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?

Silk pjs and wash and brush your hair. Possibly some of those little mule slippers with the fluffy feathers on too.

It's the lockdown polished look.

I can never understand why people want to rewrite the same things over and over. Click the search button, then write “how to look expensive” or “look polished” in the search bar and check the box marked Search Titles Only. Here are just a few of the many many threads on this topic. Apologies if the links aren’t clicky but you will probably want to search yourself anyway as there is so much info available.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/shorthaul/3672039-summer-2020-looking-expensive

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2537782-How-to-look-expensive

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2545302-How-to-look-expensive-2

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3855671-how-to-look-expensive-in-a-pandemic

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2591196-How-to-get-that-polished-look

Be slim with a great haircut & good shoes

Don’t forget teeth. If you have any money to spend (unlikely at the moment) spend it on your teeth if they need it. If you can’t afford braces etc just whitening can make a huge difference. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone who isn’t lucky enough to have good teeth, it’s just I know lots of women who Botox, expensive haircuts, clothes etc but with teeth that could do with improving. The best whitening is from the dentist, who can make trays. Bit of an investment to begin with but they only need making once and then you can keep topping up with the bleach solution for years.

Getting your colours done is a good place to start. There are a few different companies who do this. Your wardrobe will then all go together and they’ll tell you the right shades for your hair and makeup. They can also advise on which style of clothing suits you best, ie classic, pixie etc.

Other than that it’s all about effort. Take extra time to get ready. Always on top of your nails, hair washed and dried, clothes clean and ironed, shoes clean.
One thing I never do is sit around in my clothes at home. Always change into lounge wear (scruffy stuff or pjs). This way your clothes stay nicer for longer. No elbows or knees in them, no stains from food etc. It’s about looking after everything you have.

Agree about teeth & looking as healthy as possible.

I don't agree with some of the clothing rules.

Thanks for the support @Fawnandwren I know loads of over weight women and they look amazing because they are in proportion: I am not. I am a size 18-20 but weirdly have no boobs, so I just look like a jelly mess. Not apple, not pear, so it's really hard to get clothes that actually fit. All tops in my size have very generous chest area/boob pockets, which I don't fill, so things hang off my front on top. I've not gutted about it or anything, other than losing a huge amount of weight (which I'm working on) or getting a boob job it's not going to change. It just means that nice shirts on a normal (fat) person will look more dish rag than polished on me lol.

happytobemrsg, I love your description - “well put together” and, therefore, looking groomed. This is definitely what I aspire to. Minimalist as a whole concept just doesn’t work for me - I adore pattern, colour and vintage finds. I’d really love to limit my colours, but am scared I’d have to get rid of lots of great finds. However, I think this might be the way forward for me! Any more tips? Would be great to hear some more x

P.S. SunshineOverStress, sorry to crash your thread with my last post! I’d definitely agree that a good, well-maintained haircut helps with looking groomed. I have very long hair but am thinking of going back to a blunt, precision cut bob post-lockdown. I had one a number of years ago and I always received lots of lovely comments about it and it definitely felt really stylish. 😊

Simple, tailored clothing. Not too many layers or baggy items. Making sure your skin is healthy and no heavy makeup. Nails manicured and shoes kept in very good condition, polished etc. Hair should be done and make sure you smell nice but not overpowering perfume.
It's an upkeep daily

Start with the underwear. Pants that don't leave a VPL. A bra that doesn't give you a quadboob.

Stick to a colour palate. I am warm colouring so lots of camel, tan, brown in my coats, bags and shoes. I do have some black but find tan/brown leather looks more expensive. Cream over white. I wear mostly gold jewellery and have gold zips, fastenings etc if can help it.
In my colours I opt for rusts, mustards, greens etc

If I was cool colouring I would go more for grey, navy’s and charcoals, silver jewellery, whites over creams. And again cool colours like cornflower blue etc.

@starfish83 I don't see why you can't wear pattern, colour etc. Confidence is a big part of looking good.

Thanks tontie. 😊

When I bother its the way I look, it's the bothering that's the issue, sometimes i just dont!

Hair...always well blow dried and styled, a good cut us important and colour helps.
Ironed clean clothes in Good condition.
Make sure your clothes fit, stay away from lycra and stretch as much as possible and get ordinary clothes altered (you can do dome yourself with practice if you put them in Inside out and pin them in place then sew).
Clothes that suit your body shape and style rather than being fashionable go with a personal style.
Smart clean shoes and handbag that go with your outfits, you need to change the bag often -i just don't bother Anymore !
Tidy eyebrows and light make up, enough to brighten you but not enough to look conspicuously made up. It will still be obvious you are wearing it though.
Nice looking sunglasses.
Minimal jewellery and a pair of small earrings.
Clean tidy nails, short, I think nude is nice but dark red looks polished. Shellac is great but after a couple of wears makes my nails incredibly weak.
Shiny teeth- get them cleaned a couple if times a year with airflow (its fantastic).
Do pilates to improve your posture, it strengthens your core n improves your shape and tone but makes you stand much better so you look and feel better overall.

I must read my own rules back and start applying them again when lockdown ends!

@Starfish83 who do you admire for the way they dress in real life or celeb life?

agree with all above. and subtle colors. and i think straight hair or less wavy.

Crisp white shirt with navy blue blazer and navy jeans. Never goes out of fashionEnsure everything you wear fits properly even if it means taking it to the tailors. It doesn't matter, even if you're large or slim, you can look very expensive if you your clothes fit well. Good shoes that are well kept and look newish.

Really good, flattering haircut and colour
Expensive classic coat
Nothing tight, and everything subtle
Be thin and tall with good posture and good skin

@happytobemrsg What's the wardrobe app you're using?

@tontie, that is a very good question and trying to pinpoint people whose style I admire could be helpful. It’s actually quite hard to select someone’s while style (without adaptation), so I guess I’m like a pared-down Carrie from ‘Sex in The City’ (minus the heels) or a prettified Fearne Cotton (and I mean clothes-wise, obviously - I think she’s very pretty!). I love a bit of theatricality in style. One day I might wear a simply cut black jumpsuit with a feature pair of big, arty earrings and the next a heavily patterned vintage tea dress with DMs. A little eclectic, perhaps, but I still like well-cut clothes and like to be able to smarten things up with a little jacket, so not one of those people who throws on 6 different patterns and looks fabulous. (I’m happy to mix patterns but would draw out matching colours/tones, if that makes sense?) Hope this gives you an idea...! x

whole (not ‘while’!)

It’s Stylebook @depressedindoors

@Starfish83 have a look at Trinny (of Trinny and Susanna) fame. She is probably older than you and may not be your style, but she is fabulous at putting colour together and prints. She has closet confessions on you tube. She always looks polished.