What accessories elevate an outfit to look expensive?

[LadyoftheLavaLamp]

With a school mum the other day who is very wealthy and was trying to pick out what about her (simple white jumper and jeans) outfit made it look great. And I think it was the accessories. Aside from the unaffordable watch, there were lots of bracelets but it somehow didn’t look at all OTT or tacky. Nice huggy earrings, one massive bling ring but a few other understated ones.

I’m a very simple dresser myself, I am nowhere near as wealthy but still very comfortable financially. So if I wanted to get a few pieces to look more polished and put together in a jeans & t shirt type day to day outfit, what accessories should I be looking for?

I think you’re going to get a lot of advice about “good” handbags and nails but I suspect it’s a combination of many things. Good skincare, regular haircuts / colour, probably eye brows before you even get to the accessories and clothes.

( NB. Looking polished and looking expensive are two different things)

I’m all good on the grooming front and keep up with all the above , it’s the very plain outfits I need help with 😊

Not sure if expensive is the right word, but I've recently rediscovered belts and the difference they can make between looking ok and looking stylish can be huge. So I agree re the accessories point.

@TheMildManneredMilitant I’m watching a very smart belt on vinted at the moment, I agree and noticed that too. I might go for it! 😬

Definitely a good belt.

In Winter a generously sized scarf.

Great sunglasses that suit your face.

Beautiful, well kept footwear, obvs.

Bags are tricky. Most people with an income could buy a relatively expensive bag on their credit card - but I daresay people popping in and out of their chauffeur driven Bentley really don’t have a need for one.

Returning to update, I feel like improvements have been made:

• got a few different ‘textures’ of bracelet in gold & silver , all very fine and wear all at once
• two smart belts, one tan, wide and smooth, one thin and ‘zebra’
• a big leather tan tote
• Layering necklaces, again fine chains
• a few really expensive pairs of jeans that fit perfectly
• white or cream shades of linen tops
• some big designer sunglasses
• nicer ‘natural’ looking nails!

I feel much more put together and confident but still me (ie outfits are essentially still very plain) - posting in case this is useful to anyone! Lots of it from Vinted or in sales, so not as expensive as it sounds.

great update OP - I want to start wearing nicer things everyday rather than splurging on occasionwear which I only wear a few times a year!
Would you mind sharing which jeans you found? I need a good pair of white jeans.

also - do you find that the necklaces/bracelets get tangled (this is one thing that prevents me from the layering look)

I was going to post this exact question!

@OhMaria2
You could try something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necklaces-Separator-Shortener-Jewellery-Bracelets/dp/B0CQC9ZD3W/ref=sr115?crid=2D4209DSRPDYO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KQ5ws1kxS5-6R5c7rpppNpo69T0JuykKw1xDE9IdsxVApx-ouOhUDLgU7SS6oE6TAKs6r7Atg-JatC1QfzX0hq7AiaHf3Xl9q-gtundFFaNGlGPY5Fe1ZL0JllptsLztLiHL7cUIdEeTwCu4YZaMFVN4K4PSS1EzN8l5lAUQAPioDVeqaXtGJqvvMpczCXpLNLmkXz83Ff8vd--itqsBcKcDrrZ5g2FxgXP24vX818TM6M3oV74WmHQGoi9vnDISOOoxksAjXw3NndD3m8c1VQKwFOpghyRlmNxuOYiLbI.ctNQ1VGrUL4aO928fy4jEjexzkPVtviJnIPlXK7TyM&dibb_tag=se&keywords=multi+necklace+clasp+for+layering&qid=1724242679&sprefix=Mult+neck%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-5

@LadyoftheLavaLamp that sounds great. Well done!

I'm early 60s and retired so slob around at home in joggers and sweatshirts. I don't feel like spending a lot on clothes I'll rarely wear so am clueless about nice casual clothes.

PS anyone got an alternative to jeans? I used to wear them all the time but they rarely feel comfortable nowadays.

Some people just have that certain Je ne sais quoi though; it may be the sheer confidence and superior swagger.
I remember a friend commenting that my posh MIL was “very glamorous”, despite her wearing a plain white blouse and cropped jeans and no makeup at the time. She did have on a gold watch though!

I have lots of lovely necklaces and dh suggested layering a few up and by the end of the day they were a twisty mess so I stick to one at a time and I just have to rotate them.

A nice leather belt makes a massive difference I have found. Mine is only from Sainsburys.

3/4 length sleeves.

A gold watch again mine is only citizen but there are also nice sekonda ones

Simple gold earrings

One of my friends always looks well put together even though she doesn't spend too much.
She has a great haircut and then wears bracelets, belts and necklaces. Her usual necklace style is a long large pendant one which she often finds in markets and high street stores. She just has an eye for these things.

It’s the small details that you only really notice subconsciously.

They accessorise really well, and not just with cliché expensive items like Hermes sandals and Chanel bags, but niche brands that require research and know-how.

If they wear gold jewellery, it’s 18 carat and relatively plain so it’s warmer and simpler on the skin than 9 carat and frilly; or if they’re wearing silver, it’s the Danish vintage kind, not mass produced fussy beads.

Their sunglasses are a perfect complement to the colour of their skin and hair as well as their face shape and style, rather than just what’s trendy.

Their deceptively simple clothes have interesting cuts, or have been tailored to fit perfectly, not just Uniqlo basics.

They iron. They bin or recycle things not when they’re worn out, but simply when they cease to look new.

They plan and practice outfits the way some people might plan and practice meals. They check the weather and dress codes assiduously so are never caught out wearing inappropriate clothes.

I’m friends with these women, but not one of them. It’s not just money but an awful lot of extra time and work, and I’m rarely up for that.

Lots of the above and posture, wealthy people hold themselves so well

One colour dressing using navy blue, black, cream/white, perhaps red.

I think just wearing clothes in the right size makes a big difference.
Hiding in oversized things or squeezing yourself into something way too small just gives instant CBA vibes.

Good bra? If undies fit well clothes fall on the body better

Several accessories can enhance an outfit and make it look more expensive. Let us take a look:

Scarves

Scarves add a layer of style to an outfit, and they can turn a simple tank top into an amazing evening gown.
It comes in a variety of materials, like cozy wraps and light chiffon.

Belts

Belts can add style and structure to skirts, dresses, and trousers.
If you choose a good belt, it gives a flattering shape to your waist.

Hats

Hats can perfectly add a touch of sophistication and flair to your look.
There are various types of hats to choose from, like fedoras and wide-brimmed hats.

Statement jewelry

Statement jewelry is the ideal option to complement your outfit with bold pieces that come in unique colors and designs.
You can also mix these pieces with low-maintenance accessories to enhance the look.