The “how to look expensive” thread

[Throwaway1066]

I remember this thread from possibly years ago, but search function is failing me.

Does any one have the link still? Or failing that…..any tips for looking “expensive”

By that I mean effortlessly stylish, simple pieces, maybe kinda like a Parisian!

Hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, fragrance, jewellery…. Everything! What’s you favourite “expensive” tip?

(bonus if it’s not actually expensive)

Thanks @GeriKellmansUpdo , she looks very comfortable in her own skin. A look I'd like to aspire to.

She looks very elegant.

New money is shiny/glossy but a lot more self conscious and looks very out of place in their bright white trainers/immaculate never worn country boots at the stables
Box white trainers as they like to say on Mumsnet, as though this will make them look ok with a dress. It doesn't.

This whole old money aesthetic is such a fired old cliche. Like all groups, there is no rule. There are people with little disposable cash that wear old shite because a) they really are not interested in fashion and b) all their money is tied up in their family seat and the upkeep of so they literally can not afford to buy new stuff
There are equal numbers of old money who do have free cash that dress fabulously in Loro Piana and Bottega Veneta with their SA on speed dial letting them know when the latest drop is in store

Not in our area, maybe it is more of a rural Vs city thing. Old money around here pretty much lives up to the stereotypes with the odd exception of those who also have careers eg doctors/surgeons/lawyers however they still dress down for the most part.

In my opinion- sharon stone in basic instinct dressed impeccably. Very muted colours, in clothes that appeared tailored and well fitting, accented by stylish pieces of gold jewellery (doesnt have to be real gold). Subtle makeup (eg either red lip or smokey eyes but not both at same time)

What looks cheap to me: garish colours/loud patterns, baggy or skin tight clothing, un-structured clothes, hair dyed patchy, unnatural colours with 4 inches of roots coming through, too much jewellery, cakey makeup, chipped nail polish, etc

I find this all very amusing.
A similar thing playing out in Canada with the nouveau rich Chinese mainlanders versus the Hk's. And there a real divide between mainlanders versus the locals in Hong Kong.
You can't identify who's a rich mainlander at all, as they often dress badly & look poverty struck. But then fork out massive amounts of money on designer goods.

This is Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister Lee. The photo was taken in the 1970s but it could have been taken yesterday.

They look incredible because they have perfect posture, slim figures, well cut understated clothes, clean hair, fresh make up and new accessories.

I am the woman in the yellow patterned dress behind them, thinking “btches whilst eating a Mars bar and nursing a hangover.

They both look fantastic. Jackie's 1970's style does seem like it could slot straight into 2023 in a way her signature 1960s pill box hat style obviously couldn't.

I agree - I think she looks far wealthier in the left hand pic unless the poster got the before and after mixed up? She looks like she’s off Towie in the second pic but maybe that’s some (younger) peoples idea of looking expensive these days? Bandage dress, lip fillers and a shitload of Botox?

a small detail I have noticed - socks. Patterned socks on woman look cheap.

Discreetly designer sunglasses in all weathers! You might look a bit of a twat at times but you will definitely look expensive.

Expensive, high maintenance or just fecking demanding?

I always feel really self conscious about this! I wear sunglasses all year round due to light sensitivity and with the exception of a Polaroid pair, the rest are all luxury designer. I suppose part of it probably being so confident and content in your own skin that you don't care! X

Oh dear, @Obeseandashamed , I apologise! But please take comfort in the fact that you have that much sought-after expensive look.

Don't worry no need to apologise! I have resounded myself to looking like a twat 🤣 I came on this thread as I have lots of expensive things but always feel like I look 'cheap' and scruffy so thought I could take some of the advice on here. I don't wear big logos and generally go for comfort and cause when deciding what to wear. 😬 x

So @Obeseandashamed you could well be an elegant twat, that would do me fine

Wow. I can't believe that was taken in the 70s. They look timeless. Definitely one for the Pinterest !

Okay, so to look wealthy and old money I need to buy one MASSIVELY expensive outfit with shoes and just wear them every day until I peg it.
Done.

@hermioneee would you like to borrow my Barbour? It is reasonably capable of going for a walk by itself.

Nope, pics are right way round! I'm 51, so definitely not young either!

Only if it smells of horses and spaniels

Spooky - I was about to describe a 30-something woman in front of me in M&S today but the photo of Jackie O's sister says it all except she was blonde!

Slim, thick blonde/subtle highlights hair in a low pony tail, light ankle grazers, tight navy top and some sort of orangey loafers, small cross body Kate Spade-like bag, light make up, manicured hands. The clothes were obviously expensive, you can just tell - I'm not sure you could get this overall look on a budget! Even when casually dressed, rich people look rich.

YY to the baggy clothes. I don't have a lot of time for Trinny Woodall these days (Charles Saatchi-related), but I remember her saying 'If you wear baggy clothes you look baggy' and it's stayed with me. It's so true.