Do you look poor to people?

[citrine]

i am sure that we do, especially when DH and I are picking up stuff on the side of the road to refinish ;) We like to have fun with it and no one asks us for money which is nice too!

[NumberJohnny5]

In some ways I think we look poor. Which I guess isn't too hard to do, compared to most here, we are! Both vehicles were made last century (and one's a scooter). I try to walk our kids to school most of the time. I posted on facebook about how proud I was of myself, because I made my own yogurt and buttermilk.

But we travel, and a lot of our $5-$10 shirts are from our trips.

I dunno, I guess we come off as more eccentric than poor.

[Empire Business]

I went to the mall today to buy a gift.  I think the store employees were worried about the possibility of me trying to steal something.

So yes, I look poor.  In part because I hate retail shopping, because when I do it I am stigmatized for looking poor.  Which makes me hate retail shopping, which in turn makes me look poor.

[Nudelkopf]

I don't look poor to my family, because I am the only one who goes on overseas or beach holidays. (But I only just finished 5 years of study, and started working 3 months ago, so they know I don't have much money.) (I think my brothers think my parents support me, welp.)

[Hugh H]

Military officer here, I've been driving a Honda Civic for about 8 years now.

Out in the tactical world I had many enlisted troops working for me, and almost all of them had a better car than I. Some had latest model, leased BMWs and Lexus. 

Had one guy come up to me and said he "felt bad for me", that I drove such a vehicle while he had some fancy pants SUV. He thought I had some deep financial troubles.

I smiled, if only he could've taken a look at my investment account.

[totoro]

I was just thinking about this today as I loaded groceries into our old Toyota.  Our family members who live in very nice houses with very big mortgages and drive new, financed cars definitely look more prosperous.

[rubybeth]

I was just thinking about this today as I loaded groceries into our old Toyota.  Our family members who live in very nice houses with very big mortgages and drive new, financed cars definitely look more prosperous.

That's one of the reasons I find this subject interesting; if anyone here has read "The Millionaire Next Door," you'll recognize this as phenomenon. People who try to keep up with the Joneses generally aren't doing that well financially, and those who are doing well don't feel the need to flaunt it in the form of fancy houses and cars. And Dave Ramsey often says something along the lines of "Stop keeping up with the Joneses. They're broke."

[BPA]

I would say the answer to this question varies wildly with context. 

If a stranger were to come to my house, they would not think I was poor. They'd probably put me at upper-middle class.
If a stranger were to meet me at work, they'd probably say middle class or lower middle class.
If a stranger were to meet me when I was driving my $25 pickup truck wearing oil stained t-shirt and torn jeans, they'd put me at lower class.

More importantly: I really don't care.

^^^I agree.

I grew up poor and learned to not give a shit what others like the Joneses thought of me.

[amyable]

I'm a teacher in a rural area, and I tend to dress a little more "office appropriate" than most of the women I work with--I don't think I look poor.  My "uniform" consists of black or khaki pants and a button down shirt with a blazer or cardigan in the winter.  About 90% of my clothing is in neutral colors, so it's easy to mix and match and repeat outfits.  I add in color with scarves, belts and nice costume jewelry.

I think, in this area of the country, I probably look wealthier than someone trying to look "trendy" or "cute."  Of course on weekends, I basically wear the same two pair of jeans and couple of t-shirts--it's nice to live somewhere where there is no place you can go that is too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt.

[Sparky]

I look poor, act like I have no money, and look a bit homeless at times.

Truth is, I'm not poor, I just don't like spending money and but I am homeless :)

[mrsggrowsveg]

In general, I don't look poor to most people.  I work in a casual environment and live in a semi poor state.  I have a small amount of quality clothes that I rotate.  I work with mostly men, so I'm sure they don't notice how often I wear the same thing.  My parents often feel bad for us and buy us things, even though financially we are better off than them.  There are several people I know who have bought brand new nice cars after graduating, because they think it is the only way to attract a woman.  My husband even said that is why he owned an Audi when we first met. 

[ichangedmyname]

I'm a teacher in a rural area, and I tend to dress a little more "office appropriate" than most of the women I work with--I don't think I look poor.  My "uniform" consists of black or khaki pants and a button down shirt with a blazer or cardigan in the winter.  About 90% of my clothing is in neutral colors, so it's easy to mix and match and repeat outfits.  I add in color with scarves, belts and nice costume jewelry.

