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)

Gingernaut me! I have long hair and it's expensive to get it cut monthly, think £60+. I like it long with layers so not fussed about keeping it a certain length.

If in doubt, go plain. Stripes at a push. Patterns - especially big patterns around the face - are often tricky to wear, and rarely look 'expensive'.

I agree that clean, simple lines look best - fussy, faffy clothes usually look cheap even if they're not. Don't underestimate the power of a really great coat - I bought a stunning grey wool coat in the Hobbs sale this winter and it gets compliments every time I wear it, and makes me look smart and chic even when the clothes underneath aren't

Details matter. The turn of a cuff, or a collar. I agree with ironing - I used to be a militant non-ironer and then realised how much better I look in pressed clothes.

De fluffing is important - I've got a beautiful grey wool sweater that fits perfectly but bobbles like a bastard and it's a constant battle. Bobbly sweaters just look cheap.

I'll try and post some links of recent buys that I'm really happy with.

banana I've never shopped at Uniqlo and would have to order online. I'm a fairly standard U.K. 12 top (fairly busty) - would you recommend a M or L?

Uniqlo is great. DS17 finds their jeans fit, and their shirts in the smallest men's size; he's a skinny beanpole. The same size fits me, but as a bosomy size 10-12 short-ass, I often prefer a large in tops if I want a slouchy look. Medium is an accurate close fit. Quality is very good for for the prices, but can be uneven.

happy where were your black sandals from, can you link? :) I'm after some classy sandals for this summer.

Not too sure about Uniqlo sizing - I'm a size 8 and wear S in most things (although XS for some base layer tops as I want them close fitting)

Re: leather jackets, All Saints have a terrific selection, although I'd discount a load of them as they always have a load of fussy ones with studs etc - mine is a simple biker jacket. I've since got it relined at my local dry cleaner, and it's as good as new, coming up 10 years later

I omitted one thing from my 'investment pieces' list - in addition to coat, leather jacket, leather boots & leather bag, I also invest in a couple of pairs of really good premium denim

I wear jeans to work so I'm looking for quality, and again on a cost per wear basis they're great value because I wear them so often. I used to say 'jeans are jeans' - but then I invested in some Goldsign dark denim stretch skinnies (also recommend J Brand) and I was turned. I've got a few pairs of Topshop jeans, but the spendy ones really do go the distance and don't go baggy, the fabric is super soft, washes really well. I wear the cheaper ones at the weekend and the premium ones to the office, by and large

I got them in COS but late last summer so I can't see them online now.

They are similar to these Debenhams ones which look very good value! www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_067010813860_-1

Agree re leather jacket. Mine is from Oasis and is a couple of years old but it still looks great and is really versatile.

I think that a good quality bag and shoes make a big difference to an outfit.

I'm retired now and so dress casually... I always feel good in jeans with a good quality shirt and cashmere cardigan. In winter I wear Acne Pistol boots in summer I've taken a liking to Penelope Chilvers sandals and bag-wise for me it's always a Mulberry.

I don't notice people's bags. I am not a handbag person, so someone could be carrying a Mulberry and I wouldn't know. It could be from a supermarket for all I know.

I would notice if someone was well groomed though. Apart from being clean and tidy with well cut hair I agree that well fitting clothes are key. And even more important is properly fitting underwear. A badly fitting bra will never make an outfit look good.

Hmm, careful with Uniqlo if you are tall. I bought 2 of their brecon stripe tops in store a couple of weeks ago - lovely cut and quality but just a little short for me - 5'8". Also bought a couple of pairs of ankle length trousers for work - perfect!

Great thread idea. Personally, to look expensive, I think it's important to have discreet jewellery. Statement necklaces etc. can be horribly expensive but IMO really cheapen any outfit. Small pearl or diamond studs (real or fake) go with everything. Similarly with necklaces etc. - a plain, fine gold or silver chain (Baukjen do some lovely ones) around the neck or wrist can look more upmarket than some big baubles.

I also don't get the thing about an expensive handbag - they just get chucked about all over the place (well, mine do anyway! Maybe if I spent more on them I wouldn't!) and don't do anything to flatter the body. If I have a spare £500, I am much more likely to spend it on a beautiful skirt suit or gorgeous dress that nips me in in all the right places, or super expensive black trousers than a bag (mine are usually cheap ones from John Lewis).

I also don't get the thing about an expensive handbag - they just get chucked about all over the place (well, mine do anyway! Maybe if I spent more on them I wouldn't!) and don't do anything to flatter the body

I used to think exactly this. I bought leather bags from Aldo or River Island - without fail the zips would break after about a year (cos I shove a laptop in there and stuff them full to bursting!) and the cost of getting the zip replaced would have been almost as much or more than the cost of the bag itself

I got fed up with buying a new bag every 12-18 months. I didn't want a new bag. I wanted the bag I liked with a decent capacity, had a proper zip and lots of pockets that looked half decent - and was now no longer on sale so I'd have to find a new one

I bit the bullet and spent an obscene amount on a Mulberry bag. It's 8 years later and it's still as good as when I bought it - and I treat it like shit!! I shove all my work stuff in it, it's been on pub floors, it's used 365 days a year and been in the pouring rain and stinking tubes

If I ever need a zip replaced or repair made I can pay to have it mended. But I've spent less on this one bag (I don't use anything else) than I did on all the cheap bags I had to replace when they invariably fell apart after what I considered reasonable everyday use

I'm not into designer bags - it just means I don't need to think about my bag cos it's semi indestructible and actually looks better with age!

