How to achieve the middle class / posh girl look and lifestyle?

[stuckonchapterone]

Hello everyone.

I was seen, and read some threads similar to this, however I was wondering whether anyone could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated

I have long been a 'fan' of the posh / middle class fashion look e.g. long hair, joules, white stuff ect. I was wondering what staples you would suggest purchasing in order to achieve this look and lifestyle e.g. I am looking into buying a barbour coat, once I can get to the shops (currently recovering from an illness at the moment, and part of this post is get some advice before I update my wardrobe to make myself feel a bit better) Advice on where to shop / eat and act would be great too

Any tips / advice to help me achieve this look / lifestyle would be greatly appreciated. No negative comments please.

Thanks all!

I think I "get" what you're looking for OP?

that stylish BUT comfortable and "outdoorsy" thing where you aren't too "dressed up" vs "not dressed up"? I think what's commonly called the "posh" look actually is just "practical can do anything in this outfit".

This is my outfit for a day in London which took me from looking round a college, then seeing some museum, then being treated to a vair expensive dinner might have also bought myself a cheeky solo Mcdonalds breakfast in thereblush

Trenchcoat (charity shop)

Comfy boots - THESE in brown. Long boots are leg-flattering and practical

Pink TM Lewin shirt (charity shop - closest I can find online is this) without frills.

Short green skirt (grown up version of THIS

I'm no make-up, but I have spent AGES picking my glasses, getting the "right" haircut so I think my face is flattered. I actually have thin hair so a shorter cut with layers works for me. don't do nail varnish or fake tan

jewellery - plain silvery heart necklace, one silver watch from charity shop.

In general I go for:

well-cut coats, scarves, berets

knee length boots galore

ballet flats in light colours, not too shiny except metallic

faux pearls, not for a particular "look" but i think white sets off other colours very well?

also practical is good - I have a barbour and long dramatic coats not to look more "country" or more "opera grand damme" (although I go to both - my family didn't but I enjoy them) but as they're brilliant for walking about the city in bad weather.

dresses dresses dresses! charity shops have some brilliant ones. plain dress (in strong colour) well-cut (so not too much skin but more shape) ballet flats, sunglasses.

well cut jeans, chinos, worn with plain black top and a tiny scarf.

Agree teeth, fitness, posture, hair, probably important thing to concentrate on.

also what colours, shapes, works for your figure might be a matter of trial and error. also if you want to explore more arts and culture depends on where you live but JUST DO IT. you can go to opera alone, and art galleries are MADE to be walked round alone. youtube has loads of free opera.

peltata I work a less youthful version of the second photo you have!

Aim for upper middle, it's easier.
My Etonian country estate running cousin manages to both adhere and break every 'posh' rule there is.
For starters it isn't posh, it's smart.
He won't wear new clothes in public. They are generally cords and tweeds and falling apart
His ancient more rust than metal car is held together with bale twine and dog hair. He would replace it with anything bar a medium car because they look like 'bloody taxis'
Last time I went to stay we ate a fry up with a spoon each out of the flying pan because his housekeeper was off and great granny's plates can't go through the dishwasher.
He doesn't like eating out except at nandos ??
he has labradors.
He buys nothing except gun and farm equipment new.
He hates people with 'a false sense of snobbery'. Really that means not being yourself.

My granny would toddle about town in a juicy couture tracksuit with the gamekeepers wages in her leather handbag.
My other cousin shops at whistles and browns. Which is eyewatering.

I would just look at your body shape and colouring and go for things that flatter. Trying to inherently change yourself won't work.
Not good at style. I generally look a mess.

This does have wind up write all over it but it's an amusing thread and I am shamelessly pinching some of the style advice. Keep going op. I love the question "which prosecco" . Reading the ft please note how the style op says she is aiming for has been turned into a parody. Best thread this weekend!

I have enjoyed this thread. Those who were able to respond have done so well, imo. As. Result,I'm have bought a brown leather bag on eBay. My sister bought me a green leather bag for Xmas and green just isn't me.

Funnily enough I am from this sort of background and eschewed it as we were battered children as well. I went from that to hippy new age. However I can't bear man made fabrics and have always loved country walks, dogs etc. so the Apple hasn't fallen far from the tree in this case!

I hope you feel well again soon op and that you enjoy your new style. May I recommend buying limes and lemons and ways having a cut one on the kitchen worktop so that you can squeeze a good squeeze into your glass of water? Tastes lovely, very cleansing and great for skin.