I think, in this area of the country, I probably look wealthier than someone trying to look "trendy" or "cute."  Of course on weekends, I basically wear the same two pair of jeans and couple of t-shirts--it's nice to live somewhere where there is no place you can go that is too fancy for jeans and a t-shirt.

I am trying to build a wardrobe like yours. I think I have enough pants to last me a lifetime but the tops I still need help on. I have a cute sweater-type thing that I love and wish I bought another of but I told myself from here on out when I buy clothes it would have to be neutral (cream, gray, blacks) and will just get color from accessories.

[RootofGood]

There are several people I know who have bought brand new nice cars after graduating, because they think it is the only way to attract a woman.  My husband even said that is why he owned an Audi when we first met.

And then the guys wonder why the gals they lure in with the fancy car like to spend so much on blinged out cars, clothes, and other mindless consumption?  :)

[Allen]

Now that I don't spend conspicuously, and I earn a good income for this area (80k. Not great, but very good) a lot of neighbors, friends, etc don't understand why I'm not consuming more.  Or at least, consuming as much as them when they know or strongly suspect I earn more than them.

[Dicey]

Appalachian American.

My new favorite phrase.

"I am not a hillbilly/redneck, I am an Appalachian-American!"

Just make sure you pronounce Appalachian correctly!

[Dicey]

I actually had the opposite experience early in my career. I always drove a late-model car, lived in a nice apartment near the beach and had a beautiful work wardrobe. I once overheard someone say at a company meeting "I'd hate to pay her Nordstrom bill". I was surprised when I figured out that she was talking about me!

The car was a company car, my apartment was rent-controlled and I had a roommate paying the big half of the rent. I had a year's salary in the bank. I did shop at Nordstrom, but made sure to do so only before I had to go to those big meetings. The Nordstrom I shopped at was either the one having a sale or, more likely, the Nordstrom Rack. I always paid the bill in full. I actually got a kick out of looking like a million bucks while spending as little as possible. Now that I'm FIRE, I care a lot less about what people think.

[golfer44]

Maybe. I just wear jeans, work boots, t-shirts or button downs (from non-mustachian days, but they're good shirts and will hopefully last a while!).

I try to be as frugal as possible without being cheap. I'll absolutely go out to dinner with friends, but won't rack up a $50+ check of filet mignon and expensive wine.

[Michread]

Did you know that most poor people do not look poor?  (at least in my area, unless they are homeless) 

My church has a food pantry that gives away FREE food and people who take the food do NOT look poor (clothes, cars, phones, etc).  I've volunteered in soup kitchens and the people served do not look poor.  I've delivered meals on wheels and the elderly poor do not look poor (they live simply but do not look poor).

If you look poor then I think it's a lack of grooming from my experience.

Do you mean that you look like you have less than your blinged out neighbors?

[golfer44]

Did you know that most poor people do not look poor?  (at least in my area, unless they are homeless) 

My church has a food pantry that gives away FREE food and people who take the food do NOT look poor (clothes, cars, phones, etc).  I've volunteered in soup kitchens and the people served do not look poor.  I've delivered meals on wheels and the elderly poor do not look poor (they live simply but do not look poor).

If you look poor then I think it's a lack of grooming from my experience.

Do you mean that you look like you have less than your blinged out neighbors?

I see what you're saying, but you're disproving your own point here - you're saying some poor people look well-off. Just as some well-off people look poor. Just because some poor people don't look poor, doesn't mean "looking poor" has changed it's meaning at all.

Semantics, but that's what you're arguing in the first place.

[BPA]

Did you know that most poor people do not look poor?  (at least in my area, unless they are homeless) 

My church has a food pantry that gives away FREE food and people who take the food do NOT look poor (clothes, cars, phones, etc).  I've volunteered in soup kitchens and the people served do not look poor.  I've delivered meals on wheels and the elderly poor do not look poor (they live simply but do not look poor).

If you look poor then I think it's a lack of grooming from my experience.

Do you mean that you look like you have less than your blinged out neighbors?

