How to look 'expensive'

[INeedSomeHelp]

I'm not sure if that's the right word but I was in Sainsbury's today and the woman in the queue in front of me just looked 'expensive'.
She wasn't wearing anything remarkable - a leather jacket with a fur collar, skinny jeans and brown knee length boots but somehow she looked 'done' whereas I looked like a sack of spuds.
How to achieve that expensive look without the budget?

Ha, who said we look expensive all the time. I'd post a photo of I were that techie. Last time I did it people could click through all my pictures

Cresset you being all controversial again? Fitflops will kill this thread!

This is fun! Maybe I'm a bit old for this though...

Oh I don't know actually there's nothing classier or more expensive looking than a middle aged woman whose feet look good in anything she chooses. stares very hard at "posh" perhaps not "spice" .

As you were

That lot just look like sex on legs. Not that I wouldn't like to

Do celebs not wear coats anymore? Does the love of the paparazzi keep them warm?

I'm a coat person myself. Coats, knitwear, scarves and shoes/boots. Not shorts, sandals and vests! I do live in Scotland though.

While it seems that a lot of us on this thread agree, what the pictures being posted demonstrate to me is that "expensive" is also still very subjective! (Besides, we've established that it's about far more than just what someone is wearing. Unless you are up close to someone in real life, you probably won't get the full effect of how good their hair, skin, teeth, nails and scent are, so pics don't help in that regard either).

I think Diane Kruger is another celeb who pulls off "expensive" very well.

Coats are difficult right now and have been for a while.

Because it's next to impossible to find any that are below knee length. Whereas expensive is midi or longer.

(that's midi in the traditional meaning, of course)

Ah, see to me expensive is knee length for a coat.

Actually, I keep using the word expensive, but I actually just mean 'looks smart'. Or maybe classy is a better word, bit I don't really like that term either. I need a better word.

Well dressed? Well turned out?

I dunno.

I agree Ayeamarok. Long coats look dated to me.

To look expensive you need to look current as well surely. Not a slave to fashion but that you do take note of fashion/trends.

Elegant maybe? Never knowingly under dressed perhaps ?!

Chic?

Never knowingly under dressed perhaps ?!

If John Lewis wanted a slogan for their expensive women's clothing department, this would be it!

Elegant is good. Elegant-but-with-a-nod-to-trends.

Yes MrsCB that's more like it too.

While all the pieces you wear are fairly classic, there needs to be something interesting about it.

The black jacket in one of my pictures (the woman with the black bob) I love, although it's not what I'd say anyone would think elegant. But I think it looks like a really interesting material, if you look closely at it, it's a bit 3D. It's quite severe, a bit rock-chic maybe? I probably couldn't pull it off, but I really like it.

I think it's Chanel, so bit expensive for me too!

I don't have many photos of myself (not into selfies), and definitely none which show a good look at everyday outfits (don't think that event photos really count) so I had DS take a quick shot of what I am currently wearing, which is fairly bog standard Sunday casual for me. Sorry about the poor quality and lack of details!

Outfit: Zadig & Voltaire charcoal grey with silver pinstripe blazer, no name v neck tee, Hudson skinnies which are 7 years old, Isabel Marant maroon and black tiger striped pumps which are also god-knows how old. Not the most exciting outfit, but it is what I am currently wearing and typical of what I throw on.

Momin I didn't say this before in case you felt funny, but you do look expensive! Here and in rl. In fact if anyone could do a blog on how to look expensive it's you.

Very long coats aren't as common at, but every so often I see a new way to do them on pin, in a way that looks pretty good. lthough I find them a bit irritating to wear.

Mominatrix That's a great outfit!

And thank you for reminding me of Zadig and Voltaire, I'd totally forgotten about that make. I don't think we have one in Scotland, unfortunately. But I always stroke their lovely knitwear in one of their London shops when I'm there . Nice scarves too.

Gorgeous look, Mominatrix.

Really enjoying this thread. And feeling a bit dowdy, to be honest. Back in my pre-kids days my go-to uniform was skinny jeans, heels and blazer, large sunglasses often and a nice bag, and I think I looked quite chic generally (I have the 'right' shape and decent hair, which helps). And for work I wore shift dresses, or tailored trousers with a nice top. And always, always heels.

But now I stay at home with my (much-adored, obviously) daughter, and have got into a total style rut. I know that's a real cliche, but it's definitely happened for me. Partly because we've much less money to spend on nice clothes now, but moreso because I'd feel a bit stupid turning up at playgroup in heels and a smart jacket (I live in a very casual part of the country; even in my jeggings and boots, which is what I wear most days, I'm usually the smartest one there.)

Still this thread has inspired me to make a bit more of an effort...

Mominatrix Very stylish. Love the maroon pumps too.

When you say "Sunday casual"-have you been out anywhere today? That would be a going out outfit for me....def not a "lounging about reading the papers outfit".

I would def fail the expensive look test today-we went for a walk in the rain so I had on a pair of M&S trousers, a t shirt with an old cosy jumper on top, boots and a GAP puffa. If I'm not going out (ie lunch with friends or an evening out), I find it hard to work up the enthusiasm to dress up/expensively as I feel it's a waste of effort

Momin you do look very polished and I think you do fit the expensive look.

I have a friend who only wears the most expensive of designers. She is naturally thin and very very beautiful. but she looks tatty and ratty and just awful most days. If it wasn't for the labels, and the shopping trips we take together I would have never guessed she spent thousands on her wardrobe.

But she is naturally, beautiful. I just don't know how to tell her to polish up. Theres just something about her that makes her look like she's just been hit by a garbage truck.

Her hygiene is good too. Her grooming is okay. (As in her blowdries, nails and brows). Makeup is always on point.

It's gap, hm and Zara for me all the way. I can never compete with her, and I don't compete with anyone--because I just do what I can to look my best.

Her goal is always to look the best. I think maybe thats the problem. She keeps things to the latest. She is fun though.

Mom is one of the most stylish women I have ever met. Seeing her in her skinny leather pants totally fuelled my lust to get some of my own, which I am wearing today with this Helmut Lang kinetic cowl top so a similar outfit to the model in the picture. My make up was just tinted lip balm, perfume was Agent provocateur which I am trying to run down. Jewelry was my norm of studs and cross pendant, engagement and wedding rings plus heart bracelet, merci maman simple stacking rings and Hermes kelly watch). Sorry no selfie but I am for real. I didn't go out today so this was my at home Sunday casual.

Leather pants to lounge around in at home on a Sunday? [shocks]

I'd be frightened of splashing fat on them doing the Sunday roast.....