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!

Breton striped tops
Flat leather boots
A jersey blazer
The nicest leather cross body bag you can afford
Manicured nails

I thought stuck's pictures were fairly consistent actually - although I'd have pegged them as "young frump" rather than posh Looks like Mantaray was a good choice for unobtrusive clobber, OP.

Most of the marketing departments I know wear jeans or leggings ...

I just bought a jersey blazer off H&M, and I plan to wear it with a striped top and skinny jeans.
Looks like I am a walking stereotype

Flick through harpers bazaar and tatler, have a look at the pictures of normal people not the adverts or models. That's often a good indicator of the sort of Chelsea girl look.
Just don't go too sloaney, I think it's a bit frumpy.
Pencil skirts with a neutral blouse/shirt/striped top and aforementioned blazer? Former schoolmates of mine all have variations on this.
Or a fitted jumper with a shirt underneath.
Nothing too short, bright, tight, trendy, or low cut.
And keep heels to a minimum.

OP I'm the last person to listen to for fashion advice! And the people who wear serious waterproofs here in the country are not making fashion statements - they are people like shepherds and bird-watchers and gamekeepers. If you like Barbours, then get one! But more modern country waterproofs are lighter and breathable and some can be washed, as well. But they're not stylish, and I think they'd look rather odd in a city, unless worn by a countryperson who was just visiting. Barbours may no longer be the fashion in the place where you are living now - I simply don't know. You need to look around, and see.

There have been plenty of previous threads in Style and Beauty about suitable waterproofs for standing at school gates, watching children play sports, walking children to the park, wearing on windy seaside holidays etc etc. Brands mentioned have included Didricksons, Merrell and Seasalt - there are others. These are very practical and come in attractive colours and are quite rightly popular - but few of them, IMHO, are really smart city wear, either.

As previous poster said, you need to do some people-watching and observe what women of your age are wearing in the place where you are living now, and then think about which of their looks might be appropriate for your needs, and suit you.

For the posh-ish put together London 30something look then I think you also need to think White Company (clothes as well as their homeware), Toast and Mint Velvet. Although gilets are definitely still popular, I'm not so sure about all the suggestions of Thomas Pink shirts etc - that's definitely more sloaney than the more fashionable wealthy middle class look on the outskirts of London.

Also agree with amazing hair, slight tan, good but non noticeable nails, low key designer handbag, big brown/black sunglasses. Big engagement ring a plus too.

Restaurants - occasional Michelin star but gastro pub, pizza express, Bill's, Wagamama, sushi (eg itsu) more everyday.

Ignore the negative comments OP - have enjoyed the thread!

You need to be skinny and beautiful though otherwise they are just clothes

Ever heard the expression 'joilie laide', Noddy?

www.nytimes.com/2005/10/16/style/tmagazine/t_b_2122_talk_jolie_laide_.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Sorry - was so cross I couldn't spell: should be 'jolie laide', of course.

Why are you so cross? I am all for everyone no matter what age having their own style and think all women can wear all things I know I do! But that particular look only has that impact on a certain figure and face.i have friends who are like it they wear floral very fine vintage dresses with bare legs and flowing hair and little cardigans and ankle boots and they look stunning with long tousled hair and golden skin beautiful teeth etc It is a definite look and very attractive but on average person just looks nothing special. These women look good in a sack.

Op, my question about what you do and where you live is relevant because these things affect who you come to contact with on a regular basis and, therefore, the styles you're exposed to and maybe the places you're invited out to. It's a bit more difficult when you work from home but when you start your new role in marketing, I'm sure you'll be exposed to more style inspirations, incl middle class chic.

Why are so many people encouraging the OP drink prosecco?It's really not sophisticated or incredibly classy - fast approaching Lambrusco image IMO. Most brands ( not all) are bland sweetish and not what a connoisseur of wine would choose to drink. Rant over. If you like prosecco OP drink it and good luck but don't do it to make you look posh.

Re the Barbour jacket presume you mean you are planning to get it for walks in the country? Fair enough if so.

I saw a lovely hip length Barbour a few weeks back with a little belt, really warm and stylish.

