me something similar with a crew neck or even a polo, I'll be forever grateful!

loads on their site

conditioner and big hair machine

Have both, and expensive hair masks that the hairdresser pawns off on me. I think I just have awful hair.

Gap cashmere, reduced, great quality. Uniqlo also good but is like the Gap colours better, esp the grey which somehow always looks more expensive.

I have fine hair which gets weighed down easily but I got some No Oil hair oil by Percy&Reed from TK Maxx and it's great.

Zara also has some lovely cashmere at reasonable prices and a variety of styles.

Oh, and if you want a luxe looking nail polish, this is the 2True nail polish in Shade 8, from Superdrug that's £2. Despite my bodgy application, it's performing better than my Nails Inc nail polish.

def zara, i have a nice khaki jumper from there which is quite close fitting and looks more expensive than it is.

Okay, I need to order some jumpers tonight so they're here before end of week. Colour? Have been looking at neutrals on J Lewis ... not sure I can do cream. Have 3 caramel, toffee, beige jumpers as it is ...l thinking grey but if I'm honest it's not my best colour. Brown hair, brown eyes but pale skin. Warm colours suit best.

Nails .... lovely Belinda! But I never, ever wear nail polish so I guess a neutral would be best?

Off to check out Gap, White Co and Zara now .. Christmas shopping abandoned temporarily!

If you want a great neutral nail colour, I usually wear the Maybelline 7 day gel finish one in Rose Poudre - it's sort of pale pink meets greige.

Thanks Belinda ... I'll definitely check that one out.

Try Cashmere and Cotton website, especially the cashmere sweatshirt sweaters : worth a one off splurge ? I bought one heavily discounted at a. Christmas fair last year and have worn it so much .

Thanks all. The Zara jumper looks lovely although it looks a neater fit in the grey and slightly slouching in navy. Might order that and one from Gap to try.

There is a 20% off code for White Company on Facebook

I agree. An expensive look is all about looking groomed.

I totally agree with noelle
Re White Company and Mint Velvet.
Whenever I wear their jumpers I feel expensively put together
I like discreet diamond (fake) earings, low key silver bracelet and necklace, well applied 'minimal ' looking make up

Four cashmere jumpers ordered to try , hair cut and coloured ... getting there!

Nails .... my own or Shellac? I'm clueless. Mine are short-ish but not a nice shape and a few developed a wierd tendancy to bend during my last pregnancy!

I would do your own manicures , and save your money for lovely cashmere sweaters ....
The polishes available are so good now , eg Sally Hansen Miracle Gel.