https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:21:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking/page/2#post-1700083 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:50:32 +0000 Anonymous 1700083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel that way about items that are cut from very basic, simple patterns that anyone could sew and that don't require much fabric. I mean, really! That's why I only buy my NYDJ tops, for example, on sale. They're nice, but not $88 worth of nice. If I still had a sewing machine, I could get one of those sewn together in no time, and I'm sure the fabric doesn't cost much. So what are you paying for? The brand. I must say, however, that the tops don't look cheap, so there's that to consider. Just not worth full price.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking/page/2#post-1700029 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:06:18 +0000 rachylou 1700029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, that's really it, amber. </p> <p>And I don't suppose that I often feel if a thing is generic, it's generic. And it perhaps even misses the point to make a plain generic thing finer... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking/page/2#post-1700024 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:53:42 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1700024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aside from questions of actual quality in terms of materials, workmanship, and cut, which we do expect to be better in more expensive pieces (yet don't always receive!), I have had a similar aversion for a very long time (if I understand you correctly). Even if an item is of high quality, if it's really aesthetically boring and plain, I figure I can spend way less for the same effect should I want it (and I don't). I am continually surprised at prices for things that have less than no visual spark. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking/page/2#post-1699659 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 05:48:03 +0000 rachylou 1699659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Gaylene</b> - That's very true about pricing; it adds to the dilemna. Aprons, now, aprons are an interesting subject. I could see perhaps spending on an apron, because they are both gear to me and part of, you know, my 'traditional costume.' Your French apron seems very particular to me.</p> <p><b>Betty </b>- I believe you 100% about your mum. The method adjustments to clothing construction - of things in general - for production in quantity... well, for one thing, it slides the measuring stick down somewhat dubiously. Sort of related, my grandma used to bemoan simplified Chinese and call it uneducated. Easier to write, type, etc. - but the simplification eliminated history, connotation, subtlety that were once conveyed by the removed strokes.</p> <p><b>Amy </b>- It's interesting. I just got this Marc Jacobs sweatshirt on discount, but originally sold for something like $248. It doesn't have a logo. And the material is simply heavy cotton and straight seams. I think the MSRP was really all about the design, the ombre colour and the specific colours used.</p> <p><b>Rabbit </b>- Completely nodding my head. <u>First</u> on the matter of <i>Kinfolk</i>: LOL. I know, I KNOW. Right? If Marie Antoinette just went a little grittier... haha. <u>Second</u>, we really do pay something for the emperor's new clothes, for social fictions. But social fictions aren't worth nothing... <u>Third</u>, I think <i>"How much life energy is it worth?"</i> and <i>"How much life energy did it cost the people who made it?"</i> are good good questions. I think tying money to blood, sweat, and tears might make for a better economic system. It's fascinating how we quote-unquote grow the economy, how more money is <i>printed and put into circulation</i> to 'reflect growth.' Doubly fascinating when 'growth' is connected to 'added value' and 'added value' can mean nothing more than 'putting a bird on it.' <u>Fourth</u>, the sock pocket is brilliant. When I used an insulin pump, my mum ran up a little pocket for me that I pinned to my clothing to hold it - that darn thing would fall out of my pockets. Once I was on the subway and it fell out and the doors closed - so the thing was swinging outside the train for the whole ride !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699400 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 23:28:33 +0000 Gaylene 1699400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been mulling this over since "simple" can be deceptive. Living in a time where $5 T-shirts are commonplace and $100+ designer T-shirts can fall apart after one wearing, figuring out if a price is reasonable isn't always easy. </p> <p> I stopped sewing because it seemed ridiculous to spend my time making a shirt, when the raw materials alone could add up to over $70, especially if I could find a similar shirt for $60 in a shop--with a 30% discount thrown in for good measure! True, my shirt would have lasted for a decade, while the shop one would probably expire in a few years, but did I want a 10-year-old, perfectly wearable, shirt in my closet?</p> <p>I do know that I bought a linen smock apron in France which I paid dearly for because I fell hard for its simple, sturdy construction. The elderly lady who owned the shop sewed the aprons in a back cubbyhole and insisted on altering the straps until they were were exactly the right length for me. After three years of constant wearing and washing, the linen feels soft but thick and the indigo has faded to a perfect blue. I love the style, the pockets, the crisis-crossed straps--everything about that apron still pleases my senses. It's the only apron I own and I feel happy thinking I could still be wearing it decades from now. Expensive, but ordinary, and worth every penny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699264 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:26:44 +0000 Anonymous 1699264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother is gone now, but I guarantee you I would be able to tell her quality workmanship vs. something available at a department store. She added so many extra touches to my clothing that I haven't seen anywhere else, and the fabric was always top quality. Granted, I've never been in a store that sells luxury goods, so maybe they're equivalent to what she used to make, but I haven't seen anything in any of the stores I shop at that could compare.