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!

do you mean the effortlessly 'comfortably put together, not try hard' and a bit 'country' look for a 30-something?

I would say clothes that fit you that are well cared for, and the places to spend money are: jeans, casual trousers, flat boots, shirts (and iron them), jacket/coat/gillet, sunglasses, bag. Avoid too many patterns and 'fuss' (hard to do if shopping in Boden).

Spend money and time on your hair, if you don't have much time one day, do your hair but go out without make up on. Make sure your foundation colour is the same shade as your neck.

As for where to eat, local independant cafe that sells amazing organic stuff?

Think about lables in terms of "is this good quality?" not "is this fashionable or desirable?" and you're probably on the right track.

Oh, and buy some diamond or pearl stud earrings.

Thank you to all those who are offering serious advice, I really appreciate it, and it will take your suggestions into account.

I don't see why wanting to look nice / adopt a preppy style is such a bad thing. It's the style I like, I want to pull it off better, and was looking for advice.

I will be returning to work in a new job, hence just wanted this change. I've had some really rough times, and just want to feel great again...

Just be yourself, do what makes you feel happy. Don't ape something you're not.

What age are you? It makes a difference to the look.

In your 20s then long hair in brunette or blonde, maybe red if you can do it not too bright ( like Amelia Pond in Dr Who).

If older, a well cut longer bob, and chestnut brown is also acceptable. Having well groomed hair is important.

If you're stuck at home, go online and browse the catalogues. Then use a picture to do a google search, which will link you to other images, many of which will come from other catalogues. Then head to their sales sections and/or eBay. I always buy stuff in sales or outlet, never full price.

I'm assuming you are aiming for lower end posh. Kind of minor public school, but Daddy doesn't actually own half the county look.

You could also spend some time shaping your eye brows and styling your hair if you want to feel better about yourself.

It's fine to have fun styling yourself, but don't forget that actually getting better is more important.. Spend time doing things like walking, if you can, and having a healthy diet.find friends who are feel good about yourself.thise things count for more than having shines hair and going to a cafe.

DinosaursRoar that is EXACTLY the look I am aiming for!

I am 29 for the reference

Also, any casual clothing item suggestions would be great. I currently live in my beige mac and stripy tops. They seem to be the only child proof clothing items I own

How posh?

If you're going for upper/upper-middle, you need: To own a horse and ride it; to own several dogs and walk them for miles in wet countryside; some jewellery that is more than 80 years old; pearls; a total aversion to synthetic clothing; spectacularly healthy hair in a practical cut; competent knowledge of classical music & literature. Very old cashmere jumpers are good, and tie your new Barbour to the back of the car to beat it up before wearing. Silk scarves with sepia prints are an advantage.

Middle costs less but takes more work :) Alongside your K. Middleton hair & White Stuff attire, you must be quite astonishingly clean - have regular facials and use a nail brush for starters - and permanently well groomed, at least in public. You want a muted, perfect finish: short, peach, unchipped nails rather than talons or nail art, for instance. You still need the pearls but you won't wear them so often. Horse & dog are still good, but not compulsory.

In both cases you want impeccable posture and must walk into any room, in any circumstances, as if you live there.

[Tongue only slightly in cheek]

To eat try places like Wagamamas
shop - monsoon, Laura Ashley as well as the places you have mentioned.

I do agree with what others have said though - embrace who you are and look for a style that looks great on you !!!

Find a blog you like. It will most likely answer all your questions. There's another thread here somewhere with suggestions on style blogs.

I suppose some of you are right, I have had a hard time, and could probably do with talking to someone. But part of this transformation (I guess you could call it?) Would be this change.

I copied this from another thread as I am hoping to follow it at some stage (when I'm not covered in snot and baby vomit)

• Good hairstyle and mastery of a chic top knot for lazy days

• a wardrobe of good-quality and well-cut staples in classic neutrals. For me, this is: dark skinny jeans, black skinny trousers, 1 or two tailored blazers, 2-3 casual dresses, 2-3 blouses (at least one white), 1 pair riding boots, one pair ballet flats, 1 pair ankle boots/heels/court shoes, 1 tailored trench, one tailored winter coat, 1 good handbag to coordinate with all shoes, 2-3 pairs of black tights. Accessorise tastefully, using the Coco rule of always removing one item once you're 'done'. Mix and match to your heart's content, the idea being that you can't go wrong mixing neutrals. I go for colour and/or pattern in dresses that I won't be coordinating with other things.

