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 agree tanaqui In my student days I was 10 stone and a size 12. I'm 5'4 also. Looking back I was definitely not fat (even though I thought I was) Now I'm fat lol.

WhatInTheWorld76 I agree with your comment "purposefully casual". Yeah, there's no real casual about it, is there? It's not "throwing on some clothes" it's more "I carefully chose all these toning/contrasting clothes and put them on and they fit me perfectly because I never ever snack, and I have these perfect accessories on because a) I bought them to go with this and b) I put them where I can find them and now I shall wear them".

This in no way resembles my life and now I know why I am doomed to failure.

Following. Feeling frumpy in my mat wear just because it's all so plain and cheap materials. Can't wait to get back in something more structured

Oh I loved this thread first time round!

I think one printy item looks good in an outfit that's otherwise plain. Eg nice print scarf with a blazer, nice knit quality jumper and smart well-fitting bootcut jeans with leather heeled shoes/boots. And a good quality leather bag.

Hair and make-up, nails etc should be subtle and not OTT (no caterpillar eyebrows, false lashes, hair extensions, fake tan etc)

Clothes do hang better on a slimmer frame, but larger sizes can still look expensive, think it just makes it a bit harder.

Hey FeliciaJollygoodfellow do you fancy this silk blouse/shirt? It's a pull-on style.

www.purecollection.com/clearance-sale/womens-shirts-blouses-sale/silk_longline_blouse_ivory.htm

Do down a size or even 2, depending on your shape. I have just sent one back as it was a bit too small round the bust in the size I'd ordered, but that's because my bust is "generous".

Weight of the silk wasn't bad, not as heavy as I'd've liked, but at the sale price it's OK.

cellar agree that accessories are a good way of lifting an outfit and making it look more expensive.
I'm 5ft nothing and very slim - size 6 or 8 in Topshop. If I'm honest, I feel I do look more groomed at this weight than I did when I was heavier.
I'm off for a haircut tomorrow. Sticking to a neat short bob. I have blonde/caramel highlights to blend the greys.
I never wear much make up. Again, neutral tones and soft pinks.

Place marking. I think French women look really stylish.

Jamie that silk blouse is lovely! I'd order it but it looks too similar to a Cos one I have already.

Does this look expensive?

CoolToned that link is to joining a site?

Oh sorry. This then?

I think sometimes it comes down to not having too many clothes, meaning your wardrobe doesn't get "tried and tested". If it's the second time you've worn a top you bought a few months before and you're still not sure if it's too short/the neck is too high or low/the colour suits you then you might look a bit uncomfortable versus how you look when you wear the same black top once a week.

Love this thread, and all the earlier ones...very educational, keep the advice coming ☺

Agree with Cresset - beware expensive and tacky. I seem to spend a lot of time on trains and they are great for people watching. Two of the most stylish people I saw recently were very simply (though perhaps expensively) dressed. One was French and young - maybe 20. She had well fitting straight-leg jeans, a simple white cotton fabric (not knit) top shaped something like a Victorian camisole, a long boyfriend navy cardigan and polished brown loafers of a style that's been around in France since I was a teenager - and that was a long time ago. Long, natural (slightly wavy) dark brown hair, well brushed. Nice nails (natural). No jewellery except for a discreet gold watch with brown leather strap. Somehow, she made everyone else in the train compartment look scruffy. The other person was a woman in her 50s last winter at a Scottish mainline station. She had blonde just below jaw-level hair, ncely cut and side swept, a long (below knee) voluminous plain black coat, black and cream very discreet tiny check trousers and black patent brogues. I could not see it, but I'd be prepared to be she had a fine-knit black or cream merino or cashmere jumper on under the coat. It sounds dead boring, but she looked so smart and her outfit was also very practical for the cold icy weather.

I agree with pp. Try not to walk around like a walking advertisement. I love designer clothes but I avoid huge logos. There is something about understated elegance that stands out to me.

I'm trying to work out how to look groomed in tops that can be lifted for breastfeeding, without spending crazy money.

The accessory of babysick doesn't help.

Great thread. I've really started to try and look a bit more polished in the last year, and I think I'm slowly learning.

I agree with a PP about sizing/fitting. I've always avoided petite ranges as I'm 5ft4, and the sites always say they're for up to 5ft3, but then nothing ever fitted right. I was buying size 6s to try and get clothes to sit in the right place. I've recently measured myself though, and actually I have a short body which is petite range, and I look a million times better for having dresses and tops that sit in the right place. The same with trousers - my legs are longer and not in proportion with my short body, so I've found I look better with slightly cropped trousers with flats, or an ankle boot/ankle strap to make my legs look a tad shorter. It turns out I'm actually a size 8/10 in a petite range.

Also agree about jewellery, I've stopped wearing jewellery apart from a very delicate bracelet, and again no necklaces because they don't sit right on my short torso. I really wish I'd known all this sooner, as I've started to take better care of myself all over now my clothes fit nicer, so I think it all intertwines.

I think I used to try too hard to attract attention maybe, and tried way too hard to be a bit edgy and cool, but it just doesn't suit me.

Loose change there is a time and a place for everything and groomed and tiny babies go not go together

I think this is true. I will be groomed with a toddler after reading these threads. As long as I don't try to wear white.

Viscose - I always think that creases terribly, on a par with linen!

I am menopausal and it has really changed my shape (and I'm still putting weight on despite not eating more) so need to get a grip on my diet by finding out what I can eat without the relentless weight gain!

I have bought bigger tops!

Accessories - I was just thinking about this earlier this week. I broke my watch strap a few weeks ago and haven't either fixed it or worn another one since (I have more than one watch ...) . I have been wearing perfume and the odd bit of jewellery and it's the jewellery I'd like to improve on next.

I am much better if I pick my outfit and accessories the night before, so will do this and encourage my DD to do the same (even if it's just her school uniform!). I love scarves and can't wait to wear them again!

Following

I would like to measure my body like that taxquestions. How did you learn how to do it?

I've measured myself like tax and did it by putting a piece of string around bust, waist and hips (hips being 20cm below waist, and largest part). Did inner leg too, from ankle bone to crotch. Then googled uk women's size guide and compared the measurements. Tax probably did it in a lot more detail than me, but it's worked well!

I always have the urge to put more effort in with my hair after reading threads like this. I really hope I can stick to it this time. I find washing my hair exhausting though

I think a good tweed jacket never dates!

Loosechange I am the same! I remember the only thing I liked about returning to work after maternity leave was having outfits that met the criteria "this looks smart". The joy of not having to choose clothes based in their bf accessibility or how well they were would hide toddler lunch hand prints! I had loved being at home but clothing was the one one bright spot of work.