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699244 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:11:02 +0000 Amy 1699244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends on how well it's made. I get a lot of pleasure at looking at something simple, but impeccably constructed. I don't WANT to spend a lot of money on anything, but the type of labor and materials that goes into a nice garment is usually expensive. Also, I am not too keen on the idea of a lot of people in sweat shops churning out disposable fashion, so I'd pay more to help pay the laborers, reduce waste, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699232 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:56:19 +0000 rabbit 1699232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kinfolk cracks me up, I gotta say. </p> <p>&nbsp;My thought is that the cost above the cost of materials, manufacturing and distribution is made up of a social fiction, in which lots of things come into play, and that participating in that fiction is the whole appeal of luxury goods. &nbsp;I mean civilization is a social fiction too, right? &nbsp;So luxury to some means the logo doesn't show, and to others means the logo must show.</p> <p>For me uniqueness is something I would pay more for. &nbsp;Ordinary looking isn't, unless something about the source, materials or manufacture made the cost of creation exceptional. &nbsp;(hand loomed linen? Custom made shoes?)</p> <p>Cost is all relative I'm thinking. &nbsp;Rather than a dollar amount, I'm wondering if I should ask myself if I'd spend a months work on something, or a weeks, or a days. &nbsp;How much life energy is it worth? &nbsp;How much life energy did it cost the people who made it?</p> <p>I'd actually pay a lot of money right now for a really comfortable light extremely durable zip up hoodie with a chest pocket and channel for my ipod cord because I would wear that sucker every day. &nbsp;True confession I sewed a pocket out of part of a wool sock onto my old hoodie so it would be in the exactly right place where the cord wouldn't catch while I was working.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699217 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:22:51 +0000 Minnie 1699217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699134 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:15:01 +0000 rachylou 1699134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou, it's funny about shoes. I'm ok spending on shoes...</p> <p>Anna - Och, you are so right. And frankly, I love The Row - well, looking at collection pics. But I remember getting that first email way back when for the t-shirts... and this is probably when this *issue* started fomenting for me. I was yes no yes no...never did pull the trigger. I'm sorta back there with my new MJ sweatshirt. If it hadn't been on deep discount, I'd doubt I'd have bought it because it's a sweatshirt. Everything is in the concept - the colours really. There's nothing materially special. However, it's turned out to be a Best Buy. So, I don't know...</p> <p>BC - I think my instinct is as per your mom. I wonder if my new sweatshirt meets the standard or not. It certainly gets compliments that my other sweatshirts don't... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699119 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:03:07 +0000 Anonymous 1699119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom always said that if you spend $, you need to have something to show for it. IOW, don't splurge on something that doesn't look like it was worth the $. I think there's some truth in that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1699102 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:49:30 +0000 annagybe 1699102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't that the whole aesthetic of the Olsen twins line, The Row. I remember when they first came out many proclaimed their white t-shirt was perfect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1698850 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 10:28:43 +0000 Bijou 1698850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to buy at all price points and enjoy my cheaper purchases as much as my more expensive ones. My main exception is in relation to shoes, which I really like to make sure are of good quality and do not mind if they look "ordinary" if the quality and comfort is there. Beautiful yet uncomfortable shoes just languish in my closet, so I limit buying them to one or two pairs that will work for the occasional formal event and then these are just formal enough - I don't have any stiletto heels because frankly I just cannot walk in them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697967 Wed, 20 Jul 2016 02:59:54 +0000 rachylou 1697967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So...I'm talking about the kind of linen smock you'd see in Kinfolk magazine (kinfolk.com). Japanese/Scandanavian milkmaid hipster or artist. You wouldn't be afraid to paint walls in one, except that it cost so much. The material is usually finer than the sewing. I'd probably live in these, except I balk at the price.</p> <p>I was thinking, reading your thoughts, - you know, I don't balk at laying out for cashmere or a purse or shoes or a snow puffy...but a non-topper garment, I feel different about. I want it to be fancy affair stuff. Not flashy mind; I'm not too good with logos and stuff. A suit would also be exempt from my rule, here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697701 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:57:08 +0000 Ledonna N. 1697701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my head I always think I can find that in the thrift.