Can we start an updated 2016 "How to look expensive thread"?

[WhatInTheWorld76]

I appreciate that many of the previous thread title's advice remains valid, but can we have a shiny new 2016 version?

I stand by anything I said on the last thread, but would like to add that if I don't buy another pair of skinny jeans for a decade I shan't be sorry. I'd like a more flowing silhouette for a while.

Following

My style goal for the coming years is this, too. So less buying, but if I buy, it should be quality stuff.

Trouble with quality Over quantity I find is A) quality isn't guaranteed by spending a fortune but if it's over £100 it goes on my CC and I will complain and make use of that service. B) it still dates, a coat from 10 years ago may well have lasted but you can tell its from 10 years ago. I fear a lottery win is the only hope

I agree with Pisssssedofff. I bought more expensive clothes last year as I was determined to buy better quality than the clothes I was replacing. But for every two items I bought, I'd gladly replace one this year. E.g. I bought a great green parka that I loved last year but I have recently seen a green parka with the loveliest fur trimmed hood attached. I really really really like it.

I think buying quality only works if you don't regularly shop for clothes and can't be tempted by the current stock in shops.

Well I can't really afford expensive, but I guess I better slow down on buying my H&M/high street polyesters...

No more viscose and easy on the polyester

The majority of styles do date but there are exceptions I have a coat from APC bought 15 years ago. It's knee length, black and funnel necked very simple and quality is fantastic made in Italy and it still gets compliments.

I'm going for good quality on the high street. Checking labels and looking for high wool/cotton/silk content.
I'm focusing on more considered purchases and less is more.
I'm sticking to a more neutral palette of black, charcoal, cream, beige and navy. Accessorising this A/W with burgundy/pink/red

Ohh I read the last one, joinging in this time.

Last year I started avoiding the cheap crap but still get sucked in by H&M.

MandyFl0ss why is polyester less bad than viscose?

I find good quality polyester very resilient, e.g. dresses from Whistles. They sell a lot of expensive polyester dresses, but they look good. Cheap polyester, e.g. Dorothy Perkins or Next, looks nasty and washes badly. Viscose for me has no redeeming features. It washes really badly even if expensive and makes me sweat.

I see that Tu (Sainsburys) are bringing at a Premium range - silk shirts, leather boots, wool coats etc. Interested to see what this is like as I normally like their clothes.

MandyFl0ss ok, thanks.
I've come across some polyester stuff in Uniqlo, not expensive but I think their stuff is decent quality usually maybe I'll give it a go.
I thought viscose was supposed to be breathable, less so than normal natural fabrics but more than polyester.

It's interesting to see cheaper shops selling luxury materials, but I'm a bit skeptical about the actual quality. There's probably a diference between primark cashmere and the stuff you can buy in selfridges.

I think cheap cashmere has shorter fibres and so bobbles faster. I have jumpers from different retailers - Brora cashmere from 2002 has lasted well, White Company from 2014 looked tired last year.

I will be watching this with interest.

I'll be following too.

Just posted on another thread, that once I've reached my goal weight I will allow myself to spend more money on clothes. I'd also like a great capsule wardrobe as I'm so much better when I have a more limited wardrobe to choose from - not to mention that it takes up less space!

My wants for this year are a lovely cashmere jumper and a silk shirt (preferably white or cream) and a classic coat (I'd love a Burberry trench but that definitely isn't going to happen!). I love autumn/winter clothing.

blueyedwonder That's exactly how I dress. Although I tend to avoid black tops as it makes me look washed out unless I'm wearing a lot of makeup which I don't intend to do. Best sticking with navy I think.

I love accessorising. It really can make your outfit go from dull to glam. For example, the other day i put on a simple white scoop neck top and skinny jeans which sounds boring but I added my black ted baker bag and a deep red tartan scarf. It elevated my whole look. Lots of people comment on my scarf, more so than my bag! It was only £8 from house of Fraser! I think this is an example of looking well groomed/expensive wothout the hefty price tag.

BlueEyedWonder Sorry, too many typos there!

I honestly think accessories is the way to go, cheapish up to date, worn over classic fairly boring but replaced regularly jeans, tshirts tops and groomed to high heaven

Do you think it's easier to look expensive if you're slim?

absolutelynotfabulous no, I don't think so. You could be slim and very easily look ratty with hair that's not clean or cut recently, furry eyebrows, bitten nails etc. Even if you're a bit or a lot overweight, if you take care of yourself you elevate your appearance immediately.

It's weeding out the wheat from the chaff though, that really makes the difference. It's all very well spending a lot on a beautiful cashmere sweater (I'm looking at you White Company) but if it bobbles within a year or two, what's the point of spending all the money? No buggering point at all. That's not quality, that's a rip off.

absolutelynotfabulous

I think it is. I used to be a size 12 (5'8") and yes that's not slim, but that time, even cheap polyester tops look nice on me. Now that I'm a 16, it takes more effort to dress better.

I think you need the right accessories and fit. A cheap but well fitting dress with great accessories can make you look expensive.

absolutelynotfabulous I think that's true to an extent but then there's that too thin heroin addict/anorexic look which is not