Not a lack of grooming where I'm from.  Most of those who live in poverty where I live lack basic essentials like toques, mittens, and decent coats on freezing days and umbrellas on rainy ones.  They do not own cars (which is totally okay since we have excellent public transportation).  I was poor growing up and we didn't have "nice" clothes or current electronics or a car. 

[Nords]

Do you come across as poor to people around you?
I know I do. People pity me for my frugal ways. When we cloth diapered, we got a lot of disposable diapers as gifts. I keep a small wardrobe, and people think I am too poor to buy new clothes (I like to buy used). My van is 2003, and I am hoping to keep it a long time.
 I have been watching our electrical bill and have been excited about my success due to keeping the heat down. My aunt said, "Are you Ok? Do you need me to give you some money to pay your heat bill?"
I don't get why being electively frugal equates poor and destitute! How about you?

I used to hear this from my parents-in-law all the time.  To them "early retirement" is a euphemism for "chronically unemployed".

It's actually a very savvy strategy to fend off people who would otherwise be asking for "donations".  When they see my ponytail and the way I dress and the car I drive, they're afraid that I'm going to ask them for money.

[crumbcatcher]

I live and work in Microsoft-land where tech workers are notoriously casual dressers. Merchants in the area have learned better than to be too discriminating against people who look poor because they often have huge bank accounts. So, I would say that even though I'm pretty plain-Jane in my thrift-store (but clean and tidy) clothes, lack of flashy anything, I don't have anyone looking down on me. (Thrift stores around here are AWESOME - you wouldn't believe some of the great stuff people give away around here. Same with yard sales.)

The only time I do sense a bit of "concern for our welfare" is when my son's friends come to our house to play. We live in a condo community that was built back in the early 70s in a neighborhood that has become very high-income -- golf course, suburban mansions and horse ranches.  My condo community is very affordable but is a bit of an abberation in the area.  The upside to this is that my son goes to a very well-supported public school, which is why we stay in the area.  But anyway, his friends live in multi-million dollar homes (thank you for letting me spy on my neighbors' home value, Zillow). When we have the reciprocal play-date at our house, well, it's sometimes a bit awkward for the kids' parents. They put on that fake "oh your house is so lovely" smile that says "I can't believe you live here in only 1100 sf."

I grew up poor and my family still isn't very well off, so even with my plain appearance and low-cost condo, without knowing my bottom line, my family still views me as the rich one.  Perceptions so totally depend on where you're coming from.

[ace1224]

Ah, shame - we'll likely come down the coast as much as possible.

That's usually the case if you're coming from points north of NC.  For beach vacations, we usually end up in Topsail/Surf City which is barely 2.5 hours from Raleigh and mostly freeway.  And inexpensive. 

Holy off-topic posts Batman!

word.  we go to topsail/surf city all the time as its 20 minutes away.  people think we're crazy bc we go to that beach for mini vacations instead of ones in florida/ga/sc.  its all the atlantic, no matter where the sand is as far as i'm concerned

[RootofGood]

word.  we go to topsail/surf city all the time as its 20 minutes away.  people think we're crazy bc we go to that beach for mini vacations instead of ones in florida/ga/sc.  its all the atlantic, no matter where the sand is as far as i'm concerned

We've done a couple day trips down to Topsail.  Easy drive from Raleigh and no cost other than a picnic lunch and a tank of gas. 

We love staying there too.  Beautiful, quiet beach and very inexpensive.  $800 for a week at a 4 BR oceanfront beach house slightly off season?  Don't mind if I do!  Must more mustachian than flying somewhere or driving all day to more distant beaches and paying much more. 

[RootofGood]

I grew up poor and my family still isn't very well off, so even with my plain appearance and low-cost condo, without knowing my bottom line, my family still views me as the rich one.  Perceptions so totally depend on where you're coming from.

We get this from my wife's side of the family.  Not in a bad way.  They definitely look at us as people who have everything and never have money problems.  Yeah, sure our cars work but they are both older than everyone else's car on her side of the family. 

[Rube]

Well damn if I wasn't just thinking about this today. I had been talking to a gal at work about frugality. After she left my office, I noticed the hole in the elbow of my shirt. We're both married so its not like there was any impression to be made although I gather that she would dig it!  This shirt is 19 years old but isn't out of style. It was a gift from my (now wealthy) uncle and aunt.

