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)

If you've got a leather coat, especially something blazer style (definitely not a biker jacket), where did you get it? I always worry I'm going to get ripped off with poor quality goods when buying this sort of thing online, & there's not so much available locally near me.

Cheers bananafish - trying to think who's style I like to search

I can thoroughly recommend Pringle trainer socks. They actually stay on and don't show! Got mine from tk maxx

Happy- they all look really nice and timeless.

I bought various bits online from ASOS but returned as the quality was terrible.

I did by a stunning pair of black leather ankle boots from ebay. Paid £31 but they are about £200 new. They are butter soft leather and look like excellent quality.

Lanaorana1

I disagree about fake leather. Stella McCartmey's bags are beautiful.

I bought a leather blazer in the last Massimo Dutti sale. They usually have a really good reduction on their leather. I am stalking this bag ATM in case it goes into the next one.

I prefer the Coach bag itsacatastrophe

Re ted baker bag - phone one of the stores and ask them to measure the bag.

Or email the website.

Arrrgh Lancel only ship to Europe (eurozone) and you have to have a European billing address!! I got my current Lancel bag in Dubai airport. But I really want this one:
www.lancel.com/en/hobo-6677.html

I am loving this thread, and have mentally made a list of stuff to buy.

Can anyone recommend some stylish smart casual summer trousers for a pear shape? I don't want skinnies because they are far too uncomfortable in warm weather, or cropped trousers either.

catastrophe I think the Coach bag looks classier - the hardware on the TB bag looks pink?

Love the MD bag but it looks like it doesn't have a zip close and I am a regular bag tipper so this wouldn't work for me. It's a bloody lovely bag though.

The Lancel bag is really lovely too - I really like the silver hardware. I would probably go for something like that if they had it in tan.

I like white Stan Smiths but I would struggle to incorporate those dark Gazelles into my wardrobe.

catastrophe I prefer the coach bag too.

I'm also on the hunt for summer trousers too astonished as my skinny jeans are far too sweaty in the heat!

That Lancel bag is lovely, am off to have a browse!

Coach bag it is. It is the one I would rather have it's just I haven't spent that much on a bag since pre children!

I spend my summer in chinos - much less sweaty then jeans. Linen will be cooler but I'm the type of person that hides indoors as soon as the temperature goes above 25degrees so stylish wear isn't needed

Love this thread. I just feel like starting afresh with my wardrobe. So on the look out for inspiration! Agree with bags I have just bought this DKNY one and can't wait to use it.www.danielfootwear.com/women-c2/bryant-marble-saffiano-leather-chain-shopper-p86738 On the lookout for some nice brogue type shoes to go with it.
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Catastrophe* I also prefer the coach bag.

Astonished Would also like to find some nice trousers for the warmer weather but I'm only 5'1 or just under so often struggle to find a nice fit.

I had some chinos a couple of years ago, but they really aren't flattering for my shape. I am thinking of going down the dreaded (on MN anyway) linen trousers route, but not buying really cheap ones.

At temperatures over 25 degrees I wouldn't be wearing trousers anyway. Summer dresses and shorts for me. I love proper summer weather.

@happypoobum I also got the M&S trench (in black), it's fab! One day I'd love to get a really decent investment trench that's much more fitted, but I think the M&S one is really great value, and actually I quite like the tie belt (rather than a buckle) as it's easier to get it really cinched in whether done up at the front or back. Top buy!!

I ended up in marks and spencer yesterday. I needed some work stuff and also on the look out for a corporate day at the races. For the races I really wanted something I'd wear again. Previously it's been dresses that are all in my wardrobe unworn since. Found this skirt which is surprisingly lovely! No idea what to wear in top but I have suede red heels.

banana you should never actually use the buckle anyway - if there is one you have to just tie it up nonchalantly - tis the French way!!

I like that skirt daily

I've been after a nice blazer for ages and found these today in H&M: blazer, blazer.
Also lots of relaxed tank tops and tees when teamed with black skinny trousers and some cute flats will look really good. Oh and my new beautiful bag

ShottaSherrif

Good quality pointed flats, I just bought these as they looked like Ines I saw Meghan Markle wearing , have only worn once but had compliments:
m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-shoes-boots/flats/ar814-blk/womens-black-angelica-t-bar-flats?cm_mmc=PLA--Google--Women-_-AR814&istCompanyId=a40e1fa1-0635-4a1b-8d9a-2caa763eeee2&istItemId=xiwxaixamx&istBid=xzqt&gclid=CJe4s8j-utMCFYU_GwodtxkItA

catastrophe those blazers look really good value - I really like the first one in the grey. Do they come up small? I have 32GG norks.

Love the shoes holly - really classy looking.

I'm trying to do this! It's (sort of) working. Good skincare routine including glycolic acid pads and hyalauranic acid serum. Benefit bar in boots once a month for eyebrow and tache wax. File and paint nails once a week. Shop in cos. Basic Tunic/ shirt dresses in block colours with gold/ leopard print shoes.

Check out Air and grace sneakers too!

I like those H & M blazers as well. Jealous of your measurements happy (32B here )