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?

[PeachMelba78]

I think spending money on a good quality handbag, planning your outfits in advance and not flashing much flesh all help with looking more expensive. Making sure your clothes fit really well is so important too, either only buy what fits or have it altered. I often alter jacket sleeves and fronts, and shorten trousers to the right length for my body.

[Everyonelovessparkles]

I also bought a couple of necklaces and bracelets to 'jazz up' some outfits and again think this has made a difference as it makes the whole outfit look more put together. I think it's the small details that make an impact, whilst being subtle they just add something extra.,

[Everyonelovessparkles]

I lurked on the previous thread and took on board some of the ideas and looked around on Pinterest. I then bought a couple of patterned scarves and handbags to co-ordinate (not matchy match though - a navy one and a grey one which were both good brands but that I got for a bargainous price in the sales as well as a cheaper small coral one). So when I want to look more 'put together' I wear jeans, a white top, one of the scarves and co-ordinating bag and it makes me feel smarter and better about myself which other people might pick up on too. The scarves didn't cost much, yet really make a difference to a simple outfit.

[DailyMailEthicalFail]

Easier if you are slim and can buy expensive fabrics as everything 'hangs' better. Cheap fabrics very unforgiving if you are lumpy!

Thorough grooming of hair (clean, well cut and coloured),
nails (short, clean)etc.
Subtle make up.
discreet jewellery.
Good shoes and bag (kept spotless)
And being gracious and smiling can make you seem both younger and 'classier' although it has to be genuine, imo.

[2kids2dogsnosense]

keeping my place.

[user1471456822]

[PaperdollCartoon]

Ha ha. No I don't think so, more navy and jewel colours

[user1471456822]

I think maybe I know her, Paper!! Does she wear lime green a lot?

[PaperdollCartoon]

She is indeed on the larger side, I would guess she wears an 18/20. She's quite colourful but never looks messy. It's a sort of Bohemian chic I'm not sure can be cultivated, you've either got it or you've not.

[user1471456822]

I always think chunky necklaces suit artistic type woman - can totally visualise your godmother, paper (although you don't say if she is larger but I'm imaging her thus). But as has been said, larger ladies (myself included) have to work harder to look polished.

Can be done (being larger, with larger jewellery), but understated is easier for everyday.

[PaperdollCartoon]

Great thread. I need to lose about a stone and half and then I'm throwing everything away and starting again. I feel like I know what suits me, but insist on buying things that don't and then never wearing them.

I'm a fan of big, chunky necklaces, I'd like more of them. My godmother is an artist and always wears them plus big drapey scarves, big hair, she looks great. I covet a sort of classic/arty style mix but I'm miles away at the moment.

[Buttonmoonb4tea]

Place marking as I too struggle to look put together, especially with a toddler in tow

[user1471456822]

Agreed. Chunky jewellery generally looks cheap. Unless it's a big chunky engagement ring. But celebrities can still make those look cheap!

understated, classy jewellery (pearls, diamonds or the good fakes on heavenly necklaces) is best.

[user1471456822]

It's often said on here that patters are to be avoided but then I looked at my pinterest board of kim sears/murray! She very often wears flowery dresses but still looks expensive. I think that's because of the HAIR, the tan, the make-up. and the DIAMONDS!

[Pisssssedofff]

The PM as in Theresa May's necklaces ? I'm not sure that's a style I'd want to emulate

[bonnie1981]

following this thread. I am a size 18 and short.

Trying to lose weight but in the meantime I'm really struggling to look and feel 'powerful' for want of a better word, in the workplace

I want to look like I should be taken seriously without spending a blooming fortune.

I really like the PMs big statement expensive looking necklaces. Where can I get that style?

And what else should I be doing?

I currently buy clothes from yoursclothing, evans, asos curve but to be honest I dont really like these styles. they are what I can afford but I look old and frumpy.

[Rinceoir]

I'm looking at this thread for ideas on how to look more polished! I've lost quite a bit of weight this year, and an hoping to lose more so don't want to spend a fortune!

I have serious hair issues! I have really thick, fairly straight hair which seems determined to have a centre parting (no matter what I do it flips back to it!) and it basically ends up looking like a triangle most of the time. I straighten it most days but I know it's getting heat damaged now.

I tried the John Lewis thing there and prefer the outfits to the ones dressipi suggests. I think this winter I'm going to wear dresses as I find they last a bit longer when losing weight.

[margaritasbythesea]

Yes I like the John Lewis thing too although can't use it at the moment for buying as in Spain for a year.

Blue I just tried the make up you posted and I love it. I have been looking at you tube videos by someone called Sharon Farrell. I like them as they use more everyday products than Lisa Eldridge and somehow seem more achievable to me.

[olderthanyouthink]

GinAndOnIt hahaha mumsy! Maybe it realised you came from MN.
Mine came out a bit old for my age and definitely to old for how old I look.

[GinAndOnIt]

Have just done the John Lewis thing. Quite pleased it flagged up my favourite shades of colour clothes as I've just sorted out my wardrobe into colours and do not want to have to change them all! But the outfit choices at the end are so mumsy! I suppose it is hard to give outfit suggestions without knowing someone's personality/lifestyle though.

[olderthanyouthink]

Done*

[olderthanyouthink]

BabooshkaKate I'm sure I've don't that before but I just did it again ... It doesn't have a good grasp of my skin tone so recommended a colour that makes me look ill, despite my saying I don't like that colour

It's a nice idea and might give you some ideas or jog you to try new things but I think it need to be used with caution.

[olderthanyouthink]

GinAndOnlt I looked at Pinterest to! Like anyone has time to intricately weave their hair in to what looks like a basket in the morning.

Yeah I have mixed race Afro-Carib hair and side partings are kinda a must else you end up with triangle hair. Mines short now, like a bob so it's easier to untangle.
Trust me straight, euro hair is generally easier to deal with, you don't want to deal with curls on a daily basis.

I like my hair now but I didn't always, not helped by most people around me and in the media having euro hair. It's still a bit of a problem where curly hair is often portrayed as hippy or "creative" not really polished, elegant or professional

[BabooshkaKate]

Not read the full thread so excuse me if it's been mentioned already, but you can now get your colours done online at John Lewis: www.johnlewis.com/women/personal-style-edit

I love it - total surprise for me with some of those things. I have bought whole outfits and I've also looked in other shops to replace some things no way am I paying £100 for a white t-shirt.

They also suggest styles based on your shape, the occasion and you can choose how 'adventurous' you want to be. I selected very as I thought it was better to ignore things I didn't like than miss out on an unusual outfit.

[GinAndOnIt]

older I had a look on Pinterest and they all looked like they were about to head off to their wedding! I'm okay with fiddly hairstyles but I don't like to look like I've been sat in the mirror for the last three hours

I'll have a look at a crown braid. I think a sort of French twist would be nice too, not a really stiff one, but I don't think I could handle that many pins in my hair all day.

I love big curly hair, especially with a side parting and the curls just dripping down the back. I often used to wish I was Afro-Caribbean so I could have curls like that