• a makeup style that is natural and brings out your best features. Good lipstick is an amazing way to easily perk up your look.

• enough sleep, enough water, good nutrition.

Where do you shop / eat out at the moment? What activities or hobbies do you already do or used to do pre kids?

What's your budget and are you looking for work wear or casual clothes?

Do you have any staples in your wardrobe already?

Don't automatically think about labels, you can get good stuff from cheaper shops if you know what you are looking for.

Ok I'm 30 and I think I might possibly wear the type of outfit you are looking for. My go-to casual look is boots or boat shoes (brown, tassels, flat). Skinny trousers (burgundy) or chinos (depending on shoes). Plain top, shirt or Breton stripe top. Then a blazer (usually navy, pinstripe or tweed) handbag (I have many tweed but some leather) and sunglasses.

Is this possibly the sort of thing you might be after? Gilets tend to be 'posh' but I'm not a fan.

The Made in Chelsea look often involves a floaty see-through chiffon cream or pastel coloured top with either skinny trousers or pencil skirt and heels. Often a blazer and clutch bag. I have a lot of these outfits too and must admit I feel good in them and they are easy to wear.

I hope you feel better soon and can find the sort of thing you are after.

Personal shoppers in debenhams/ john Lewis are free and could really help!

Do you use pintrest OP? Maybe take a look on their boards for ideas about how to put an outfit together. I'm trying to sort a capsule wardrobe - starting from scratch. Unfortunately due to illness / meds all I own that fits are x3 long sleeve tshirts and one VERY scabby pair of yoga pants . thank god I work in uniform.

Wow, thank you all for the positive replies that are coming through! It is much appreciated!

I tend to shop in; H&M, Joules, Fat Face, and buy lots of second hand and vintage clothing, as it's much cheaper and I like to have a mix of clothing.

I don't tend to eat out much, when I have the children it tends to be difficult. As for activities I love camping (I've taken the kids multiple times too) But I don't live in the countryside so it's difficult. Other than that I don't have many hobbies :S

Oh and activity wise may I suggest dog walking, going out for lunch, going to cocktail bars, horse riding, visiting old man country pubs (but not rowdy city pubs) and shopping.

twentyten do they not make you feel obliged to buy the clothes they pick out?

oh and it doesn't need to be the labels you'd traditionally associate with this group, for instance, really nice Breton in Oasis that looks very Boden but a lot cheaper.

Oh and going to Pilates/yoga class.
See sweaty betty for more sporty clothes.

DinosaursRoar I need a mix of both, I am approaching the big 30 so need to grow up so to speak haha. Although, as stated I am returning to work, so need some more work related attire, without sticking to the boring black skirt and white shirt combo

OP, I am forrin and continental and generally don't care about the whole upper/middle/working class. It's all bizarre to me. I am too fiercely protective of my continental 'legacy' to do the whole fitting into 'classes'.
As an 'outsider' (been here over 20 years), my observations are:
Pearl earrings/diamond studs.
Good haircut.
Facials. Make up that gives you the glowing fresh look.
Blond/dyed locks. Seems to be a thing. None of my friends back home have this colour mania either. I am bemused but not joining in.
White shirt, navy trousers, cashmere sweater.
Weekly pilates classes.
Seasons: winter for dinner parties, skying in march, summer fetes, couple of weeks on the continent (France/Italy), polo games, cricket. Theatre tickets and trips up to London for lunches and a spot of shopping. Book clubs and fund raising.
I am dressing my child in Joules, but only because it's good quality and can be trashed and washed repeatedly. I wouldn't really wear Joules, I don't do horses.
White stuff is a nice look, but it's been done to death I think. I used to live in their dresses when DD was little, so comfy, and suitable for playground/school run. I suit A line type of skirts/dresses, have a try of their various styles, see what fits you and your life style.
Boden is good as well for that look. I used to own half the catalogue, loved it, but I've grown out of it now, I think.

Food....I don't know what to tell you about that..
Act? How do you mean? As in: what's the 'done' thing? Topics of conversation?