You need the budget though, especially things like Brora cardigans. I like to think I could be stylish as anything with an unlimited budget!

I work in a school with kids from every strata from working class done good/middle class up to stonkingly rich. You can pick the stonking ones out of a line up even if you had never met any of them before. I was wondering what it was that made it so obvious (they all wear uniform) when another member of staff told me the stonking ones buy their uniform then get it tailored to fit

Evidently the secret to style and looking posh is to spend lots and lots of money even on school uniform...

I don't think one necessarily needs to be young and thin and blonde for this look. look at an older Diana Quick - she's average weight with dark hair but dresses in what I'd say is quite a "posh" (or just well-dressed/well put together) older average weight woman look. the killer cheekbones help as well!

it's not really the cliched twin set and pearls or obvious designer labels, but she goes for plain colours, good fits, scarves etc.

Anyone getting visions of Tori Maxwell in pearls and a calf length pleated skirt "heaving her 11 stone bulk" around a deb party?

Noddy - I didn't mean to be impolite, and, if you feel I was, I sincerely apologise. I absolutely agree with you that floaty styles look best on the slim and willowy, but I thought that we were talking about the nice jeans/ well-fitting blazer/ quality cashmere jumper type of look, and that can suit quite a wide range of types IMHO, so long as the colours are carefully chosen and the clothes fit properly. I can think, for eg, of a woman I sat opposite on a country train not long ago. She was around 40, I would say, and not tall - maybe 5ft 3 in. She was definitely not overweight, but not fashion-model skinny. She was pleasant-looking but in no way beautiful. But she looked very, very polished and made the rest of us in that section of the train appear more than a little scruffy (which is why I remember her).

Her outfit was of the style OP perhaps favours: shiny, well-kept brown hair, unobtrusive make-up, fitted navy quilted Barbour jacket, fine-knit rust-brown ribbed jumper - not too tight but not baggy- well-fitting dark navy jeans, polished brown brogues, good but discreet tan tote bag, fine woollen scarf that linked the colours of her outfit together, and no jewellery that I can remember apart from a wedding ring. Everything had obviously been chosen with care. It's not my style, but it worked for her.

A lot of people seem to be suggestion Bora, I shall have to take a look...

Re the drinking, I'm not going to drink just for this image, I was just trying to say that I don't really drink, generally speaking. However, I will try the suggestions, as I might come to like it and because I have no clue about alcoholic drinks... let alone wine

Gralick That's what I thought, I guess people have their different opinions. I had no clue the images were seen as young frump though haha

Also, a lot of people keep stating breton tops and smartish jeans for casual wear, but can anyone give me some different ideas? I've stated earlier on that a breton top and a beige mac are already my go to outfit, especially on weekends when dealing with DC

Sorry for the spam, also does anyone know any bloggers / blogs that I could follow, that have this style? Thanks all!

I have a friend who has this look. She always looks appropriate to the occasion (no dog walking clothes in town!) and her clothes aren't all that different to what I wear but she is impeccably groomed at all times. All her clothes fit beautifully and are well maintained, makeup is low key but enhancing and her hair always looks amazing, even if it's windy it's perfectly windswept. To be fair I am v lazy but I honestly have no idea how she does it. I do think it might need to be something you're born with.

Schoolgatestyle is quite a good blog.

Actually if you do t really drink prosecco would be a good one to try as I see it as very much a non- drinker's drink - bland as I said quite low in alcohol and a bit sweet.

Might I also suggest that you try a facial skin brush for the glow? Brora is very expensive. You can buy cheaper cashmere from other places like Uniqlo or John Lewis but it doesn't wash very well. I've no idea if Btora does... But posh people are rarely bothered about being too clean!

My earlier response was a bit tongue in cheek / observational but based on what I see in the City. Having read more of the thread I can see that we are thinking country style. I agree a brown Mulberry-style bag (maybe Radley) might be better.

The posh country look can be white shirt, pastel / camel quality pullover, smart jeans, maybe a tweed jacket.

Don't start drinking if you don't now! If you want, try Asti which is having a moment (and very low alcohol) and not unlike prosecco or a good English or biodynamic wine.

Good luck and have fun.