I hate shopping but might buy a handful of garments each year or get them as gifts. I also score a fair amount of free clothing from my job.

To answer the question, I don't think I look poor but if people knew how little I spend on wardrobe they'd think I needed some financial support.

[Sohcrates]

What a great thread and I love all the responses. I think thats one of the greatest things
about spending little (and in our case making little compared to our circle of friends) yet having a great life is the confusion it generates :D

[Jamesqf]

Rather funny (in retrospect, it was quite frustrating at the time) experience at the library this week.  For background, this branch is in a pretty upscale area: surrounded by a bunch of gated McMansion communities, thinning out to semi-rural 'horse properties' and such (where I live).  And I have one arm in a cast, and a painful pinched nerve in the other, so I'm not a happy camper.

So anyway, I check out some books, and load them in a bag which I'm balancing on the cast, and am walking out the door when this woman comes chasing after me - and not even a gorgeous young thing overwhelmed by my sex appeal, either :-(  No, it's "Sir, do you need help?  Do you have a place to stay?  There are places to get help..."  She's somehow gotten the idea that I am a homeless person, and nothing I can say can disabuse her of it.

Now the strange thing is that I am not even dressed that downscale, at least for me.  Yeah, I'm wearing an old sweatshirt with one sleeve cut off, because that's all I can get over the cast, but I've got on a decent pair of jeans, and a new down vest (bought because I couldn't get any of my regular jackets over the cast).  So what made her think I was poor?

[imustachemystash]

I live and work in Microsoft-land where tech workers are notoriously casual dressers. Merchants in the area have learned better than to be too discriminating against people who look poor because they often have huge bank accounts. So, I would say that even though I'm pretty plain-Jane in my thrift-store (but clean and tidy) clothes, lack of flashy anything, I don't have anyone looking down on me. (Thrift stores around here are AWESOME - you wouldn't believe some of the great stuff people give away around here. Same with yard sales.)

The only time I do sense a bit of "concern for our welfare" is when my son's friends come to our house to play. We live in a condo community that was built back in the early 70s in a neighborhood that has become very high-income -- golf course, suburban mansions and horse ranches.  My condo community is very affordable but is a bit of an abberation in the area.  The upside to this is that my son goes to a very well-supported public school, which is why we stay in the area.  But anyway, his friends live in multi-million dollar homes (thank you for letting me spy on my neighbors' home value, Zillow). When we have the reciprocal play-date at our house, well, it's sometimes a bit awkward for the kids' parents. They put on that fake "oh your house is so lovely" smile that says "I can't believe you live here in only 1100 sf."

I grew up poor and my family still isn't very well off, so even with my plain appearance and low-cost condo, without knowing my bottom line, my family still views me as the rich one.  Perceptions so totally depend on where you're coming from.

Crumbcatcher, I live in Microsoft Land in a condo with my 2 kids too!  I absolutely know what it's like!  It feels so much better putting that money towards my Vanguard account rather than sending it to a mortgage company though.

[girly mustache]

I live in a working class community - but have a 6 figure income. I like looking like everyone else on my block (and stashin' my cash).. I drive an older compact car... Just before Christmas I was at my daughters winter concert at her school (where 80% of the kids are on reduced/free lunches) and there was a raffle for various items - one of the items was a Coach purse - I decided to put all my tickets in that raffle because I needed a purse and there were very few tickets in the bucket for the purse. Well, I won. I never thought I looked too poor until I won the purse and everyone was so happy for me - the principal, other parents just kept telling me how happy they were that I won the purse and that I deserved a treat for myself... That's when I realized that everyone thought I was the poor one! Irony is -- that most of the people there have high end smartphones, large new SUV type vehicles and nice clothes --- but this is a Title 1 school...... Irony!

[horsepoor]

A favorite little vignette of mine.  I'm an avid gardener, so if I'm near a Starbuck's, I'll pop in the door and see if they have any spent grounds available to pick up.

When I lived in California, I did that with my now-husband.  For whatever reason, half the people in the Starbuck's turned and looked at us when we popped in the door and grabbed the bag of grounds, and a few of them screwed up their faces at us like I'd just dove into the trash after a half-eaten croissant.  DH looked up at everyone and declared "We're poor!" as we grabbed the compost materials and fled the scene.

