How to look expensive on a budget

I agree with most of the advice already given but I never looked "expensive" even when wearing expensive clothes!
Oh dear, to look good in designer clothes you need to be about 6 foot tall and weigh next to nothing.
I buy clothes when I love them and if they don't suit me who cares. I like to be tempted though and there is a lovely boutique in a small town a couple of hours from us, whose buyer must be very good. She has a selection of designer clothes alongside the more popular brands so I can nearly always find something affordable. I do care about fairtrade and child labour so it's doubly difficult

I dress to please myself, and the weather.

The tip about timeless simple clothes is all very well but we had an infestation of moths who ransacked my wardrobe and I tearfully had to throw out beautiful sweaters , scarves and even hand knitted socks!

I have some fabulous clothes which I delighted wearing over the years and though I've hung on to them I'd feel really " out of place " wearing them here, except if I'm going out somewhere.
For instance, to anyone who remembers " Are you being served " I have the exact coat that Miss Brahms used to wear. A fabulously long warm coat which is a reversible camel/cream. Perfect condition and it cost me all of £1 !! many years ago in a posh charity shop, so it dates back to the early 70's. Jaeger clothes the same.
The only things I buy new are knickers, vests and bra's, tights too.

Well fitting bra that supports.

Attention to hair and makeup.

Posture! Makes a world of difference..

As others have said, don't buy into high turnover fashion and avoid patterns.

I'm not fussy, but I try to buy good quality knitwear and try to avoid polyester. Jeans are usually from cheap places such as Tesco.

Wear good quality shoes that you can walk in.

Mix and match casual with classic - one of my favourite looks is a Chanel - type jacket with jeans.
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Totally agree Petra!
As for the scarves and the bags, well...it all depends on the scarves and the bags doesn’t it?

glasses are old lady things
Tell that to young men and women who spend hundreds of pounds on designer frames with non prescription lenses.

HettyMaud, it's impossible to tell the rich from the poor by their clothing these days. Yes, that rear view is very important. Anything tight or clingy on a sagging bum looks dreadful. That's where padded and uplifting underwear would be good!

MawB, I'm comfortable braless and it's OK for me (being thin and small-busted) but not a good look for larger ladies. I think handbags, scarves and glasses are 'old lady' things.

First, hair ,nails and makeup should be top notch. Then, good bags and shoes ( eBay a good source) then, whatever you wear, and wherever it’s from will look good!

Wear a bra if going out or having visitors
Keep a waistcoat near the door in case of visitors to disguise the no bra situation

I fear that is the root of the “looking like an old lady” stereotype (see the parallel thread) why on earth would you not wear a bra?

A few well Co-ordinated items bought from charity shops. They have donations coming in all the time and if you chose one or two to spent a short time looking at once a week you won't spend much time shopping or much money and you'll always have new stock to browse

Plain stuff with either a chunky wow necklace or a pretty scarf or a belt. Have a look online for things & keep eye out for their sales.

More great ideas. BTW has anyone looked at their rear in those angled mirrors that they have in some clothes shops changing rooms? I tried on a dress, looked great from the front BUT the rear view was DREADFUL. Agree with GrandtanteJE65 - foundation garments are so important.
Hetty58, I want a more expensive look as lately I actually think I look poor and that's okay if you are young because you can look good in anything but not now!

Primark have changed there sizes so I have a problem finding things I like in my size.
Have shopped on line recently looking at sales Boden can be expensive but there often is something in the sale. Matalan have some nice clothes I buy my leggings from there very reasonable. My gd love the split knee leggings and they are only £8.00 TK max have some good sales. Just look around.

I hardly ever buy clothes, especially brand new. Here's my 'style':

Clean, tidy and, above all, comfortable!
Wear a bra if going out or having visitors.
Keep a waistcoat near the door in case of unexpected callers (to disguise the no-bra situation).
Never use a handbag.
Always wear comfortable shoes.
Perfect your posture.
Wear a smile.
Radiate confidence.
Never wear black anywhere near your face.

Why do you want to look 'expensive' HettyMaud? It reminds me of that Dolly Parton quote;

It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!

Wear a smile.

I buy 90% of my clothes in Charity shops, I like expensive brands and quirky styles and really wear what I like and what I'm comfortable in, I'm amazed at how many people (mostly complete strangers!) come up and compliment me on what I'm wearing - I think it is because I wear colourful clothes and many clothes are so dull now or maybe it's because my clothes make me feel happy,. Charity shopping is good for the pocket, good for the charity and good for the environment - win, win, win (mind you you have to go in often and be selective!)

dogsmother said WEARS not years.

I agree about underwear being the first layer to get right.
Matching bag and shoes went out with the ark so that will date you as will colour coordinating clothes. Red and pink can look fabulous depending on the tone of each but camel and green would look awful...IMO.
What you think you look like in an outfit may be the opposite to the way others see you.
Smart isn't nessarily comfy and vice versa.
Do your own thing.

Thirty years? If I took that advice, I'd be buying a shroud.

I’m not certain if it was here that I read the other day but I took the advice to heart as perfect.
DO NOT Buy anything that you don’t imagine you will get at least thirty wears out of.
How many things do I have that sit in my wardrobe that just don’t really do it, because I thought...maybe...
It’s going to be be a new rule for me.

If you are not sure dont buy it. Particularly with expensive items. I try to schedule two shorter shopping trips, rather than one long. I get bored after a couple of hours and lose focus anyway. The first trip is to spot what is available and try things on, only buying if the item is a dead cert. The second trip is to check out those things I wasnt sure about. I find its really not a good idea to wait until the last minute to try and buy a particular item for a special occasion, much better to do it as long in advance as possible so you dont end up buying something which doesnt suit all in a panic. My other tip is to try clothes on without looking at the price tag and then decide what you are prepared to pay for it. If you love the item, but its way over your guesstimate then walk away. I very rarely buy on line because I think the fit of the garment is really important. Its hard to look smart in something too large, or even worse too small. I know I am lucky to live half an hour away from a town with really good shops and some people rely on internet shopping, but it doesnt really work for me.

Get your colours done. Once you know what suits you and what doesn't you will always look good.

It is not what you wear, but the way that you wear it. Some people can look a million dollars in a black binbag.

Look confident, tell yourself you are confident, Stand tall and if people try to fluster you take a slow deep breath before you respond.

Beyond that as long as you are clean and tidy and do not smell, anything looks good.

You've made me want to go and sort my wardrobe out now lol.

And the other piece of advice from the dark and distant past was to choose your "foundation garments" carefully.

I am not advocating a return to girdles (shock for those who had actually forgotten those horrors) but I find a good bra invaluable if I want to look and feel smart.

Oh my goodness. So many wonderful and great suggestions. Thank you everyone! Am going to read each one later when I’m quiet. Intend to act on them. Wait for the new me!!