Can we have a new how to look expensive thread?

[honeylou42]

For me it's Eyebrows well groomed, and ironed clothing. Tidy shoes and a beautiful handbag 👜

sowhat

I think skyscraper heels can look elegant for daytime, I have both of these on one of my Pinterest boards...

I should have added that I agree that the casual, made an effort but happy in own skin and not overly concerned with other peoples' opinions attitude really shines through and is an important part of it.
It is immediately noticeable when someone "thinks they're all that" to use an awful phrase and that instantly ruins any shred of classiness or elegance. An over abundance of ego makes anyone look tacky. As sowhat said, genuine modesty (not fake - that's even wise than ego!!!) and being gracious are so important.

Worse, not wise!

I always notice people's perfume and wonder how they make it actually smell iykwim. I think mine vanishes after about ten minutes, and I use eau de parfum rather than de toilette so it should be stronger.
A good strong smelling ( not in a rank way obv) gives me the impression of someone who is all pulled together.
What perfume do people use that still smells by the time they leave the house? I'm genuinely curious!

Well SoWhat, like I said, I'm no raving beauty but at my age, having survived huge stress and illness, which people would be shocked to hear of because frankly, it should have aged me dreadfully, I do count myself lucky that I have something (whatever it is) about me. I am painfully introverted and keep a low profile and am actually quite modest. Say what you like, it's true 😊

It's interesting with the leather skirt photo that @Softkitty2 has posted

I think it looks cheap not because it has high heels or a mini skirt, but because they're put together.

For example I think these outfits with leather mini skirts look to my mind more stylish and classy, because they're covered up on top and it's a more relaxed daytime look

Just my take, others may recoil in horror at how these are styled!

Good haircut
Natural makeup
Wear colours which suit you
Pearl earings
Nice boots autumn and winter
Manicure
Good posture

Softkitty2 those are expensive stilettos not stripper heels. There is a significant difference.

LV bags are far too common now to be classy and so many are fake that it has devalued the brand.

I always think Stripper Heels are those fugly clear platform soled shoes beloved of Courtney Stodden.

I bought a buffer for my poor,overwashed ,vinyl glove wearing hands.
My hands are not going to win me prizes but even after a week of wash/glove/wash/glove the nails are shiney and smooth as glass.
Re-sult

Not sure if everyone is over this thread but I have looked into this topic quite a bit and wanted to share what I have learned thru research & experience as people always think my clothes & accessories are much more expensive than what they are. Intelligence, confidence and good manners are definitely important. Having said that, when I had degrees and manners but had not perfected my grooming skills I wasn't able to pull the expensive look off. Hence, it's not only education & confidence that is needed but having nice eyebrows, shiny healthy hair, good skin, nice teeth and being in shape is just as important. I know from experience bc I am now over weight and it's not impossible but it is hard to pull this look off even though nothing else has changed. Good news is the most critical things are free/cheap. Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water make the most significant difference as this impacts your skin, posture, weight, etc. My best money saving trick is activated charcoal to whiten teeth. Works much better than whitening strips (not harsh on teeth, A LOT cheaper and gives natural look). With just this technique & regular teeth cleanings, people always compliment my teeth. Also, ACV works amazingly for shiny hair esp if you have hard water. To save money, I learned to cut & dye my own hair. Wear my nails short and do my own manicures. Suggest wearing nude properly fitted undergarments so they won't show under clothes. Wear clothes that are weather, occasion and age appropriate.
When scientists looked into beauty they concluded that symmetry is what ultimately makes someone look attractive. Studies show that most people prefer the "no makeup" makeup look so makeup should just be used to correct (dark circles, etc) and enhance. Also, wearing clothes that fit your shape is a game changer. I know some people will disagree but generally speaking dept. store makeup & skincare products are better than drugstore. Used to think there wasn't a difference until I tried free samples and now I won't go back. Good news is expensive stuff lasts longer throughout the day so don't have to reapply or repurchase as often. Truly believe it evens out in the end. Things most people don't think about are taking vitamins, avoiding food allergies that lead to bloating, meds for seasonal allergies which cause red,watery or puffy eyes.

Great tips Mecca! Where can I get activated charcoal?

I've read all the 'How to look expensive' threads so far and have come to the conclusion whatever I do/try, I'm not going to achieve the beautifully groomed, stylish, effortlessly chic look. I have thin, fine hair, a wonky nose, am 5' and have big boobs and an hourglass shape and look slightly like a benign hobbit. I've got short, neat nails, do my make-up subtly but nicely, wear simple clothes in navies/blacks/greys etc. I wear simple jewellery - small diamond/pearl earrings, tennis bracelet etc.
I STILL look like a benign hobbit. What I don't look is chic and elegantly groomed. I really think a lot might depend on how you look naturally which in many cases I see doesn't depend on being skinny and tall. I've seen lots of women of different shapes and heights who fit the 'expensively dressed' ideal.

disasterous
Having briefly looked at the thread it seems to be: be thin, be younger or look young, natural makeup, bnice skin, white straight teeth, have a full head of thick hair that's neatly styled. And that's before you put any clothes on.
Aka. You either have it it don't, or spend a fortune on cosmetic things to get that look.

Personally, I agree that people of all builds, ages etc can look well put together. But this thread isn't about being well put together it's about trying to create the impression of having more money than you do (and proving very quickly that this "effortless" chic that people want is far from effortless)

Maisy, back in the day, I was thin, obviously younger, had nice teeth, manicured nails, nice make-up and much thicker hair etc. Still looked like a bloody hobbit! I do agree that some people just can't pull the expensive look off.

Lisam78: I got a bottle off of Amazon but I would imagine you can get it in any grocery or drug store.

If your goal is to look 'expensive' then you are onto a losing horse.

If your goal is to look classy, elegant, cooly understated, approachable and genuinely happy in life, then there are a few simple rules:

1. Don't spend a fortune on 'bling' (gold hardware, LV logo bags, Michael Kors logo'd anything). This just screams insecurity: "Look at me!!! Look at what I can afford!!" Genuinely classy people do not need to shout about it.

1. Less is most definitely more. Simple, small silver or gold pendant necklaces. Nails painted short in a non-loud colour and definitely no bejewelled talons.

1. Kindness, manners and general polite etiquette. Listen to others and don't talk about yourself all the time

1. Don't talk too much about money or how much things cost

1. Raise polite , well mannered children (after all, they are a direct reflection on you)

1. Under-stated jewellery: don't get your engagement ring at Tiffany's just for the name - go to Hatton garden where you can get an even more beautiful gem at a lower cost

Unfortunately in this day and age to demonstrate real class and elegance takes a lot of self confidence. It's so easy to follow the sheep and invest in the usual bling labels in the hope of proving something to others. If however you invest in things because you appreciate their quality and longevity, that is true class and elegance in my humble opinion.