Fashion Advice

Let's face it: No one gets ready in the morning saying, "I want to look poor today." Right?

The truth is we all want to look like we have something—whether it's great taste, impeccable breeding, or a rockin' hot body—but considering the recent surge in luxury goods sales, we'd say most people today want to look rich.

So what makes someone look wealthy? These days, it's anyone's guess...but if higher education has taught us anything, it's what Old Money looks like. This list if far from being exhaustive, but here are a few ways to help you look like you come from Old Money:

1. Wear classics. It sounds cliche, but by sticking to classics (and that includes modern classics like well-fitted jeans) you'll be well on your way to looking rich. Go for classic fabrics—cotton, cashmere, tweed, wool—while avoiding polyester at all costs. J. Crew, Banana Republic, L.L. Bean, the Gap, even Target are all fair game as long as you stick to classics. Understatement reigns supreme.


2. Pay attention to grooming. Skin, teeth, hair, nails and toes should all be well-maintained (in that order). Clean, neutral makeup, natural looking highlights and neutral polish manicures (with medium to short length nails) all look rich.


3. Wear an expensive watch. If you can't afford a classic Cartier or Franck Muller, go for a classic Timex or Swiss Army timepiece.


4. Wear good shoes, and keep them in good condition. Anything leather or European is good; high-end comfort brands are also very popular, like Tsubos and Campers. If you're a teen, you can wear sneaks and they can get as grungy as you want.


5. Carry an expensive classic designer handbag. Shop outlets and overstock.com if necessary. Something leather, nothing flashy, no large visible logos. Fellow rich friends will recognize your bag without having to see the brand.


6. Wear elegant sunglasses. Again, no gaudy logos are needed. When in doubt, go for classic retro black shades.


7. Never pay retail. The rich get and stay rich by saving, not spending.


8. Keep jewelry to a minimun. Diamond studs can be worn daily or with a little black dress.


9. Skip the tattoos. They're just not rich.


10. Hang out with rich people. Generally speaking, this is the best way to study and imitate the way they dress, since they typically avoid trends or what you see in magazines and on the Hollywood crowd, and rather create their own understated versions of trends. For example, brightly-colored Lacoste polos, Birkenstocks or the Tiffany 'Bean' may have their moment in the old-money fashion spotlight for a year or so (old-money's version of a trend lasts longer than one season.)

Strapped for cash? Slave to fashion? Here are five good reasons to become a bona fide Budget Babe:

1. Saving cash is hot. Having a little money put away in a savings account will give you a sense of pride, security and confidence—and nothing looks better on a woman than confidence!


2. There are more of us than there are of them. According to WSJ.com, only 200 or so women in the world actually buy true haute couture.


3. The median household income in the United States is $46,326 (from the U.S. Census Bureau). Nuf said.


4. Buying less is better for the environment. While it's not something we ever want to think about, that stockpile of shoes in your closet may end up one day in an inglorious landfill.


5. Thinking for yourself is always in. Enjoy looking and learning about fashion, without consuming everything they tell you to.

Chances are you already own one of fall's hottest trends—the shirtdress. If not, do not raid your man's closet (no matter what some magazines tell us): Find a quality, well-fitted garment that you really love and be willing to spend a tad more than usual as you'll probably wear this wardrobe staple often enough to bring the cost-per-wear down.

How to update the look this time around? Begin with a smooth camisole (a must for anything with buttons down the front), and black or dark-colored tights. Pair your shirtdress with ankle boots or booties for a polished, of-the-moment look. Punctuate with a printed belt or patterned pumps (tweed, plaid, patent and animal prints are all big for fall). Pick one, no more.

Gap is showing their shirtdress with a cropped fitted vest—a good option for certain figures, not all.

And don't forget, you can always bypass the trends and accessorize with a timeless silk scarf around the neck.

Our personal favorite is to roll up the sleeves on the shirtdress and layer atop a long sleeve henley, worn with pointelle tights and near-flat, knee-high boots. It's not for everyone, but the point is to have fun and make the look your own!

Gap's shirtdress is poshest in black, priced at $69.50 here. >>
Check out our other post on shirtdresses here. >>

Just as there are wonders of the world that one should strive to see with their own two eyes—the pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, and what not—there are certain styles and particular fashions that we feel every woman should wear on at least one occasion for the way they make a woman feel. (And then we suppose the woman who wears them becomes a wonder to behold herself.) Here's our list...

1. Knock-'em-dead red dress (this one is by Valentino)


2. Wide-brimmed hat. It's how we always picture Marlena Dietrich.


3. Off-the-shoulder blouse (Not the best example, but you get the idea)


4. Short coif (Twiggy showed us how)


5. One-shouldered dress. Just really girly and feminine.


6. The Carrie Bradshaw. Quirky, mismatched, fun, sexy.


7. Satin jammies (Doesn't Grace look comfortable?)


Okay, we're cheating here, but Holly has it all...
8. Opera gloves
9. Fake eyelashes
10. Little black dress with pearls

What would make your list of things that every woman—no matter what her fashion persona—should wear at least once?