Has how to look expensive / polished changed?

[Newpeople]

Inspired by the Chanel bag thread which is a great read.

The many previous threads on here describe (to me) what seems like a very dated look. Even a bouncy blow dry now seems old fashioned.

Anyone fancy discussing what makes someone looked polished / expensive these days? In my experience (people I know and have met) it’s vastly different and much more casual these days.

@Baffledandalarmed i don’t find the old money scruffy look to be polished at all personally. Looks like it might smell of Labrador 😆

Loved Wendy Rhodes style!

Nicola might not be a size 8 but she’s pretty close 🤷‍♀️

it’s much easier for a slim 50 year to look polished v a fat 20 year old.

Following this with interest. I WFH every day and look like a bag of sh*te. I don't need to ever go on camera. Even when I do go into the office I feel I don't look polished. I dream of having a polished look. have just booked a haircut and my nails in. I need to work on my clothes. I would love to have my teeth a few shades whiter than they are I just think it looks so much more healthier. But I cannot afford it.

There is looking like you have new money, looking like you have old money and looking like you have money.

New money is an obvious look: wanting to look like you spent lots of money on beauty treatments, hair, clothes, accessories, car, decor, jewellery.

Old money is (in some cases deliberately) looking like you have extremely good genes, expensive hand-me-downs and heirloom jewellery etc

Then there is just looking like you have money which is shiny beautifully styled hair, groomed short nails, nice tailoring and good fabrics, nice things in your home, tasteful jewellery etc

As 'a woman of build', ie. untoned and overweight....yep, it's true. I'm not unhappy with how I look on the whole, after all, I've looked this way for nigh on 40+ years and have had plenty of time to get used to it. I like to think I dress well and prefer quality of clothing over quantity. The same goes for makeup, accessories and footwear etc., but even so, I know I will never look as sophisticated and sleek as a size 10 counterpart who dresses similarly.

Being tall definitely helps. I'm very slim but only 4'11. I spend a lot on subtle beauty treatments, skincare, haircare etc. I think I look healthy and glowing but at best I reckon I look cute rather than polished.

Depends. I wear Issey Miyake Pleats Please. I always receive compliments.

@Sebsaloysius I am sure you look fab, but I have to agree here that a size 10 (or similar) in the same clothes & accessories would have a bit more edge in terms of looking more sleeker/put together.

PS I am most def not a size 10 and never will be

totally agree

can you look polished in casual wear eg black sweaty betty leggings, white (label) trainers and a fitted hoody (good quality, not cheap looking) ? and accessorise with subtle jewellery

I think a hoodie, never. But leggings yes.

I think Nicola in the Split looked quite dated and stressed rather than polished / expensive.

I can’t find the post but someone said it’s more arty now and I totally agree!

Looking like you have collected things rather than you do a 2 x a year personal shopping day

@Dallasdays

Here you go.

I know shein isn't haute couture but these serve a purpose and they look fine.

@savoycabbage

Here you go

Your 40s you get your style, 20 year olds don't have a clue

Your 40s you get your style, 20 year olds don't have a clue

Nonsense. There are plenty of young stylish women.

Absolutely this. You know when you very occasionally see that person wearing a lime green coat, turquoise trousers and battered doc marten's....you just know they bought each item standalone, and because they just loved them on sight.

They are folk that I think look the most accomplished and edgy, albeit altogether un-put together...they stand out, to me, for all the right reasons.

Yes I do and I think they look fabulous too. Those types of things just look shit on me

I get mesmerised by retro adverts, seeing what was aspirational/glamorous in the 70s and 80s. It all seems so achievable! A squirt of perfume and hairspray and relaxing in a bath full of Radox or Fengal with a face smothered in Oil of Ulay serving After Eights at a Dinner Party!😁

Under suits? So shirt and maybe tie, puffer vest and then a suit jacket?

Wow thanks so because my hair is naturally curly I can't look polished. Just read a piece on Emily Morgan (rip) and her hair was naturally curly and she always looked polished and put together.

This thread is nothing but a dig at everyone who isn't slim with straight hair. I've seen a lot of insults but having curly hair is a new one on me.

You can throw all the money you like at a slim, tall, straight haired woman but if she's shallow and fake it will show!

I also have curly hair, 3b.

I mean, it's one person's opinion of 'polished'. Why is everyone so offended on this thread😂

Wow thanks so because my hair is naturally curly I can't look polished.

@Yettisrus2, curly hair is beautiful, though. It has mesmerised over the centuries. Look at all the works of art it has inspired! There you are in an art gallery!

I don't see why not. I like the clean face, hair in ponytail, athleisure look that's taking over certain parts of London.

I’m not sure what does make you look expensive or polished- but I’m widely informed that my more than an inch long stiletto acrylics aren’t it, and if they can’t play then I’m not being in that gang!