How to look expensive in 2017

[brickinitIam]

Inspired by How to look expensive 1 & 2 (loved those threads)

The clothes on sale this year are terrible beyond belief and really poor quality.
What are your tips for not looking like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards? Especially if you don't have enough money to buy from the more expensive shops?

This year I'm saving any spare money for the hairdresser and possibly shoes.

What makes you look cheap and what makes you look expensive (polished)

X post!

Googled Claire Underwood - had never heard of her. Yes - that is quite similar to the style I need for work. Bear in mind I am an old gimmer

To reiterate: black and navy is very very chic.

Yes. Modern, slightly unexpected, pitch-perfect.

@Methenyouplus4 for summer I'd wear a floral dress with sandals / flats / trainers / ankle boots (I like the latter two so I can wear my orthotics - but sandals def preferable for hot weather!) for work, or shorts and my ever present breton top / slouchy white t-shirt for weekends

www.theaugustdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/skaterdress-sidewalk.jpg

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I work in the creative industries where the dresses would be work friendly - the shorts not. Tailored shorts would be, but denim cut offs not so much

@itsacatastrophe I absolutely adore the looks you posted. That to me is the epitome of stylish chic

Great thread! I really need to sort out my nails -- I don't wear polish but could definitely still do with making them look more cared for.

I wear pretty much the same pieces of jewellery every day and they were great investments. Same goes for the winter coat from Eileen Fisher (sadly now getting too worn and in need of replacement!).

I adore Claire Underwood's style - I work in a v corporate environment so that is kind of what I aim for at work. With a bit more colour and more interesting details (now that I am more senior, I think I can be a little more dramatic. When I started out, I tried to blend in a bit more and not ruffle people's style feathers!)

Love navy and black together. Usually break it up with an ivory or white top/ jacket/skirt and a slash of red lipstick.

Methenyouplus4

Loved your links.

Huge thanks to everyone for their help especially PNGirl and itsacatastrophe. I've been doing a huge clear out of my wardrobe and now seen how much better a bright top looks under navy than the other way around.

Thanks all for the compliments on the dress. It really is lovely and so comfortable. The shoes for this are sorted. They are heels. I just don't like flat shoes on me in a corporate environment.

Oh and bananafish too. Those links were super helpful.

Witsender No offence to old/ scruffy 'red trousers! .. its those that wear the 'uniform' ..having said tha..t I do have some (really old bashed up) Dubarrys... (but they do the job)

User.. you should be able to change yout name in 'my Mumsnet'

I have a lot of admiration for the capsule wardrobes on the Un-fancy www.un-fancy.com

(I just can't get quite that minimalist - I need more tops!!)

I have found my people 😊

I wear simple gold studs or thin small hoops in summer but diamond studs for work / in winter. One plain gold bangle on right arm, wedding ring + engagement ring on left.

Although at the moment I'm lusting after these earrings from Hermes that are not minimalist at all! They are statement black and turquoise big geometric things. I think they'd look great in summer with a big floppy hat and black dress.

I own 3 pairs of designer sunglasses, 1 tortoiseshell + 2 black, but they are all very plain looking (no big logos).

Eyebrows threaded + gel nails in red or dark grey every 2-3 weeks. Dewy makeup very natural for everyday. Only wear eyeliner or lipstick in the evening (my preference although seen lipstick look good on other people for daytime).

Best jeans you can find, buy multiple pairs. Mine are all Ralph Lauren as they are not stretchy so feel better quality and don't lose their shape. Always wear natural materials- wool jumpers in winter, linen tops in summer.

Handbags - I spend the most here. I have a structured black Celine belt bag which is my pride and joy. Makes any outfit look amazing. Second choice is Lancel - another french brand but not as pricey. I have a burgundy bucket bag by them which I love. No MK bags or any with big logos / massive hardware!

Joseph work blazers... or anything that is well made and fits properly. I used to wear shirts to work but got out of the habit and I'm now too lazy to iron.. oops. Wish I could get back into shirts but I have quite big boobs so have to be careful or I just look fat not French.

I struggle with finding smart ankle boots in winter that I can wear to work, that aren't skyscraper high. Knee high riding style boots are ok but they crease down after a while. In summer I keep heels in the office and wear them with black or grey cigarette trousers.

Bananafish my goodness, that blog is probably what I dream of having but know will never ever happen!

So, inspired by you lot, I polished all my brown/tan footwear this morning and applied some matt leather conditioner.

I also applied some gradual tanner stuff but want to purchase the tanning drops someone mentioned to me up thread as they sound great.

Job for this evening is to pick off last remain of nail polish (can't find any remover!), file and add a layer of Sally Hanson stuff with just a hint of rose pink. Then (if o can be bothered), start working my way through casual stuff and giving it a good iron as half of it I don't bother with.

Banana - forgot to add, I love your links but not practical with current lifestyle on none work days (crawling round at toddler group after 4 little ones). Realistically has to be trousers or midi/maxi skirt and no low cut tops.

Could maybe get away with last one if shorts were few inches longer. But would require remembering to shave and tan and weather all aligning at right time...slim chances!

@GloriaGilbert ooh I so want a good pair of leather leggings. I've got some faux leather ones that are pretty cheap and nasty but got them as a test run to see if I'd actually be brave enough to wear them before splurging on a pair of the real things

Take it you'd recommend J Crew?

notmypenguin as a writer you can imagine what a battering my nails take.

So I have fortnightly gel nails.

I keep them pretty short and round - you wouldn't know they were fake. And the gel holds varnish insanely well.

So my nails always look real but perfectly manicured.
In between sessions you do literally nothing
I recommend.

@Methenyouplus4 I'm now paranoid that I should be tanning when I wear shorts!! I always always fuck up self tan, including gradual tanner, so I just decided a few years ago to stay pale. Wonder if I'm actually scaring passers-by with my pasty pins!!

It's interesting how once upon a time being pale was the height of sophistication - because it meant you didn't have to do manual labour outside, which would give you a tan. Then it became the reverse - where a golden glow was seen as attractive (presumably because it gave the impression of being wealthy enough to go on holiday to hot and sunny climes?)

I just can't do self tanning - and cannot be arsed - so I think the world is just gonna have to suffer my scrawny white legs!!

Excuse the huge link, but thoughts on this t-shirt for casual?

www.stories.com/gb/Ready-to-wear/Tops/T-shirts/Future_Perfect_Tee/114066426-0506246001.2#134955548

Not bought from there before and the £5 postage puts me off. Anyone bought from there before?

I know it's not super chic, but would wear tucked into highwasited grey ankle gazing turn up jeans, loafers/ ballet pumps for summer.

I think fake tan is a bit naff. I notice more people embracing their pale skin these days.

I like that shop and would like that t-shirt except for the writing across the breast. £5 postage seems ridiculously high to me.

I love & Other Stories but agree with Madame that the writing makes the top a bit naff.

Definitely think more people are going pale - possibly scarred by their own or other people's orange disasters.

Fake tan doesn't work on me - perhaps I have always been too nervous about applying it so have only gone for the thinnest amount but there is never Amy difference before/after so I quickly gave up. A little bit of shimmer down the front of the legs/on collarbones and concealer on any cuts/bruises (am clumsy) and I am ready to face the world in summer 😊