I have decided that instead of constantly addressing the ''this must be a joke'' / ''are you kidding'' / ''such a hilarious thread'' comments, I am just going to focus on the positive ones.

Fossilsandfoxes This does NOT have wind up written all over it. My question was serious, and I don't appreciate these constant digs. At first I tried to ignore it, but quite frankly, it is rude.

If anyone else thinks this is a joke, please don't comment your negativity, it is upsetting, and counter productive...

To all those who have found use in this thread, I'm glad it has helped you. A big thank you to all the contributors, I have found the advice invaluable

something2say I am glad you are finding this thread as useful as I am I have actually start with the lemon and water, I usually have it hot and add in a bit of honey and ginger if I'm in the mood! But thank you for the suggestion nonetheless

Kehoe You're spot on! Unfortunately your link doesn't work Could you maybe re post please?

If you are for real OP, what exactly did you expect when you asked people where to shop, to eat and how to a act?

If you are sincere, then the best advice you can take from this thread is that it's not possible to make yourself 'feel better' by trying to be somebody else, and that changing your style is not going to make an iota of difference to how you feel inside.

No shame in wanting to try a new style, but it has to suit who you are & your life I think. For example I live in my barbour & wellies as its so practical, but if you lived in a city & didn't do any dog walking etc would it not look a bit odd? Maybe find styles you like on Pinterest & see how it fits in with your life. I do think in general no one can go wrong with classic pieces so maybe start out with that. And with the where to eat / how to act, just be yourself! Try new things & see what you genuinely like. How to act - just be polite, well-mannered, but be you. Nothing is worse than someone putting on airs.

I'm sorry op but why can you not even choose which kind of prosecco to drink?

Fossilsandfoxes Maybe because I've only had it once, so would therefore like suggestions? It is just like asking for suggestions on a new mascara!

I honestly give up. I actually feel attacked on a mothers chat forum.

I camE here, looking for advice, on a style / lifestyle I like which i wanted to adopt more of whilst I recover from illness (not one I wanted to exactly copy) If that bothers so many people... then whatever.

I look forward to seeing the more positive comments, as it is obvious they are helping some people, and myself.

RANT OVER

Re prosecco. I don't have a particular fave. But tesco had one a while back with a purple ish label. £7.99 per bottle. Lovely.

Also have a look on Pinterest for prosecco cocktails. Some loverly ones there.

In this instance op I think Pinterest is your friend. So many ideas for cute sloany preppy outfits. Agree with person above who advised not to do the Barbour/wellies/dog walk look if you're inner city - might look a bit odd. Similarly heels and smart smart blazer might not work as an everyday in the country. Depends on your area.

I'm shocked actually that some people think this us just a wind up. Surely someone asking for advice is what the board is for? Ok so I might not have asked where to eat etc. But does it matter. If that's what the op wants to know...?

Re eating - as I said in an earlier post I eat where I want. But I do find eating out/coffee alone very useful for people watching. Choose the right spot and it's gold. You could get a load of outfit ideas from just doing this.

It is not the request for style / clothing/ fashion advice that is odd. It is the request for information on how to behave & what activities to like in order to be perceived as "posh" . That is odd.

I keep visualising Hyacinth Bucket when I'm reading this thread.

What sort of area do you live in,Op? Do you have a profession? I only ask because these things make a difference.

Ps. Not asking to suggest you move or take on a career change!

OP, I'm wearing a boden denim skirt, a jigsaw plain top with a scoopy neckline that hangs well in navy, navy opaques and dark prple quilted ballets. Over the top will putva stone linen mix simple summer coat. Am wearing a black drop pearl on a silver chain and black pearl studs. Hair is two tone highlighted to ease out the grey. Light make-up. That's what I'm comfy in.

You can't be what you aren't If you had this style you would have it Its not teh clothes its the desire to emulate how other people behave which is strange and tbh needs addressing

I agree noddy

It is worrying because it suggests no stable sense of self

Op I hope you find what you need but I doubt it is on here

I hope you find a comfy place in your own skin op; when you do everything else will fall into place. I wish you well in getting better and finding happiness. If you are just yourself there will always be those who will judge regardless of style or lifestyle but there will be far fewer who criticise. Enjoy yourself and stop caring.

To be honest, getting attacked on Mumnset is pretty normal and it can arise out of the oddest things. And I don't think you've been attacked as such. More that people have aired their puzzlement over the question. But, on the whole, you have had a shed load of advice and it seems many a brown handbag has been bought as a result. So really not too shabby chic.