I agree with you that the connotations of “polished” are linked to social class. Same goes for the quiet luxury vibe. The whole idea, stated or unstated, is to look wealthy–and who can do that most effectively? The people with the most money and leisure to devote to the effort.

In most workplaces looking like a member of the top of the organization’s employment hierarchy pays off professionally. So it seems to me that changing the definition of polished requires expanding who is at the top of the hierarchy.

My area of higher ed has many international women in leadership–and a much broader definition of “maintained” hair, in particular, than what I see here. Also some cross-cultural commonalities: natural fibers and genuine gold jewelry seem to be status markers for all.

That being said, how do you get into the habit of getting rid of ‘perfectly fine’ clothes? I have such a hard time giving away or reselling clothes that are still in excellent shape but just at the ‘midlife’ of their utility.

I think this is for two reasons: 1) frugality (I can afford new clothes, but I’d rather save the money) and 2) convenience (finding new pieces to replace those that are retired is time-consuming).

Maybe the answer is buying better things that show wear more slowly. I typically buy from Talbots and Boden, some J Crew. Are there other purveyors (even if more expensive) whose clothes are likely to look ‘new’ longer? Or wear with a patina that looks polished rather than shabby?