Happy, if if you get fed up with Your current line of work you would make a great Personal Shopper!

Banana, I mean. Don't know it said that.

The bag thing- surely you can get a nice, good quality leather bag somewhere that lasts for ages and doesn't cost £1000 though?!! I have never had a designer handbag, I just couldn't ever think that was a good use of money, but I do think the Mulberry ones looks beautiful. Are there any other places that sell good quality leather bags but under £200?

I am fat and pregnant at the moment so not the greatest arbiter of style, buy friends always comment that I look out together so whilst I don't see it myself, I would love to believe them! 😂

So for me I would say, know what you like. I don't feel guilty about gravitating towards the same colours and styles.

I lead a very casual lifestyle so:

• Good quality, well fitting jeans.
• Tan leather sandals or ankle boots.
• Good bra (not on its own obviously)
• Look after my skin
• Good basic make up, neat brows and nails
• Neat hair. I fail on this at the moment as am growing out a pixie, but hey ho!
• Decent sunglasses
• Good quality bag. I only have two that I use regularly...A large tan leather shopper i had made and a grey leather cross body bag. Both go with everything and along with the North Face backpack I have for really long days out with the kids cover me for all eventualities.
• Appropriate accessories. I have a good watch, a good scarf and don't wear much jewellery.

Come summer I am a wee bit more casual as live on the beach, so have some rose gold havainas and tan leather flip flops I love in, turned up jeans, denim shorts etc. Slouchy linen tops to cover-up etc.

Look put together that should say. See? Even my fingers are fat! 😂

I have lost weight but am still large of nork, so I need new tops and dresses but struggle to find things that sit well! So I will lurk and peer with interest at the links.

The bag thing- surely you can get a nice, good quality leather bag somewhere that lasts for ages and doesn't cost £1000 though?!! I have never had a designer handbag, I just couldn't ever think that was a good use of money, but I do think the Mulberry ones looks beautiful. Are there any other places that sell good quality leather bags but under £200?

@Rockinghorsehay I'm sure there must be - would love some recommendations!! (loving this thread BTW OP). I just clearly chose very poorly as I'd spend £100 on a leather bag and then a year later if would be totally knackered.

I'm quite particular insofar as what I need a bag to do functionally. I found most designer bags were absolutely crap insofar as they were pretty but useless. I need a bag to hold a laptop & A4 documents, zip up securely, have external pockets for easy access to oyster card & keys, internal pocket for phone, lipstick etc, be able to be worn cross body etc. I'd never spend £1000 on a bag, but the £500 I spent on my mulberry means 10 years later it's probably the best value for money of anything I own. If I'd have found a bag that ticked all my boxes for £200 I'd have snapped it right up

My bag has been discontinued, so if anything ever happens to it I'm stuffed! So all and any recommendations for good quality, practical, leather handbags very gratefully received....

@brickinitIam ha, thanks! Tbh I could do with a personal shopper because I end up looking at the same stuff over and over again. There's only so many grey sweaters and breton tops a girl needs!!

I got a lovely Coach bag in their Christmas Sale at half price - so just under £200. Plus I love fossil bags - again usually under £200 (sounds as if I have dozens - I don't. One that is 10 years old, and one a few months old).

Osprey bags are fabulous, my current work bag is nearly 3 years old, used every week day and still looks like new cost £189 from memory.
Love Osprey linings as well.

Love this thread. I'm jumping on the bandwagon and getting some uniqlo shirts. I have a couple of silk ones I love but never wear (2 tiny DCs) but the uniqlo ones can be machine washed.
For good quality handbags that don't cost as much as Mulberry I really like the look of Milli Millu. I don't own one (yet) but I've got my eye on this one:
www.millimillu.com/shoulder-bags/the-mini-venice-nude-nude-suede.html

I would second Coach bags - I have bought 2 cross bodies in sale and they are fab quality. One I bought online from their website and the other at their outlet store at Bicester village.

I do like Osprey and quality usually good but have had a lining problem within one.

Both above have been better than my fossil purchase.

I love Coach bags.
I still have birthday money left over so I might start looking at bags. Or wait for a sale
I went into a few shops yesterday with the intention of buying something for my birthday, but all the clothes seem to have hideous prints and flowers plastered all over them.
In the past I've bought stuff like that and thought I looked nice in them, but the mirror told a different story, so off to the charity shop they went.

Back to the drawing board.

Patterns - especially big patterns around the face - are often tricky to wear, and rarely look 'expensive'.
I agree that clean, simple lines look best - fussy, faffy clothes usually look cheap even if they're not. Don't underestimate the power of a really great coat - I bought a stunning grey wool coat in the Hobbs sale this winter and it gets compliments every time I wear it, and makes me look smart and chic even when the clothes underneath aren't

I'm always reluctant to spend too much on a coat because I'm worried that by next year it will be out of fashion.
The lengths and collars are different every year it seems.

I suppose that's one advantage of choosing something that's a fairly classic style. It won't date as quickly.