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?

[GeorgeTheBleeder]

I think you are treated as you expect to be treated.
It’s not about wealth or silly designer labels. It’s about your own confidence and the courtesy of people you mix with.

Ha ha ha ha ha

Oh Cherry - if only that were true. Maybe it would be, if we could all choose exactly who we mix with. If only confidence and courtesy could fill up all the bullet holes ... Or even wipe out the memory of a million micro-aggressions.

There is nothing at all surprising in people wanting to give the impression that they are of a class of people who can expect to be treated well. It is a little surprising that anyone might not understand why.

[CherryPavlova]

Oh George, I understand full well that it is about confidence not wealth. People- particularly women- need to develop the impression of confidence as an effective tool with which to extract courtesy from others. If we persuade women it’s about a Barbour jacket, an Osprey bag or United Nude footwear we do them a huge disservice.
Most reasonable people are dismissive of designer outlet destination bargains but value the ability to make eye contact, to hold heads high and to ask for what is required. Far better to say “Can you put my case on the luggage rack please?” than hover about in a Burberry trench coat hopefully.

[GeorgeTheBleeder]

No, that’s not what I was talking about. I would never expect clothing to make a difference to whether someone helped a woman with a heavy suitcase.

But if you’re likely to be shot to pieces or to be repeatedly ‘unlucky’ in the job market - just because your face doesn’t fit - there’s some relief to be had from acquiring the outward trappings of the people whose lives appear more charmed.

I’m afraid ‘confidence’ isn’t really the issue if the policeman with the gun shoots you from the other side of your neighbour’s garden. Nor is courtesy much comfort when the first question you’re asked in an interview implies that you don’t belong in your own country ...

[tabardtherapist]

OP, there's a terrific thread (or two) called How to Look Expensive or something, from a while ago. It may even be in classics - it has terrific advice.

[tabardtherapist]

Oh, someone linked it 3 pages ago!

[evilharpy]

I love these threads!

A friend at work was looking fabulous yesterday in what I assumed was an expensive dress. When I complimented it she stage whispered at me "SSSHHH... IT'S FROM SAINSBURYS" She has beautiful skin and a lovely haircut and does have the skill of making anything look designer.

I'm starting to think that looking expensive is about 75% reliant on having good skin. Which is annoying. My hair is always ok (highlighted and blowdried or straightened although not poker straight), my nails are tidy, my shoes are always clean and polished and my clothes are always ironed, debobbled, properly fitting and decent quality, but I have rosacea and if it's flared up I look crap and (in my head anyway) a bit untidy.

[Loopytiles]

There’s a “how to look expensive” thread on here.

[Loopytiles]

Dislike the term “pieces” about items of clothing or accessories, it just means something expensive.

[howwudufeel]

I bought a coat from Primark last year on a whim. I have had people stop and ask me where it’s from. I have a leather backpack which again people always ask me about. Otherwise I wear jeans and brogues a lot.

[8FencingWire]

I wear Chie Mihara. Shoes that I can actually walk in! And last for ages :)

[fessmess]

😮 why would anyone care? Omg I have heard it all today!

[JQBased]

Primark is expensive to me 😂

[mummmy2017]

Always hold your head up even in the rain.
The words that come out of your mouth..
Not too much make up...
No trainers. Ever .
Pleated trousers, not jeans, with a soft white shirt.
No patterns... Make it match in colour.

[CountFosco]

I had an interesting experience in Hobbs. I'd seen a tote bag I thought would be good for work so popped into HoF after going for a swim at the weekend to have a look. I was just carrying my sports bag (no handbag) and was reasonably casually dressed but had a good quality woolcoat on. I took the bag I was thinking about off the shelf to have a look inside. The assistant looked at me with my sportsbag and very snottily said 'That bag is £200 you know'. I just smiled at her and said 'I know, I saw it on the website and wanted to have a look at it in real life'. Her attitude changed immediately and she went all obsequious and then told me the bag went with my coat. Obviously my accent and confidence overrode her initial opinion based on my sportsbag. So the moral of the story is don't carry a 20yo rucksack!

[fancynancyclancy]

You can look “expensive” without resorting to dressing like your 90. No jeans or trainers! Sorry but that’s nonsense imo.