&nbsp; I am so frugal.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697629 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:31:44 +0000 celia 1697629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BC I also feel kinda of used by the brand whenever the logo is all over the item , however I don't think that people who buy the brand for thw brand only are very aware ,or worried , about quality.<br /> Also there are subtler ways of getting thw brand across. Everyone recognizes a Burberry print or Tommy Hillfinger mix of colors, for example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697625 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:24:57 +0000 Anonymous 1697625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like brands or logos on my clothing or accessories. I think if a company wants me to wear their name, they should pay me to do it. Seriously, I do believe that people with a trained eye are going to recognize quality when they see it, and some are going to make assumptions on how much was spent on those items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697618 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:13:19 +0000 celia 1697618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first reaction is " I don't like to buy cheap looking clothes no matter the price point."<br /> People have been making assumptions all my life based on that fact.<br /> However I also don't need that people identify my clothes as being from a certain brand, unless I am trying to fit into some group , which happens mostly for networking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697598 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:48:38 +0000 Gaylene 1697598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question, and I agree with Isabel that it's more complex than it might appear on the surface. </p> <p>I think function and purpose are my main yardsticks when I open my wallet further. Like Isabel, I'm often drawn to the technical features of more expensive gear because those features can make a huge difference in harsh conditions when I'm depending on the item for comfort and safety.</p> <p>Now that I reflect on it, I think I unconsciously apply the same thinking to my $$$$ fashion purchases. If an item combines good design, a high level of workmanship, functionality, and comfort, I'll happily pay a higher price. If the higher price is associated with mainly the "luxury" features--extra soft leather, designer/brand history, scarcity, or fashion-forwardness--I'm more likely to hesitate. </p> <p>Getting back to your question, I'd say if that linen smock had a functionality that set it head and shoulders above the masses of linen smocks, then I'd be tempted. But, otherwise, it's just a another linen smock so why not buy at a price point which reflects the importance of linen smocks in my life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697587 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:42:34 +0000 Diana 1697587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, you know it's that old money vs new money thing. Like, around here if you're *really* old money, like your ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence and your house *and* your guest house have names, you don't flaunt it. It's like all classic, preppy clothes all the time but impeccably made. Like Lilly Pulitzer is too flashy. Just like your car is a Volvo not a Mercedes and not the newest Volvo either.... </p> <p>Of course there is always the subset of old money that dresses only in ll bean and drives a Subaru....</p> <p>personally I'll pay for impeccable quality or good fabrics. and you get to a point where you can recognize it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697485 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:03:49 +0000 Anonymous 1697485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>People do make assumptions about you based on what type of neighborhood you live in, what car you drive, what clothes you wear, etc. That said, my DH and I scrimped and saved for years and years and years, and put 2 DDs through college (still putting youngest DD through college) in addition to providing substantial financial assistance to his parents. Now we enjoy more and better vacations, drive much nicer cars (that we got for way under list price), etc. I don't feel bad anymore. People used to assume I was rich way back when my mother made my clothing for me. My father bought my first car for me, and people talked about that, too. The salesman who sold it to him went to our church, and spread the word around, so people assumed my dad was spoiling me. It didn't matter that I was expected to (and did) pay him back every penny before that car would be put in my name. People judge, and as far as I'm concerned, it's their problem. We don't live high on the hog in other ways, and actually live on less than half of what my DH and I make. I believe everyone chooses how to spend their money, and it's not fair to make judgments. I do not feel the least bit guilty about putting my best foot forward, so to speak, to look and feel nice. I also don't feel guilty if what I wear looks more expensive than what I actually paid. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697470 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:47:17 +0000 Jenn 1697470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm the opposite of you. I want expensive things that are made impeccably, fit perfectly, feel high-end, and nobody knows, for sure, were expensive. Exactly what <b>Author Linda</b> said:&nbsp;it can look unassuming but it cannot look cheap</p> <p>My last car was a BMW. I bought it new because I loved the feeling of driving it, loved the interior finish, loved the classic shape of the front grill. I kept it for thirteen years. I hated that, because of the brand, everyone knew how much it cost and assumed things about me because of it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697467 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:44:20 +0000 Anonymous 1697467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not everything expensive is top quality, and I don't even believe that you necessarily get what you pay for. It's one of those "it depends" things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697445 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:14:03 +0000 Anonymous 1697445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I underestimated the complexity of this question at first and had to kind of think about it because my natural inclination is to want the expensive one.<br />Maybe this is a true fashion question because if you were buying outdoor gear you would probably appreciate that the more expensive one might look the same but have technical advantages that would make it worth the price?<br />I buy things that will wash and wear very well for at least 1-2 seasons and that have some kind of detail, color, fabric, etc that I like enough to wear the item over and over.<br />But real fashion expression, as much as I love it, and intentionally and unconsciously incorporate an awareness of it in my choices is not the main motivator for my shopping. If it were, I think I'd be much more likely to spend anticipating shorter cycling of items and I can totally see why the really unusual items would seem like a better use of funds than buying expensive classics, which are always promoted as the foundation of style, but not necessarily fashion.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697426 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:47:26 +0000 Beth 1697426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm. I'm with Linda; I don't see an item as ordinary if the fit, fabric, and construction are high. These pieces can be workhorses and make me feel fab even if the style is ordinary. For example, a Halogen cashmere sweater may resemble a more expensive sweater in style, but the feel of slipping into a thicker, higher quality cashmere is fabulous, even if I'm the only one to enjoy it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697425 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:46:08 +0000 Traci 1697425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking on this has made me realize I'm actually uncomfortable with expensive looking things. Sometimes I will fall for an expensive designer brand but I'll only consider buying the pieces that aren't marked up with logos. I may like it for its quality but it bugs me to think others will think I don't understand the quality and only own it for the status.</p> <p>A few years ago I bought a wedding ring set I loved that had fake stones in it. I felt compelled to tell every stranger who complimented it that it was fake, lest they think I'm the kind of girl who can afford that kind of thing for every day grocery shopping. I definitely have some psychological issues with being perceived as hoity toity.</p> <p>Another factor is that I like my quality pieces to last and while I love unique items, they make me hungry for the next unique item.</p> <p>Long story short, I'd rather have quiet, understated luxury and inexpensive flash. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697419 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:21:01 +0000 Anonymous 1697419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always felt that way, and it's good to know that others do, too. A more expensive item needs to look and feel better. I drive a much better car than I used to, and I can feel the difference in quality when I see it, when I sit in it, and when I drive it. The same is true for clothing. It's not just the fabric that should be better. It's also the fit and the construction. I look at the seams, the hem allowance, the facings (my mother used to sew facings down using a blind stitch, so I'm a stickler about that), the way stripes and plaids are matched up, etc. I should be able to tell that the fabric is superior and that more workmanship went into making it. I don't want to feel like a manufacturer didn't match the stripes because of wanting to cut corners to save costs. Lining is also important, though I will buy an unlined dress for casual wear, but much prefer that dresses be lined. Back to stripes--it takes more fabric to match up stripes. These are the things I look at and consider. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697398 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:19:47 +0000 Windchime 1697398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right, if you spend megabucks for something, it'd be nice to at least have people notice it! On the other hand, I would feel uncomfortable if people thought I'd spent an over-the-top amount for my clothing (or anything else), too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697384 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:02:41 +0000 bella 1697384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am like you. If I am going to spend a lot of money on one thing, I want it to stand out.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/expensive-but-ordinary-looking#post-1697383 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:58:53 +0000 Traci 1697383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What sort of linen smock are you talking about? In summer I see lots of inexpensive linen pieces, but maybe they're not qualifying for you based on some other character out of the gate? Are you looking at handmade linen items? I'm a bit linen obsessed right now since I finally bought myself linen sheets last year. Now I want to live in it all day. I'm even trying to force the kids to use linen napkins. </p>