Hate summer - always look cheap - have no money to spend. Help!

[clemette]

I was at a toddler party the other day being all judgy (I blame the heat, it makes me crotchety). I was thinking how cheap all the other mums looked in their summer dresses - and then realised that I looked exactly the same!
Has anyone got any tips on how to wear not many clothes but also look stylish/classy? I am frantically saving so have no real money to spend (hence three Primark dresses and two from Peacocks in my wardrobe!)

More generally, what do you think gives "cheap outfit" away. Can you hide the fact? Top tips desperately wanted!

Bad fit. Poor fabric. Bad shoes. Good accessories can save a crappy outfit IMO. Bad colour choice can cheapen anything.

Lucky you! i'm 32 weeks pregnant with 2 pairs of shorts.

Buy a hat that goes with all of your outfits neutral / navy - something classic looking. Make the outfit look more stylish that way??

Have had loads of comments about my hat - all nice and when the dc keep taking their hats off I can do the "but mummy's wearing hers"!!

A hat? At a party?

Is there something wrong with a hat at a party?? I'm constantly in danger of burning at the mo - its not a pink paper crown honest!!

Well there's hats and there's hats.

My answer is Thrift Shops. I'm a regular browser, not looking for anything in particular, just some classy/classic items at a bonus price. e.g. classy, good fabric, swirly skirt £2.50 + supermarket T shirt picking up one colour from skirt £2.50 = good basic outfit. Same skirt + strappy top = night out outfit; skirt + jacket = formal outfit. Similarly, this seasons primark dress + Thrift Shop £5.00 neutral linen jacket = go anywhere stylish outfit. One or two good pieces - silk blouse, plain black/white/navy trousers - can add class to otherwise 'cheap' outfit.

Final Tip: I always remove any unneeded bits of flash - bows, huge buttons, ties, etc. from cheaper clothes. Less is definately more in the style stakes.

A little cardi or scarf. A couple of chunky bangles. Some light make up, esp powder. Nothing too small or showing grey white bra straps (not that you would of course!)

its black and pointy only joking !

vintage belt on top of cheapo dress.

mannish blazer.

one piece of interesting jewellery.

niiiiice.

White or cream machine washable linen loose fit pants - £20 Next

Navy/white sailor stripe top, pref 3/4 sleeve and boat or slash neck - anywhere

Sorted!

Thanks everyone.
Wails - I just want to wear black!!!

mrsmaidamess can you clarify what makes a bad shoe?

You can borrow my hat if you like

lol at your hat kitkat. I would also like to know whats wrong with a dress at a party. I like a floppy straw sun hat.

wolf, I think it would be fine for both of us to wear the hats, just so long as I don't bring my broom and you don't bring a rake i't'll be fine !!! lol!