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?

Hopefully aha I get that you avoid black because it doesnt suit you! However black really does suit me. I don't know why,but whenever I try on e.g. a top in different colours, the black version always zings somehow. Also DH always comments that I look good in black. So I don't agree with PP's saying avoid black. It really does depend on the individual.

Does black trousers/leggings with white shirt look a bit waiter-ish though? Although black suits me (and white too) I try to avoid black bottom half with white on top, to avoid looking like a waitress!

Crevice - thank you for the advice. I'm going to get the size 10, because although in general I'm a 12 atm, I'm kind of an apple so hips and legs are comparatively slim. If they are that stretchy then chances are a size 12 will be falling down around my ankles anyway.

The good thing about leather/faux leather leggings and coated skinniest is that they don't attract cat hair. My cats are constantly thwarting my efforts to look groomed

I try to avoid black bottom half with white on top, to avoid looking like a waitress!

Seriously, that's bonkers

I entirely agree with that quote GarlicBake. It isn't a good look.

OK I take your word for it!

Even if I agreed that black bottom + white top universally equals waitress, I'm not sure what's so hideous about waitresses. But each to their own.

I've just remembered something. My first day at uni. a million years ago in '78. I remember exactly what I wore: Jeans, fuschia pink, very casual, French connection sweat shirt (with fuschia socks), navy blue Kicker T Bar sandals. We all had to introduce ourselves and it was video'd back a term later (seems very techie now but it was more home video). When it got played back my friends literally howled out something like "snort, we knew you were posh even before you opened your,mouth".

Nothing much has changed over the last nearly 40 years and neither do I think much or have I ever thought much about managing to achieve that label. I didn't wear what I intended today and sit here now in Boden denim skirt on knee, navy opaque's, greyish/blue/pinkish per Una top, navy cotton 3/4sleeve mid thigh cardigan.

Silver watch, good rings, diamond studs (not real but small enough for people to wonder), silver classic watch, black teardrop pearl necklace with some tiny diamonds in the setting (that is real). Glass of wine and my slippers.

I'm not slim anymore just within BMI, blonde (multi-shades) and hairdresser helped, subtle make-up, good boots. Stand straight, have confidence. Never, ever tried

My tip looking back about what could be better. Look after your hands. Mine are awful, wrinkling and have sun damage and liver spots (gardening, rather than sunbathing). If I could turn back the clock: Handcream, rubber gloves, sunscreen on hands. No point ending up with fab rings if your hands let you down.

Mostly - have fun and laugh. Nothing ruins a look more than frown/sour lines and bitterness of the soul.

Nothing's hideous about waitresses at all. Glad you agree though

"You look like a mum trying to look nice".

I'm dying to know what he means but afraid it'd be too controversial and kill the thread.

I'm slim, groomed, decent cheekbones and tick all of the list Open posted, but still don't think I look 'expensive' or like I'm picturing.

Maybe it is down to confidence and self assurance then. I don't know.

I really think the most important factor is confidence. But if wearing a certain style of clothes helps that that all well and good. Thanks to this thread I have got myself lots of lovely tops in the woolovers sale- neutrals of course! I think if you have clothes on that you feel look good then Your confidence will rise and you will hold yourself in a more confident way. Fake it till you make it.
I am still on the hunt for trousers that fit well though......

Very good point buttons

I try to avoid black bottom half with white on top, to avoid looking like a waitress!

Totally agree with this.

Of course there is nothing wrong with waitresses but I don't want to dress like one who is on duty.

Wagglebees- I think he meant that it was a bit try too hard yet frumpy.

Other comments he made which had me laughing (because I agreed with them) were "When's the op?" www.jaegeroutlet.com/Seersucker-Day-Dress/630027N,en_GB,pd.html?dwvar_630027N_color=73300&dwvar_630027N_size=6&start=41&cgid=Women_Flash_sale&prefn1=department&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=size&prefv2=10

And "Ohhhh Harry Potter, where you got your wand hidden?" www.jaegeroutlet.com/Short-Wrap-Cocoon-Coat/595841Z,en_GB,pd.html?dwvar_595841Z_color=72100&dwvar_595841Z_size=8&start=14&cgid=Sale_Outlet&pmin=50&pmax=100 Ha! The colour did look exactly like a wizard's cloak from a children's book.

