How to look expensive/polished

[SunshineOverStress]

Can we have another one of these threads please? I know there’s not much need what with lock down right now but I want to completely overhaul my style to look classy and will be starting from complete scratch!

What are the key items I would need to get me started?

Oh I will be watching this thread (or if there are any other threads like this please point me in the right direction). I would love to know how to do this.

Good idea! Can someone post a link to the last one too?

Watching. I'm three stone overweight and of disproportionate shape (no boobs, just fat) and feel like I will never look polished.

Also watching ☺️

Watching!!

Iron your clothes
Polish your shoes
Keep your hair tidy
Cut your nails

Big fan of the idea of emerging from this lockdown like a butterfly 😁

Oh God the last time there was a thread like this I spent soooo much money....

Good haircut
Try to buy better quality stuff that lasts (and nothing made in China)
No tattoos
No garish nail colours
Not too much make up

I'm probably not the right person to advise, but I would say buy the best quality clothes you can afford in classic shapes and styles. Good quality clothes last for years. Pay particular attention to quality of fabric and tailoring.

Spend the money on good haircut, good coat, decent shoes and a nice handbag. Having your eyebrows threaded always helps you look more groomed.

Simple clothes, amazing natural fabrics. Less synthetic fabrics as possible. Clear skin, simple makeup but excellent foundation and done eyebrows (worth getting professional advice). Hair always done even if quick blow-dried/ straighten at home. Luxury watch like an AP, Rolex, Cartier. Silk scarf. I always notice accessories more than the clothes.

The only way to look groomed is to be groomed.

Watching I definitely need help with this

Keep all your metal the same colour.... Notice zips, buckles and trims on bags and clothing when buying and go for only silver or only gold. Make sure your jewellery is the same metal.

I don’t look polished or expensive but I do look put together in regards my own particular style
(SBS has described it as a “girl next door with an edge” & I feel it’s pretty accurate). I like the 90s look - mom jeans & dungarees mixed with feminine midi dresses & leather belts.

This is how I do it:
• Stick to cuts which suit my shape - I’m a slim hourglass. Trousers/dresses nipped in at the waist look best on me.
• Have a colour palette - neutrals: black, off white, charcoal, colours: rust orange, petrol blue & various greens. I have an Autumn colouring so these colours look great on me. By sticking to only a few colours, everything in my wardrobe goes with each other - it means I need less clothes but also that even on days when I thrown clothes on, I look put together. You can see what I’ve worn so far in April in the attached photo.
• Be confident - I wear clothes that make me feel good. It’s definitely not everyone’s style (my own sisters would question my dungarees for sure) but I love it & when I feel good, I stand taller.

Get things altered if necessary so they fit perfectly.

Short unpainted/painted in a nude colour nails.

Natural minimal make up (only enough time correct skin tone/lick of mascara to colour lashes is necessary).

Either natural hair colour or a good quality professional hair dye with lowlights and highlights. Greying hair is far better than a flat box dye.

Blow dry (you can get these brilliant blow dry brush things to do one at home which is easy).

Clean and pressed clothing in a fairly neutral unfussy style (well cut jeans and a crisp white shirt will always look more expensive than on trend printed trousers with a fussy top).

Well maintained and clean shoes.

Oh and no nude tights.

I think remembering less is more- one decent handbag/coat that's good quality. Well groomed natural nails rather than huge fake talons (I know not everyone agrees with me)

Good skincare, the ordinary is excellent and well priced.

Take care of your clothes: fix buttons, holes, loose seams etc.

In lockdown I've been sorting out my clothes and getting rid of things that don't fit or don't suit me. Also been repairing lost buttons etc. I've been doing facemasks and a home peel) (I use Ole Henriksen power peel).

Less is more. Look up Jessica Rose Williams - she's got great ideas for an unfussy, minimalist wardrobe.

Unfortunately ironing your clothes makes a big difference.

Critically appraise what you wear. I work with people who are clearly wearing the same makeup for the past 15 years and it’s super aging. Less is more.

Plan, plan and plan. Rotate wardrobe seasonally - give you more space to hang things up etc. Also sometimes get out of your comfort zone - worst case scenario, you send it back (looking at you, harem pants)

I think from looking at others it seems to be:
Hair no longer than shoulders, ideally an all over type of shade or with babylights (this is definitely not me right now)
Nude/red/burgundy/plum shellac nails
Plain tailored clothes in natural fabrics. Chinos, shirts, ballet pumps, boots, minimal jewellery (studs and a ring and a watch or studs and a necklace and bracelet) dresses which tie at the waist, neutral or nautical colours, camel coat, mac in navy or camel, two bags of high quality which are in black, navy, camel or grey. Less is more, minimal make up, get your eyebrows dyed and threaded and your lashes permed and dyed. A facial once every 6 weeks, haircut needs to be regular as well. A cashmere cardigan is a must. If you do have a print make it on your cardigan and the rest of your clothes quite plain.

Love the comment about gold and silver zips, buckles matching. I feel like that's me 😂

Designer inspiration is hobbs, joules, maxmara, whistles, triology, sandro, weekend at John Lewis. You can find things you like and then Google cheaper alternatives and get these at next, h&m, warehouse etc. However, I would invest money in good shoes and coats.

Years ago when I was a young girl I read a good book called A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions by Geneviève Antoine-Dariaux

I don't follow all of the above but I try. You end up having a capsule wardrobe you wear more than if you bought lots of stuff regularly, so can help with expenditure in the long run :)

Less is more. Look up Jessica Rose Williams - she's got great ideas for an unfussy, minimalist wardrobe.

Oh god I just recently came across her on you tube. She's unbearable, what's that awful gurning continuous smile she does whilst talking. She talks sooo slowly it's painful to listen to. I think she's too busy adoring her reflection.

Also the lady who said about being overweight, I really don't think that matters. I had a friend years ago and she was about 2 and a half stone overweight but she dressed impeccably. Very twinset and pearls but we were about 20 at the time and she would team it with nice smart trousers or jeans and pumps. Honestly, she always looked polished. So please don't be too hard on yourself ❤️