Pieces that trick people into thinking you're rich

[PaintingOwls]

Sorry about the wanky title, I don't quite know how to put this!

I have a friend who always looks very expensive and put together but whenever I ask where her clothes are from she will say Zara, Primark, etc. She says she gives off the vibe that her clothes are expensive because she has a few statement pieces that set the tone, so Ted Baker coat, Longchamp bag, Kate Spade purse. People see those and assume everything else is of the same caliber.

The only expensive thing I own is a Hobbs trench coat which I only bought because it was the perfect shade of beige. I have a black Harrods bag that I bought on sale to have a smart interview bag. I've been trying to use it more but it is a bit incongruous with the rest of what I wear.

I have noticed that when I wear the Hobbs coat people are more polite towards me, hold doors open, smile, move out of the way for me, men help me with luggage on trains... When I wear my denim or leather Primark jacket I get ignored and people barge past me.

Has anyone noticed anything similar?

I realize this isn't an exact science but if I was to buy a thing or two to help set the tone, as my friend says, what would that be?

[XingMing]

Men's shirts are difficult if your DH is not a standard size/fit. DH is 6"5' with a ridiculously long body and back (and rather short legs). Many years ago, he bought five custom-made shirts in Singapore for high street prices and thereafter I have taken one with me on visits to my sister in Dubai where we've bought shirt lengths (cotton and linen) in the Indian area and then taken the fabric and the template shirt to the tailor to have them copied to size. They are the only shirts that stay tucked in all day, and even the originals are still in regular use. After repeating the process a few times, he has 15 tailormade shirts that fit and rarely wears any others, but at almost the same price as M&S, which only fit where they touch. Sis no longer in Dubai, but we'll probably go back to Singapore one day so will replace then. It's much cheaper than Jermyn Street, and the result fits.

[zippyswife]

Good posture, minimal make up, a body that looks like it’s well looked after- yoga Pilates.

[scifibi]

@XingMing my dsis works in the clothing industry and gets a lot of her clothes made to a pattern from her favourite fit, she'll wear everything from Primark to top drawer designer...she enjoys clothes and really likes looking outrageous at times but looking rich would never be a consideration, it sounds too dull.

[XingMing]

@scifibi, I wouldn't bother either, but DH likes clothes that fit in colours he likes... he doesn't give a toss about looking rich. He wants exactly what he wants, clothes that fit him, in colours that he likes. He has no interest in looking rich, stylish or exotic, and yes, his clothes are dull. But if he were otherwise, he would stand-out in a room like a flashing light. He bought a sun hat recently, because his scalp will need protection at a couple of events he's attending this summer. It looks flamboyant on him because of his height, but style-wise, it's ultra conservative. If he were 5"8' not 6"5', you wouldn't see him and wouldn't comment, but because he's so tall and broad he has fewer choices.

Me, I love wearing stuff that provokes reactions! But at normal size, I can buy it off the peg in the high street, on the cheap.

[Aberforthsgoat]

@villageshop what is the wondrous petite range you speak of?!

[villageshop]

Please don't be disappointed when I say M&Co! I'm in my early sixties and felt I couldn't pull off the rock-chick look forever so wanted to look a bit more stylish, classic casual, not trendy. It's working for me though very much a work in progress!

[Alsohuman]

Oh @villageshop, you totally can pull off the rock chick look if you want to. It’s really sad to think you can’t. If that’s who you are, own it.

[GeorgeTheBleeder]

Debbie Harry is 73 villageshop. And I’m not sure anyone can be a rock chick unless they’re at least 60. (I’d consider myself too young in my mid-fifties.)

[XingMing]

george, you're such a provocateuse!

[villageshop]

Haha I was never even that good at the rock-chic look in the seventies so it's refreshing to finally embrace a different style altogether.

I am still a band groupie though DH is in his 60s too, not 19 any longer. I'm no Jerry Hall or Jo Woods and least of all Debbie Harry so I reckon I'm doing the right thing in finally learning how to dress like a grown up in clothes that actually fit without being sprayed on.

I feel a clear-out coming on... I hear Vintage denim is much in demand on Ebay. :)

[saucyspice]

I think the following items are worth the higher cost as you can wear them many times and they really pull together an outfit;

Rayban sunglasses
Hunter wellies
Barbour coat
Good leather boots for winter
Ponchos look very stylish in the winter
A good classic winter coat - well fitted and good quality material
Longchamp bag
Nice watch

Shoes and handbags are always the best areas to spend your money as the styles don't change as much between seasons so you can keep them for much longer and they'll still look as stylish

[OrdinarySnowflake]

Village shop - which petite range? I'm after adding some options.

[NoTheresa]

Why would you want to look “rich”? You either are or you aren’t so it’s an exercise in pointlessness to try to fake it.

[LadyOfTheCanyon]

I understand what you mean Theresa but sometimes, especially as I have got older, it benefits me to dress as though I am better off than I actually am. It cuts through the bullshit if I look like I mean business. I don't mean wearing a business suit, just fresh, clean, ironed and mended with appropriate heels and bag. It makes me feel grown up.

I completely understand why people say it's bullshit. It is. But I work in retail and although I try very very hard not to judge (I probably deal with 500+ people per day, so more than the average office worker) I do see recurring themes and attitudes that chime with the way people dress -or choose to present themselves- and I try and avoid presenting in the same way because I am aware that life is easier when other people assume certain things about you. No it's not great but there's only so many hours in a day and sometimes I just want to swish through in the fast lane.

[GeorgeTheBleeder]

You’ve put it so beautifully, LadyOfTheCanyon.

[NationalAnthem]

I do see recurring themes and attitudes that chime with the way people dress -or choose to present themselves Tell us more, please
!

[integrity28]

Grooming and posture are the key.