[evilharpy]

CountFosco that's a horrible attitude! Have they not seen Pretty Woman??

[PaintingOwls]

CountFosco

wow that's incredibly rude. The simpering just made it worse imo.

Did you buy the bag?

[Almahart]

Bag makes all the difference. I don’t have branded bags but good quality leather bag I think makes everything look better

[insecure123]

Why are there always people "throwing daggers" in threads. if you ar enot interested in helping the OP or ar every much above trying to dress expensive then scroll on by

I like things quite tasteful OP (however I am frequently told I dress very old....) I like things quite plain and neutral, not too fussy. I like small and simple jewellery - studs, small pendants etc. I try and buy the best quality fabrics that I can afford. I have lots of shoes - an embarrasing amount - but majority of the time I sway between a pair od tan boots or tan loafer/driving type shoes. Both expensive but if I worked out price per wear probably the cheapest I have ever worn. I prefer tan to black. Also like real leather handbags and avoid obvious desinger/branding. I just don't like it personally. I prefer (what seems to me to be) quality over labels/designers. That said I do have a (tan - SURPRISE) Michael kors bag that I got 4 years ago. I bought it - not because of the brand - but because I loved the shape and style, it has multiple pockets inside plus the purse clip. It still looks good as new. It was when the branding was still just the name written in small letters though it did have that wee dangly tag with the big MK on - which I removed because that is too obvious/big for me. These are all just things I prefer though - not sure whether or not they class as looking expensive :) Hope that helps a little.

Oh an to your original post - I love a longhchamp bag! They are spacious and light to carry - also great for packing because they fold away. Clearly not classed as good enough for some ha but I love them.

[GreigLaidlawsbarofsoap]

Not much of a statement I'm afraid. Sorry if that sounds bitchy but I can't think of a nicer way to write it!

"I'm a complete snob and want all of MN to know I'm really rich, like really really rich".

There, fixed it for you, Hundred.

[HumptyNumptyNooNoo]

The richest person I know wears crappy old clothes and drives an old banger !
( not much help - sorry !)

[Floisme]

If the thread's going to be about wearing navy and tan and having swishy hair then it's not my thing. However I do know that if I feel well dressed (and I mean my version of well dressed) then I feel more confident. I even walk differently and I'm sure that has an impact on how people perceive me - the old 'clothes as armour' thing.

I can't afford to do it head to toe but I'll go to the top of my budget for:
Trousers - they just seem to hang better and keep their shape (but only if they fit well in the first which is another matter entirely).
Jackets / blazers - same as above. I'm talking tailored here - if it's leather I often can't tell real from fake.
Bad weather clothes - I used to be a cheapskate about this but last year I forked out for a Protected Species waterproof trenchcoat and honestly, feeling well dressed and dry when it's pissing down has been a revelation.

I don't budget as much for :
Bags - I'm just not interested and, if I do recognise a brand, I normally assume it's fake. (Sorry bag lovers.)
Shoes - I like them but I wreck them. (Except for Solovair which have lasted decades.)
Tops - need more washing so don't wear as well (although I love an expensive looking silk shirt).
Going out clothes - bad lighting, booze ... what's the point?

[Floisme]

As for people looking expensive in something from Primark or Sainsbury's - yes they can but I do wonder how many times they wear it. I've found it can look great the first couple of wears and then the next time I put it on, it looks like a used up tea towel and from then on, nothing I do can revive it.

[insecure123]

As for people looking expensive in something from Primark or Sainsbury's - yes they can but I do wonder how many times they wear it. I've found it can look great the first couple of wears and then the next time I put it on, it looks like a used up tea towel and from then on, nothing I do can revive it.

I notice this. I have bought a couple of cheap things that initially look lovely but after a couple of wears they start to look a bit rubbish and I can never quite put my finger on what it is but I think it is just that they lose shape, fade etc

[Floisme]

As for people looking expensive in something from Primark or Sainsbury's - yes they can but I do wonder how many times they wear it. I've found it can look great the first couple of wears and then the next time I put it on, it looks like a used up tea towel and from then on, nothing I do can revive it.