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What brands do posh people wear in London

333 replies

MrsDeadlock · 26/12/2020 17:37

I am northern, and not posh. However I do have a fancy job that usually requires a level of travel.

There is a dress code that I'm not very good at reading for my London based contemporaries. Think Meg and Julia in Motherland types.

What brands do these types wear? I can spot a Mulberry handbag at ten paces usually but the rest is baffling and I'm genuinely intrigued. They always look so well dressed!

Please help me, I can't ask in real life!

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MrsDeadlock · 28/12/2020 16:09

I like the Emma Hill look, single and understated. I've never worn camel or cream colours before. I prefer a darker hue. I'm a very pale celt. Neutral colours can look horrific on me. Although tbf I've not tried in about 20 years so maybe I could try again.

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MrsDeadlock · 28/12/2020 16:10

I'm really pleased others are enjoying the thread Xmas Smile

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jillypill · 28/12/2020 16:18

I'm a very pale celt. Neutral colours can look horrific on me.

Snap

DazzlePaintedBattlePants · 28/12/2020 16:28

In clinic around here, male consultants almost always wear a shirt and tie. Women wear smart trousers and shirts, generally avoiding knitwear. It’s extremely conservative, to my mind.

Makeup is almost non existent, shoes are very much in the function over form mould. At the moment it’s a moot point as we are mostly wearing scrubs for hospital duty.

MrsDeadlock · 28/12/2020 16:30

@jillypill what colours do you wear?

I've gone down a bit if a Mango wormhole now thanks to Emma Hill. Mango is one of those brands that makes my previous comment about being northern relevant. We used to have Mango up north, now I've not seen it in years. Maybe it can be my Zara?

I think I would like to see a stylist, especially about colours and shapes. Is an online one where they look at you and send you stuff to try on at home a thing? I think I would like that.

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lottielimejuice · 28/12/2020 16:34

@MrsDeadlock. Style Doctors online and in person style advisors x

GrumpyHoonMain · 28/12/2020 16:42

In my experience the rich tend to shop close to their homes / workplaces. So you will generally find everything you’re looking for on Kings Road, Canary Wharf or the upscale shops at Westfield in central london (avoid the one in stratford). If you’re looking to buy all this up north then I’d pay a visit to Manchester or Birmingham and visit a department store that stocks the brands - selfridges / harvey nicholls etc.

jillypill · 28/12/2020 16:43

I don't dress particularly classic so it may not be helpful. I do wear lots of grey marl & black but if it's a coat I will brighten it with a nice coloured scarf from say Acne.
Navy is nicer on me than black & I like it with denim. Green & blue is flattering on me but don't wear it much tbh. I like whites & cream but end up spilling food on myself!

Don't touch beige, tan or camel as look dreadful.

I quite like prints & have my eye on a check Marant coat in the sale

Mcmcmcmc · 28/12/2020 17:05

Hi @MrsDeadlock I am in healthcare in London. I’m senior but don’t have a formal leadership or management role, so I will comment on what I see other managers wear.

Most female clinical directors or senior managers here (NHS Trust) don’t dress particularly expensively or stylishly. Many cycle to work so dress casual but with a smart touch, eg nice jacket.

If you are in the NHS, I would say avoid anything remotely flashy or that has a recognisable brand. As you know, many people in the NHS work hard but don’t get promoted out of relatively low- or average-paid jobs, so a clinical manager dressed in all over silk with high heels and Hermes bag would send the wrong message. I know that’s not how you want to dress, but I’m exaggerating for effect here Grin

The best dressed senior women in my Trust wear relatively fitted or structured clothes (not tight, of course), nice but understated jewellery (nothing too dangly as it’s against hospital policy) and little but flattering makeup. A good haircut and style are also key.

I suggest investing on a couple of really well-made jackets and shoes. If you like brogues or flat boots I suggest Church’s - it’s expensive but not flashy, and the quality is undeniable. I also like Ferragamo flats or low heeled pumps, but they do have the brand name on them which is a bit distracting and maybe a bit flashy. Gucci has good loafers and most styles don’t have any recognisable logos.

For jackets or blazers I suggest Isabel Marant, either the main brand or their sister brand Etoile. I have a long black blazer by IM and literally every time I wear it I get compliments.

Matt and Nat bags are actually very good quality. I have a leather-look backpack for my laptop and people always comment on how nice it is. Their styles are very nice, particularly the structured ones.

