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?

I always assume heavily labelled designer bags are copies. ALWAYS. Even when I know the owner is wealthy.

As always on this type of thread, I think the idea is look like you are in charge and to be respected. It's nothing to do with wealth and often lication specific. Where I live, if you look famous are entitled, you get respected. Get your nails done. Get your hair cut & blowdried weekly. Buy stuff that looks well made with good fabrics. Get thin and (usually) tanned.

I don't have recommendations for specific items unfortunately and I think that's what the OP is after, essentially.

Ha ha I wouldn’t mind being a kept woman! but I bought my bag myself. Although it is a Mulberry which is considered passé now apparently

Mulberrys are a bit different. To me they say “I bought this myself when I got my first proper job / bonus, or with the last of my maternity pay”. Or “My mum gave me this for my last big birthday. Such a surprise - I’d only asked for some face cream!”

I'm not rich but folk always tell me I look 'elegant' even in cheap jeans and an old sweatshirt.
In all honesty I think it's because I'm very slim, with shiny chin length hair and my one and only weakness is spending money on my nails!
One of my friends is like this - she is graceful, has an amazing figure, over 50, she looks really good in classic clothing - a pair of jeans, white shirt and blazer and she really does kill it. Now if i was to wear the same clothing - I'd feel frumpy and dull...I can't do classic at all, it just doesn't suit me!

@JuJuMu I appreciate it now I'm older (old!) but when I was younger I didn't want to be described as classy or elegant. I was desperate to be like my friends who were always described as fit, sexy or hot!!!

Slim, shiny hair, shiny skin ... it's a theme, yes?

It seems to be. And it’s completely ignoring OP’s question because you can’t buy any of those things except perhaps the hair.

A hard life shows on someone's face.

A hard life shows on someone's face.

It really does. And it’s doubly unfair that visible physical evidence of poverty or great unhappiness makes it all the more difficult to find a way out of the hard situation. This is an overwhelmingly good reason for trying, even if disinclined, to ‘make the best of oneself’. Occasionally spending ‘food’ money on conditioner or swallowing one’s pride and borrowing a jacket for an interview, even if life seems hopeless.

I used to work in a high end shop, how I knew who had real money and class they treated me like an equal and had impeccable manners. The try hards not so much. So for me to look rich, be nice treat everyone well, be confident and be yourself.

Yup. I feel like i should give up because what happened to me shows in every line on my face. It's offputting. Other people don't want to see what a shit time I've had every time they look at me

Have confidence, be polite, don't wear anything obviously flashy or over the top.

I have some things that make me feel good, but they are subtle - small (fake) diamond studs, non-logo leather bag, dark jeans. I try to wear plain colours, no patterns or sparkly bling.

I find that taking time to do my hair and wearing this lipstick finishes off an understated look.

I think wearing a few simple gold items of jewellery such a a thin gold chain and a gold bracelet. Small, discreet earrings.

Cashmere, linen, cotton, plaid.

Leather boots or delicate heels.

Neutral nail polish or a subtle French polish.

Natural makeup and lipstick, groomed and not over done brows.

I’m amused by the Tk Maxx snobbery on this thread.
The richest people I know shop in Tk Maxx including myself ( I’m not rich). They don’t generally wear known obvious designer brands. They are normally thin and have expensive cars. In China/Hk expensive watches are an indicator of wealth.

Spend your money on the basics as said upthread. Good jeans, belt, quality t-shirts, thin merino jumpers ( I agree Uniqlo are fab for this... and cheap but don't look it), nice flat boots or trainers look casual but chic. Spending more on t-shirts has been a revelation for me - the Me and Em ones are fab and really do look more expensive on.

Good bras, socks and tights make a massive difference. I get Wolford opaques for Christmas every year and they are indestructible. They cost a fortune but last forever if looked after ( a bit). I always wear shapewear and go to Primark for it - cheap as but make an enormous difference to the line of clothes.
I noticed a woman who was wearing gorgeous brogues and wool ankle skimmer trousers - looked lovely but the cheap socks really spoilt the whole look. I upped my sock quality after that.

@DameDoom Can you link to the Me & em t-shirts please. I have been put off cotton jersey t - shirts as I've got older as they look like rags on me after a few hours.

www.meandem.com/supersoft-crew-neck-tee-fresh-white
They are cotton/modal so have a lovely, expensive looking drape that can be lacking in 100% cotton t-shirts. They are low in sizes at the minute.

Openupyourmind I also rate these t-shirts www.baukjen.com/collections/tops-tees/products/baukjen-roll-cuff-tee-classic-navy and they have all sizes in. I have gone a bit t-shirt mad after years of not wearing them. The sleeves are v flattering on a 47 year old arm too.

Thank @DameDoomI had a black modal t shirt from M&S years - it kept its shape and colour, it was fabulous - lost it when we moved house and have never found another. I'll keep an eye out for the re-stock.

www.baukjen.com/collections/tops-tees/products/ellen-safari-shirt-darkest-navy these Baukjen safari shits are the shiz too. I have navy, khaki and white - so drapey and look really lovely on. I can't do a starched white cotton shirt anymore as my neck is crepey but these look fab. There is some shoite on the Baukjen site but some absolute gems. There is a 20% code if you do some googling - I used it this morning so still valid.
I must disagree with the poster who said don't wear trainers if you want to look expensive. In 2019, jeans and heels look dated and a bit naff. I suppose you could look rich like a Real Cheshire Housewife but I doubt that many MNers would be going for that look. I may be wrong.

@DameDoom I love those shirts - have to be a bit careful with fluid fabric as it can emphasize my boobs moving too much! Agree about trainers - I love tennis shoes, Spring Court are my favourite but plain white stan smith styles are cheap and they all look more or less the same.

One thing I do notice on these ‘how to look rich’ threads is the advice to aspire to virtual invisibility! Quiet clothes, inoffensive jewellery, demonstrably mainstream hair. It doesn’t make possession of wealth look much fun!

Quite honestly the best thing about being rich should be the freedom it brings. Freedom to express oneself without fear of troublesome repercussions. So you might get a full face tattoo because you don’t have to attend interviews for office jobs. You can dress as you like, dye your hair any colour, have a mouthful of gold teeth. All this navy and beige timidity seems ... slightly off the mark.

George eccentricity all the way

You just made me laugh George.

However off I go for a walk. Very very boringly attired. Jeans, brogues, shite stuff top, cardi. Good hair, good teeth, good jewellery. I like to blend, I think it's good to be humble.