Grand Entrances: The Lost Art of Dressing Up on Your Down Days
I swung the car around, my mum jumped out of the passenger seat, hurried upstairs and grabbed the forgotten items.
On her return, I could see her clutching her hand, as she revealed what she urgently needed before we headed out to Waitrose, two beaming white gold hoops in her palm stared back at me as if to say “duh”.
And it made me think…When did everyone stop dressing up? When did we stop making grand entrances, or at least making an effort?
I’d put money on it being around lockdown.
But honestly, it’s been five years? When did we trade elegance for ease? Effort for convenience? Signature style for sweatshirts and sports slides.
I was standing in line at my Sainsbury’s Local the other day wearing a pair of gold hoops, not too big, but noticeable, and my vintage-style glasses, where the frame is the size of a martini glass.
It was scorching outside, so no, I wasn’t going to remove them when I walked in.
We never get to wear our sunglasses with a genuine purpose in this country, so I was going to enjoy my accessory to the fullest. Besides, I could see the oat milk and punnet of strawberries I needed right through the lens.
Did I get a few stares? Not really, they were more like prolonged glances. This is London, and South London, mind you. Nobody cares!
We used to dress like life was a performance. Growing up, I would take my fashion advice from Kimora Lee Simmons, who taught us to dress as though we might run into an old friend.
Now I think to myself, what if I run into a potential investor or someone who is aligned with the future version of me?
But those were the days when we showed up, even for quick errands, and I guess somewhere along the way we turned to rompers and yoga pants, convincing ourselves that minimal effort is the modern-day flex.
Looking like money has nothing to do with wealth. You could have £1.50 in your bank account if you wear a nice pair of earrings, we would all assume you had a six-figure investment portfolio.
In this blog, we’ll look at how to bring back the art of looking like money with just accessories that whisper icon, without trying too hard.
The Gold Earring Theory: Instant Elevation
I feel that if you’re black or a person of colour, the gold hoop comes as no surprise since we have been rocking gold earrings since our ears were pierced as babies.
I distinctly remember the gold Claddagh earrings I would buy from the Argos catalogue to add whatever flair a 15-year-old thinks they’re adding to a blue and white school uniform.
So, if I could write an ode to accessories, I’d start with gold earrings. They are non-negotiable. They are status. They are feminine power looped through our ears.
Hoops say, “I don’t chase. I attract.”
Chunky cuffs give “It might look like I don’t do too much, but really, I’m a lot to handle”.
Fine, stacked gold studs say “Don’t look at me, but notice how carefully thought out
Earrings frame your face. They change your posture and transform you into the woman who isn’t asking for permission. She just arrives.
If you're ready to refine your look with small but stunning upgrades, the Living in Luxury Handbook has an entire section dedicated to building your signature accessory wardrobe
Sunglasses. Indoors? Sometimes, Yes.
It’s a very dark time for ‘Hollyweird’. Their creepy and downright disgusting and often criminal activities are finally being brought to light.
But do you remember how we would feel when we would wear the sunglasses? Whether they be oversized, aviators or cat eye, we’d walk with the same energy as Kim and Paris strolling through Sydney with those ghastly Louis Vuitton bags.
I admit, as a proud millennial, it’s an iconic photo…but those bags…anyway!
What I’m trying to say is, there’s no such thing as too much when you know how to do it. I don’t believe in special occasions or waiting for the sun to shine (we’d be waiting forever living un the UK)
Sunglasses are a great finishing touch to any outfit. I wear mine on my hot-girl walks…in the rain. The next time you have to pop to the shop, grab your favourite pair, pop them on and remember life is a catwalk, we should act like it.
Here’s why they work:
They add mystery. The less people can read your eyes, the more they lean in.
They signal you’re not here to prove anything.
They elevate even the simplest outfit. Pair sunnies with a bun and a clean white tee, and you still look like you’re being driven to lunch in an Uber Lux.
Rings, Necklaces & the Drama of Detail
If we’re going to talk about showing up no matter when or where, we must go over the finer details.
The small things.
The flash of a gold band on a finger. The way a necklace sits perfectly above the collarbone. The well-manicured nails.
Details to focus on:
Gold stacking rings – wear at least three. It gives CEO who left her assistant in the car.
Layered dainty chains – short, mid, long. I prefer no pendants unless they have a sentimental meaning.
A signature watch or bracelet – not because it’s trendy, but because it’s you. I do have one rule, though. Keep chunky men’s watches for the daytime and bracelet watches for evening wear. Think Rolex for afternoon lunch with the bestie and the Bvlgari Sedutorri for another friend’s engagement dinner…or yours wink
Every piece should look chosen. Not thrown on. And definitely not trendy for the sake of it.
Why Dressing Up Isn’t About Anyone But You
When you show up as if your life is a red carpet, the world starts treating it like one.
This doesn’t mean designer. It means being deliberate. It means walking into places like your energy is the main event. That’s what it means to make a grand entrance, whether you’re going for brunch or going to Boots.
5 Rules for Looking Like Money Without Forcing It,
Choose accessories that speak your language
Not what’s trending, what feels easy to wear.Layer with purpose
If you’re doing statement earrings, maybe skip the chunky necklace. Proportion.Keep a beauty uniform
Hair back, sunglasses on, earrings in. Let this be your I need to leave in five minutes look.Respect the supermarket the way you respect Soho House
Your lifestyle should match your standards—not your location.Don’t over-explain. Just show up and let the silence work
Confidence isn’t loud. It’s laced in the way you hold your head.
Final Thoughts: Bring Back the Drama
Life is too short to look like you gave up.
We need more drama.
You never know when the moment will arrive, so arrive first. In full look. In full energy. In full control of your narrative.
You don’t need money to look like money. You just need standards and a damn good accessory game.