Respectabitch · 28/12/2020 17:15

God I miss the office. I just really can't get away with dressing like I'm in the office when I WFH, due to the grabby toddler

I also miss raiding the Gold Label rail in TK Maxx. Mostly total crap but the occasional discounted designer gem. I have a gorgeous wool Theory top I found there.

friendlyflicka · 28/12/2020 17:32

@Respectabitch I have a disability and can't work anymore. But everyone so often I put on grey slacks and a shirt and pretend I am an office worker for the day and all of my friends say how smart I look, and that seems to help. I do love work trousers

ButwhereisMYcoffee · 28/12/2020 17:47

I am SO loving this thread. Love lovely S&B.

ButwhereisMYcoffee · 28/12/2020 17:49

Also could I just say that although I am FULL of innate good taste and an Emma Harte-like eye for a well cut item, I’m currently lying on my bed in a decathlon fleece riding hoody (I don’t ride), ancient uniqlo thermal cords and about a stone of Xmas/lockdown podge.

PoulePouletteEternellement · 28/12/2020 18:13

I also miss raiding the Gold Label rail in TK Maxx.

Noooooooooooooo ! How could you?Xmas Grin It's my personal secret. No one else knows about the Rochas and Calvin Klein, the Chloe and Margiela ... It's the reason why I have almost zero knowledge of popular High St brands (aside from a rare emergency dash through Cos or Zara).

MrsDeadlock · 28/12/2020 18:23

@Mcmcmcmc If you are in the NHS, I would say avoid anything remotely flashy or that has a recognisable brand. As you know, many people in the NHS work hard but don’t get promoted out of relatively low- or average-paid jobs, so a clinical manager dressed in all over silk with high heels and Hermes bag would send the wrong message. I know that’s not how you want to dress, but I’m exaggerating for effect here

I'm loving the mental image of that clinical manager right now Grin

You've reminded me of a female NHS chief exec I used to work for about 15 years ago who pulled this look off spectacularly. But she was top boss and had a boyfriend in Monaco who she used to visit every other weekend. We would occasionally have swap shops in the office and we would literally dive on her stuff, she was very generous with Hermes scarves.

I'm off to look at Church's now

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notwavingbutdrowning5 · 28/12/2020 18:26

The world of Insta bloggers is new to me. I've just had a look at Death by Elocution, Emma Hill etc and it's all very lovely, but basically they look like models. Is there anyone on there equally stylish but 40+ and who looks as if they might have actually given birth at some point in their lives?

CaveMum · 28/12/2020 18:31

@notwavingbutdrowning5

The world of Insta bloggers is new to me. I've just had a look at Death by Elocution, Emma Hill etc and it's all very lovely, but basically they look like models. Is there anyone on there equally stylish but 40+ and who looks as if they might have actually given birth at some point in their lives?
It’s new to me too, but I have been following beautifuleveryday_uk for a few weeks.
MrsDeadlock · 28/12/2020 18:31

@notwavingbutdrowning5

The world of Insta bloggers is new to me. I've just had a look at Death by Elocution, Emma Hill etc and it's all very lovely, but basically they look like models. Is there anyone on there equally stylish but 40+ and who looks as if they might have actually given birth at some point in their lives?
Yes this! I want the IG of someone stylish who is juggling a couple of small kids, a challenging career and inadequate childcare.
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hollyangel · 28/12/2020 18:33

@@notwavingbutdrowning5

So true. I love their style, but unfortunately, after 2 c-sections and carrying baby weight that I have no place blaming on a baby, lots of this stuff will always look dreadful on me.

Does anyone else find all jumpers and tops soooo short? I think my boobs, combined with a long torso, make so many jumpers and blouses turn into belly-tops on me!

pinkhousesarebest · 28/12/2020 20:15

If you like Mango, you will also like Masssimo Dutti. I also quite like Gerard Darrel and Pablo. Though it can be very classic.Have a look at Vestiaire Collective for bags. I just got myself a Lancel bag that I have loved for a long time but at a great price. There are loads of Longchamps on.

glas14368 · 28/12/2020 21:13

Following this thread with interest. Thank you OP for posting. I'm now planning to go sale shopping after some of the recommendations with my Christmas money.

My wardrobe is so hum drum and I feel forever drab - hoping to make some changes

BangingOn · 28/12/2020 21:20

I am loving this thread, I like a lot of the designers being mentioned and have discovered a few new ones. Much more interesting than the standard issue ‘how to look expensive’ threads.

TeaAndHobnob · 28/12/2020 21:43

I don't think Church's are as good quality as they used to be since being bought out by Prada.

The prices are high but i think of them as more fashion than good quality British footwear these days.

I would have a look at other classic British brands. Trickers, Crockett & Jones etc.

CommanderBurnham · 28/12/2020 21:47

Have you watched the split?? I love the styling on there. Very London.

Maybe consider a stylist?? In London. A lot do them online so you wouldn't have to travel.

Eve · 28/12/2020 22:08

Try winser London, it’s quite classical.