[i_am_the_slime]

Interesting thread.  I happen to be re-reading Millionaire Next Door, so it's timely.  I'd have to agree with others that say it all depends on the circumstances.  I'm an engineer, so people at work think I'm just a cheap, eccentric engineer.  However, I have received a few comments about my "thrift store shirts" which actually REALLY surprised me - I didn't think it was obvious because I actually thought they looked really good.

Within my family, I'm probably in the middle of the earnings pack, and they obviously know I'm an engineer so they know I'm not poor, despite my outward appearance.

However, if a stranger sees me out on the weekend - they probably DO think I'm poor.  Pretty much all I wear is old grateful dead (and other concert) t-shirts with a bunch of holes in them.  Usually I put an old hat with oil stains on my head, but sometimes I just go out of the house with bedhead (and no shower). 

Now, when I was in college, I was a pretty dirty hippy and quite a few times I got offered money.  Granted, I WAS a legitimately poor college student, but I think it was the dirt that made me look poor. 

[amyable]

A favorite little vignette of mine.  I'm an avid gardener, so if I'm near a Starbuck's, I'll pop in the door and see if they have any spent grounds available to pick up.

When I lived in California, I did that with my now-husband.  For whatever reason, half the people in the Starbuck's turned and looked at us when we popped in the door and grabbed the bag of grounds, and a few of them screwed up their faces at us like I'd just dove into the trash after a half-eaten croissant.  DH looked up at everyone and declared "We're poor!" as we grabbed the compost materials and fled the scene.

LOL--I've picked up grounds for our CSA, and I always get really awkward looks as well.

[Etihwdivadnai]

I guess that, in the absence of sufficient "context" (i.e you just met me on the street), I probably do look poor, but this is because I am inveterately scruffy, mostly because I just do not feel comfortable in smart new clothes.

In shops most shop assistants look at me as if it is not worth asking me if I want any help, because I am probably too poor to afford to buy anything in their shop.

I will make some small effort to look a bit less of a vagrant when I go out  for meals with friends mostly to avoid my friends feeling uncomfortable with the reaction of the restaurant staff would give to a vagrant.

At work, they have all just accepted that I am a bit eccentic, not least because I cycle to work where they all drive cars. (That I commute on a recumbent trike just reinforces the eccentricity). The one thing my colleagues do not know is how close to FIRE I am.

But my greatest amusement is, when I encounter someone who has obviously made the assumption about my (low) level of wealth and thus made various other follow-on assumptions, and I then speak / interact /communicate with them. It is so funny to see their volte-face.

The best one ever was enquiring at the bank about opening a savings account.
The branch staff did not want to even acknowledge my existence ...
at least not until the the amount to be saved was communicated.

The second best was advising a car salesman that, no, I did not need finance to buy the cheap used car from him despite the fact that I looked to be too poor to buy a meal, let-alone a used car (after all I had turned up for the test-drive on a bicycle).

It is almost like having a secret identity that no-one else can detect until (or "if") I choose to reveal it.

[Blindsquirrel]

   It is a secret identity and spot on for the Millionaire Next Door references. I probably look "poor" in fashionable portions of the country. In rural "Appalachian American" land where I live I fit right in. Also, to go way back on the thread, you are rubbing elbows with some shockingly wealthy people at Costco and Walmart. Several of my fellow investors/partners shop there. Cars are deceiving as most BMWs and Mercedes are not owned by millionaires (73% or so who own luxury cars are not millionaires), only leased or financed by aspirational wannabes. Yes I drive an old Toyota. Toyota is a brand very popular with millionaire next door types as are gas guzzling Ford trucks.

[BPA]

Rather funny (in retrospect, it was quite frustrating at the time) experience at the library this week.  For background, this branch is in a pretty upscale area: surrounded by a bunch of gated McMansion communities, thinning out to semi-rural 'horse properties' and such (where I live).  And I have one arm in a cast, and a painful pinched nerve in the other, so I'm not a happy camper.

