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!

Blond/dyed locks. Seems to be a thing. - If you tell a colourist you want "rich girl caramel" highlights, they know exactly what you mean!!

Do you want to do these activities to make friends or "better yourself" or both?

BorisJohnsonsHair As stated my weekend staple is a beige mac and a stripy top (it's the only outfit which seems child proof which my DC) Any other suggestion?

Gralick I don't think I would suit the caramel hair look, I'm incredibly pale with incredibly dark hair

WipsGlitter A bit of both? I need more positive people in my life. I am also lacking in confidence, so anyone who is upbeat and can be a friendly face is always welcome!

For decades now I've been stuck in the very style rut that you are trying to get into you can take my place if you like, I'm aiming for an edgier look that defies my traditional, conservative roots

One thing I will say though is that it is about a look that grows organically - I would say that mine has been influenced by the way in which my mum and grandma dress/es, the way in which many of my my friends dress, and pure practicality (I hate fussing I'ver my appearance so everything I wear is low maintenance enough for dog walking, gardening and some days riding, and yet smart enough for school run/ parents evenings / impromptu lunch etc.

The key to this is, I've found:

Highlighted long hair - not well cut, that's just too high maintenance - just long enough to twist into easy knot or high pony tail.

Shirts under jumpers - instant smart yet little ironing required

Pearl studs - very elegant but no fiddliness involved

I'll try to think of some more and come back later

Wow, you can all tell I'm having a wild Saturday night haha

GatoNaranja Yes, we can swap places haha I can work on the points you have mentioned, however what's your secret to getting lovely locks? I conniver grow mine out of a bob!

Flip side is that I do feel like a bumpkin in the occasions that i do venture into the smoke

I don't think I would suit the caramel hair look, I'm incredibly pale with incredibly dark hair - Very striking. Lucky you! I was responding to Kia's point rather than instructing you to go blonde

I will instruct you on the 'talk, do, eat, etc' front, though. Buy the weekend newspapers - for your purposes, I'd recommend the Sunday Times as a mainstay - and spend a good few hours absorbing stuff from ALL the sections. Electronic media feed us topics based on our existing interests and what our networks/demographics say we want. Print newspapers & magazines are still the most efficient way to acquire new horizons.

No secret, mine aren't especially lovely, they're long - only because short doesn't suit me - and highlighted every two months. Despite being low maintenance I am quite meticulous about the following:

I have full blonde highlights every two months, mainly to hide grey

I keep my eyebrows in shape

I have a strict skincare routine

Bit of facial bronzer out of season to liven up shallowness

That's it really - not one for make up or bling!!

If in doubt, go for the boat neck, I've never met anyone who doesn't suit it :)
Open question trick is just that: always ask questions that can't be answered with a 'yes' or a 'no'. As in 'how do you know so and so' as opposed to : do you know so and so? That type of thing.

Dull not full blonde highlights!

I wear fat face, white stuff, boden, jules, hobs, seasalt etc. I guess you'd call me middle class.

Confidence is key. Feeling good about yourself. My wardrobe is mainly charity shop and ebay. But i know what i like so feel good and confident in. I really route through the charity shops.

Today we took out youngest to her first ballet in Manchester. If you want to see middle class, middle aged women style thats a coffee worth buying and a show of its own.

Have you got a local womens institute near by? They can be quite an eye opening experience. Or what about making a few jams, chutneys and cakes and entering them into some village fairs.They don't need to be brilliant its just a conversation starter and another life experience to talk a out in different social circles.

Do you visit the theatre? Plays are another conversation piece.

I get wanting to expand your outlook. Just trying a few new activities and observing others could be a good start.

I love that style too, bit preppy.

IMO :

• simply styled hair in a natural colour

• just tinted moisturuser/mascara (less is more)

• skinnies with leather boots (brown, fitted with round tors, ankle or knee)

• fitted wax coat. I LOVE my barbour, wear it dvery day, ideal for dog walking yet not dowdy. They last years, well worth it imo

I secretly hanker after a Joules fitted tweed jacket, so love that look.

I am not posh or even English, but think it is just a style anyone is allowed to adopt!

Wearing nice clothes make me feel better, so sue me

Go for it!

Wow, you can all tell I'm having a wild Saturday night haha So are we.

Honestly, stuck, I know you said you've lost confidence but self-put-downs are unattractive in any social sphere. Especially when you manage to put everyone else down in the process!

Gralick Lucky? I wish I was the opposite haha! I usually read the Guardian online, but will try this approach.

KiaOraOAotearoa Thank you for clarifying, I will definitely try this!

Make sure your hair is really really shiny. And brush it loads. And keep it trimmed. No split ends. No over colouring.
Take care of your nails, and be really careful how you shape them.
Ditto your eyebrows.
Less is more. Check the depth of your foundation.
Avoid coral lipstick unless in a sunny climate to go with your tan.

Oh Lawd! What a strange post?!! Where to eat??!!!

MisForMumNotMaid Thanks for the input. I'm really working on the confidence issues I'm not sure if we have a WI nearby, nor have I tried making jams / cakes ect, maybe I will give it a try?

You're a Guardian reader - hurrah. IRL, I once helped a younger woman with a similar project. She was amazingly beautiful, really sweet and not all that thick, but she'd never read anything more demanding than Heat.

She 'got it', though :)

Lucy61 I am recovering from serious ill health, I am just looking for suggestions. Please do not pre judge, thank you

Why ? Just why ? If you have issues with self esteem seek help , otherwise be yourself and be proud of who you are. No one is better than you because of their background .

Gralick I'm not particularly loyal to a certain newspaper. I just find the Guardian pretty easy to read; to the point, and summarises everything with out being too waffley (if that's a word haha)