I should point out that hubby can make such comments&have a giggle as he knows I generally totally disregard his opinion in clothes anyway!

Well, there's Jaeger and there's Jaeger. That frock looks like it'd be at home on Mrs Overall.

It was rotten, I think I imagined myself as a willowy, chic, tanned person when in fact I looked like a pale post-op horror! Out of the whole shop (£300 which was 11 items), I'm only keeping a navy wool/cashmere poloneck and a black wool/cashmere roundneck. To be fair I did like the grey cords I got and some cigarette style trousers but was swamped in them with their silly over sizing.

I'm near an outlet soon so hoping it might be easier to try some in the flesh.

Anyone want to link anything they've bought in sales that is good quality and available in 10/12.

When's the op?

Try hard is definitely the anti-expensive I think.

If we are answering the op, who wants to look expensive. At Sainsburys. No children really helps.

I have outfits for the things that I do, I have a language class outfit, an aerobics outfit. A sauna outfit! Hiking, festivals, Pilates, tea, dinner, drinks, horsey.

Be comfortable, weather appropriate is more important than style or looking chic, nobody looks chic with cold wet feet.

I think Camilla Parker Bowles has this, she dresses in the right way for what she is doing, and looks equally at home in evening dresses as a walk in the woods.

I have learned so much! I try to be stylish but somedays most days I fail and just look like an overstuffed sausage or rolled roast. I'm all stomach now it seems.

Any suggestions on where to get some nice, not too expensive, pieces online in a size 18?

Grin have you looked at the Jaeger outlet clearance?

All stomach here too - I find "control" vests worn under tops work wonders. I have an especially effective one which I bought from Primark, believe it or not. I would say it's as good as my Wolford one.

Is there going to be a new thread when this hits 1000 or has it been done to death now? I would love to see it continue. Thanks, OP!

I think Jaeger outlet is nice but you have to search for coats etc.

That salt and pepper one would look ridiculous on me but I'm sure there are other nicer options.

I just thought. Nice accessories like boots work well. I tend to buy the best quality I can afford, Dune knee length suede boots (sale), Boden leopard print ankle boots (sale) and other nice options - Dune glitter wedges, Dune caramel leather wedges, cream leather sandals etc... I'm always told my footwear looks nice.

Super my feet are to wide for Dune!

Wide fitting shoes and modern is really hard. My DD has this problem, aged 17. It's got harder now she's older too. Any ideas very welcome.

Rather than having loads of clothes that dont match, have like 10 peices of clothing that are good quality and all can be mixed and natched in a range of neutrals (i always think neutrals like black, grey, white, camel, fawn etc look very expensive) and have a couple of things you can throw on to add colour, like a scarf or a bracelet. But just one accessory not loads.

Also spend your money on teally good footwear, you really can tell the difference and then look great for years.

I think zara do good neutrals, jeans, tops, blazer jackets etc on a budget and look alot more expensive than they are.

Also dressing for your age (dont get me wrong it is so sexist to say oh now your 40 you cant wear a skirt or whatever, thats not what i mean.) And dressing for the weather.

Nothing looks tackier than tanned legs a short dress in the freezing cold.

Theres also a great website called lookbook that is great for getting ideas for how to wear certain things and how very stylish people put things together.

Brilliant thread, just read all of it and am inspired to get on with sorting out my wardrobe, which is long overdue.
I gave far too many clothes 'bargains' mainly, that don't do anything for me, so maybe need to stop the sale shopping.
Being short and tub shaped, I don't look polished. Passable in skinny or bootcut jeans, floaty top and blazer, with ankle boots. Mind reading this I think I need to address my baggy jumper wearing, as this does make me look shapeless, but I was kidding myself it hid my size and large boobs, so will try more fitted tops. Thanks all, very informative.
Oh I think being clean and well groomed is half the battle, gives inner confidence.