So anyway, I check out some books, and load them in a bag which I'm balancing on the cast, and am walking out the door when this woman comes chasing after me - and not even a gorgeous youn thing overwhelmed by my sex appeal, either :-(  No, it's "Sir, do you need help?  Do you have a place to stay?  There are places to get help..."  She's somehow gotten the idea that I am a homeless person, and nothing I can say can disabuse her of it.

Now the strange thing is that I am not even dressed that downscale, at least for me.  Yeah, I'm wearing an old sweatshirt with one sleeve cut off, because that's all I can get over the cast, but I've got on a decent pait of jeans, and a new down vest (bought because I couldn't get any of my regular jackets over the cast).  So what made her think I was poor?

Sorry for being highly amused and also annoyed by this experience of yours.  I used to teach in an "upscale" neighbourhood.  When the children there perceived people were poor, they wanted to help even though they really didn't have a clue.  I assumed that the attitude came from their well-meaning, but equally clued out parents.  I was often amazed at the way image equalled money for them since I knew people who were quite well off but didn't live so ostentatiously.  I can honestly say that "decent" non-designer jeans, and an old sweatshirt would stand out to them too.  To the gate McMansion set, those might be the sorts of clothes you donate and envision the poor wearing.

[Cassie]

People  think we don't have much $ because we drive 2-14yo cars. We actually just had to buy a 2010 Honda because one of them died.  Also some people tried to talk us out of retiring-figuring that we could not afford too.  When I was young I thought all the ones with big houses/cars had lots of $ but actually the opposite is true.  It is so nice to be free of the 8-5 thing 7 work at things which you really want to do & love.

[ruthiegirl]

Yep, I look poor.  I also look happy.  It is the comment I hear over and over from friends, "Ruth, how can you always be so happy?  You don't have hardly anything!"

I just laugh.   

[Jamesqf]

I was often amazed at the way image equalled money for them since I knew people who were quite well off but didn't live so ostentatiously.  I can honestly say that "decent" non-designer jeans, and an old sweatshirt would stand out to them too.  To the gate McMansion set, those might be the sorts of clothes you donate and envision the poor wearing.

You know, I just realized there's a real bit of ironic humor here, 'cause the land most of those upscale communities, shopping centers, and the library itself are built on used to be owned by this guy: http://www.coastcoin.com/blog/the-redfield-hoard-and-the-story-of-lavere-redfield-edited/

He saved most of his money, but he was no miser. He just preferred hard money. He drove that old pick-up and wore tattered overalls, but he and his wife led a good life, and contributed generously to charities.

[BPA]

I was often amazed at the way image equalled money for them since I knew people who were quite well off but didn't live so ostentatiously.  I can honestly say that "decent" non-designer jeans, and an old sweatshirt would stand out to them too.  To the gate McMansion set, those might be the sorts of clothes you donate and envision the poor wearing.

You know, I just realized there's a real bit of ironic humor here, 'cause the land most of those upscale communities, shopping centers, and the library itself are built on used to be owned by this guy: http://www.coastcoin.com/blog/the-redfield-hoard-and-the-story-of-lavere-redfield-edited/

He saved most of his money, but he was no miser. He just preferred hard money. He drove that old pick-up and wore tattered overalls, but he and his wife led a good life, and contributed generously to charities.

I love irony. 

[Paul der Krake]

Re: looking poor at the bank

I still look like a college student so the one time I actually walked in a Fidelity branch shortly after opening a meager account to deposit a small check (they were right next door, I had some questions, it was convenient), they were super cold, which is weird in the South where everyone seems eager to have your babies, and almost treated me like I was wasting their time. It probably didn't help that there was nobody else inside and they saw me get out of the rust bucket on their parking lot.

Anyway, can't wait to go back in a few years with a sizeable amount in that taxable account.

By the way, exact same experience in the couple European banks where I keep a couple hundred GBP/Euros. They must think I'm still looking for my first job.

[greaper007]

I try to go by the philosophy of not looking poor, but rather eccentric.   I hate bad haircuts, and I have very fine hair so unless I pay $20 to a hipster barber, I look like someone that lives on a polygamist compound.   So I just stopped cutting it and now I wear it in a bun.   Cheap, easy and I think I might be in front of the fashion trend.

