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?

These threads seem to end up pretty prescriptive. IMO wearing colours, shapes and styles that suit you and your body is the foundation (so no 'crisp white shirts' or coats with belts for me). Then personal grooming in top, clean shiny hair, well applied make up or none, neat nail polish or neat clean natural nails. Cared for cuticles. Feet with no hard skin.

Look at Hello magazine.

Who appears to look polished in your opinion.

Find further photos of them online. Make notes of what they wear, how they look.

Wear similar.

Oh and no nude tights. why? They're very much back in and finish off an outfit better than bare legs surely?

I also disagree about pattern and prints. I have a lot of tops with prints which I wear with smart trousers or skirts although I can never see animal print as expensive or classy even if it costs a fortune. But that's just my taste and each to their own of course.

But the basic rules of a good haircut, neat brows and nails and teeth are a good place to start.

I like the clothes worn in the TV series called Riveria. I read that they didn’t have a very large clothes budget so had to get creative to achieve the super rich look. The main star wears lots of classy shirt dresses and jumpsuits with amazing bags and shoes.

Get clothes that really fit, iron them and avoid
Minimal makeup to achieve a fresh/clean face.
Either wear leather or don't, never wear faux leather.
Healthy hair in its natural colour and regular haircuts.
Teeth whitening/straightening.
Short nails.
No tattoos.

I think I’d choose Tatler over Hello for style inspiration.

I agree with whoever said that they dont seem to see any stylish women these days. I think its the reliance on trainers and peasant dresses.

Yeah love the butterfly idea.

I agree re Tatler but Hello is cheaper.
Any magazine would do - you spot someone you consider dresses well and is polished and get other images of them and copy emulate them.

Who do you consider dresses well/ expensively/ is polished OP ?

A decent, good quality coat.
Hands manicured, always.
Good quality shoes, they don’t have to be designer but real leather etc.
Invest in a good conditioner and foundation!!

Agree that these threads shouldn’t get too prescriptive - I wouldn’t touch some of the things mentioned here but other people rock them. You’ve got to find your own way, but stealing bits and bobs from others as you go along.

Who do you think looks "expensive and polished" ?

I’m loving this thread, thanks OP.

@happytobemrsg - we definitely have some shared style love going on! I’m also a dungas fan and a leopard print fan! Your idea of not having basics and only wearing what you love is exactly what I’m aiming for. (I think sometimes I feel like I ‘should’ have basics!) I’m particularly interested in where you’ve found your lovely t-shirts and fine knit jumpers? Thanks for your help. 😊

P.S. Thanks to the others who have offered some great advice!

Look up Ines de la Fressange and copy her.

I love these threads. Sometimes I think it helps to recognise how you perceive others. Why don't you think someone else looks polished? I work with a lovely who wears so many layers/patterns/tassles that it reminds each to stick to clean lines/ simple colours.

@happytobemrsg i am in awe of you. You keep a calender of outfits? Did you learn about your colour, body shape from taking lessons?

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

More like a fat maggot in my case.

Anyway, how to look expensive and polished imo:

*lose weight (I've lost 4.5 stone although the 0.5 has come back on during lockdown!)
*wear dresses. It just makes you feel more glamourous. Like you are making an effort. Especially if it is a fitted work dress
*hair cut, coloured and styled
*tidy nails
*accessories - I have a knomo laptop bag and have invested in some silver fine jewellery.
*shoes - I got some nice Kurt Geigers although I hate wearing heels and can't really walk in them. Going to make an effort though.
*blazer - instantly makes you look smart or studious

Haha @wizzywig! I use the Stylebook app to catalogue all my clothes & pick my outfits. It saves time in the mornings & actually saves me money as I like to see where gaps are or whether something new will work with what I’ve already got. Re.colours & shape, I bought an online style analysis from Styled by Susie. It really helped me narrow down colours & dress for my shape. More importantly (I think) it gave me confidence to wear what I’ve always wanted to wear!

Good eyebrows

@Starfish83 my thin knits are from Only. They are called “textured pullover” on their website & are £18. They do lots of different colours. I missed out on the rust & I’m gutted 😢

As for T-shirt’s - I have 3 in particular which are excellent quality - (1) Hush - grey - but you expect good quality given the crazy prices!, (2) Zara - I have a lovely coral T-shirt which is a nice thickness, great colour & holds its shape really nicely & (3) Vera Moda- I have a Breton T-shirt which feels gorgeous & very expensive when it only cost £12. Not see-through either! They all go with my light blue mom jeans, my grey mom jeans, my plain dungarees & at least 2/3 of my Alexa baggy trousers. Other than that, I have a plain black & a plain white v neck T-shirt from new look which are pretty good but I don’t expect them to last.

Bright lipstick , good foundation. , Simple coordinated Clothes. (Think black and white) big handbag , accessories , sunglasses and a good haircut

@happytobemrsg

Is the flash t shirt from Hush? It’s gorgeous

It is @Dirky! I loved it but had to wait for the sale. It’s great quality but my only Hush T-shirt so far

@happytobemrsg

Thank you for mentioning that stylebook app!

I have literally lost a weekend photographing every single thing in my wardrobe and it's made such a difference to me already. Literally does save time because you just plan it out.

My six year old saw me doing it and has been creating outfits for me everytime she picks my phone up.

So many people think of a the same cloned appearance for a polished look ?
For me I wouldn’t dream of wearing a plain white t shirt or a blazer !! But that doesn’t mean I can’t look polished ! I think of Helena bonham carter who wears some wild outfits but still looks expensive !
I think the most important things are clothes that suit yourself shape and height and that you feel comfortable wearing .
Clean teeth - this is one of the most important and clean everything really ! Also not stinking of cigarette or alcohol .
A nice handbag - not a carrier bag / shopping bag!
Clean shoes . And not too many accessories .

This thread just shows how we all have different views of what looks expensive !