When it comes to clothes, just take a page from some of the coolest poor people in history.   Artists.   Painters, sculpters, the beat poets and rock musicians often have a tattered classic style that upscale shops are constantly trying to emulate.   There's no need to go that route.    Just buy a pair of 501 shrink to fit and shrink them to fit you perfectly, then do all sorts of activities like fixing your car or painting while you wear them.    They'll look like something from versace within a few weeks, and you can wear those everyday for at least 3 years (ask me how I know).    Finish off the ensemble with some vintage thrift store shirts, 2 for 20 t-shirts from urban outfiters and either cool looking work boots or a pair of chuck taylors.    Rock this outfit right (while staying thin) and you can look hip well into your 60s, 70s if you're mick jagger.    And your whole wardrobe will be well under $300.

[crumbcatcher]

Just buy a pair of 501 shrink to fit and shrink them to fit you perfectly, then do all sorts of activities like fixing your car or painting while you wear them.    They'll look like something from versace within a few weeks, and you can wear those everyday for at least 3 years (ask me how I know).    Finish off the ensemble with some vintage thrift store shirts, 2 for 20 t-shirts from urban outfiters and either cool looking work boots or a pair of chuck taylors.    Rock this outfit right (while staying thin) and you can look hip well into your 60s, 70s if you're mick jagger.    And your whole wardrobe will be well under $300.

Chucks for sure.  You've just described what I call my "geek uniform."  It also happens to be my badass thrift store uniform, but I don't usually tell people that. ;-)

It also looks good with scarves and cardigans.  Layering!

UPDATE:  Well, at least I think it looks good with scarves and cardigans...

[greaper007]

Ahhh, vintage cardigans.    They itch so much, but they look so good.    I tend to gravitate towards something from 1984 that probably got donated when grandpa died.    I also love vintage woolrich, and penndelton.   Again, itchy but so badass.

[MooseOutFront]

I do not look poor yet, but I'm working on it!

[milla]

I think we look average for our area.... except for the really old car, to people who see us on the street. For the people who actually know us... I think they assume we make a lot more than we do. I work two days a week, my husband works three days a week, we have two kids four years apart (unusual for the area- most people have more), and we live in a nice looking house in an established upper middle class neighborhood. I'm sure my coworkers think my husband makes six figures. They know I don't make much.
I'm sure my sister in law thinks he makes about the same as her husband (who works like 60 hour weeks) because they are always tight on money and I never worry about it but she knows it's not "a lot" because I've told her so. The truth is our combined compensation is half of his, we save more and we are about 100x happier. Tadah. It's like magic.

[RugosaB]

To the family, probably, but mostly due to what they assume, not what they ask. To others who don't know us, we look average for this part

We were in a bad car accident 5 years ago, left me in a coma for a bit and a permanent TBI. Right after that we got rid of some things because it was financially a good time to do so, so I think the family just assumes the accident was worse on our finances than what it was
I don't mind looking poor to anyone, in fact prefer it

[Travis]

Most of my friends and family know I do well, but I don't look "rich."  My best friend works near me (US Army NCO).  He jokes with his coworkers that his best friend is a Major who lives like a Private.  He says it as an exaggeration and as a compliment to my frugal ways.  In contrast he also works with some of my peers who are in all kinds of debt. 

[ThatsMyOtter]

We live in a middle class neighborhood where people tend to spend as little as they can on housing and as much as they can on cars, clothes, and consumer goods. Shortly after we moved into our apartment one of my neighbors stopped me as I was leaving to bike to work and told me that if we're ever behind on rent the landlord will let you pay the following Friday with no late fee, as long as you don't do it more than a few times a year.

I think my coworkers assume that I'm dealing with massive student loans because I take my lunch to work and only rarely accept invitations to go out to lunch with them. They also feel sorry for me because I've never been on a cruise.

[Tyler]

If someone passed me on the street I wager I'd look average to above average.  Not rich by any means, but also not struggling.  I'm happy and healthy and relatively stress free compared to others and it shows regardless of what I'm wearing.

In fact, I once had a friend/coworker ask with a raised eyebrow if I was "a millionaire or something".  Not because I dressed like one or drove a sports car, but because they said I'm so easygoing and confident with no indication of money struggles that I come across as "sneaky rich".  This was in the Bay Area where you walk by stock option millionaires every day and would never know it. 

There's much more to the image you project than what you wear.