15 Elegant Ways to Look Expensive on a Budget
Looking expensive doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart shopping strategies and styling tips, you can create a chic and sophisticated look without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to look expensive on a budget.
1. Invest in High-Quality Basics
Investing in high-quality basics is the key to creating an expensive-looking wardrobe. Look for well-made pieces in classic colors such as black, white, and navy blue. A well-tailored blazer, a cashmere sweater, or a pair of dark-wash jeans can instantly elevate your look.
These pieces will last longer and save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace them as often.
Start by seeing what these pieces you already own. Sort through your closet and find staple pieces like white t-shirts, jeans, pants, neutral tops, and jackets within the same color scheme. There’s no need to buy an entire wardrobe, just sort through and take inventory of the pieces you have. If you’re having trouble figuring out what basics you have, you can use this list for inspiration:
●plain black top
●plain white top
●plain brown or tan top
●white or cream pants
●dark wash jeans
●black slacks
●tan pants
●white or cream shirt
● blue and white striped button down
●a pair of neutral sneakers
●a pair of black heels
●a Plain single button jacket
●a little black dress
●a white or cream dress ( summer) or dark sweaterdress winter
● classic sweater like a turtleneck, mock neck, or v-neck sweater
Fill in blanks at outlets or thrift shops. The key is to choose quality over quantity and focus on a great fit. It’s tempting to buy many cheap clothes rather than invest in a few high-quality pieces. However, this can actually end up costing you more in the long run, as cheap clothes tend to wear out faster and need to be replaced more often.
2. Embrace Neutral Colors
Neutral colors like black, white, beige, and gray are timeless and versatile. They can be easily mixed and matched, creating a sophisticated, expensive-looking outfit. Stick to neutral colors when shopping for wardrobe staples like coats, blazers, and pants.
Monochrome is an easy way to put together a chic, expensive-looking outfit. All white or all cream is incredibly classy, but be sure to layer and mix textures for a more elevated look. For example, a soft white sweater paired with a quality pair of silky trousers in cream and accessorized nicely with a light neutral faux croc shoe is a timeless, money look. If you need more help with this, you might enjoy reading my blog post: Monochromatic Dressing Tips To Magically Slim.
3. Add a Pop of Color
While neutral colors are ideal for creating an expensive-looking outfit, adding a single pop of color can create a touch of drama. A bright-colored scarf, a statement necklace, or a colorful handbag gives a sophisticated edge to an otherwise simple outfit. Just keep the rest of your outfit neutral so that the pop of color stands out.
4. Opt for Structured Pieces
Structured pieces like blazers, coats, and sheath dresses are more formal and can make you appear more put-together and expensive. Look for well-tailored pieces with clean lines that fit your body and flatter your shape. A structured blazer lends authority and makes you look more professional, while a structured coat can make a simple outfit look more elegant.
5. Mix High and Low-end Pieces
You don’t have to wear head-to-toe designer clothes to look expensive. Mix high-end pieces with affordable items to create an expensive-looking outfit. For example, pair a designer handbag with a simple outfit or wear a pair of designer shoes with a basic dress. This will give your outfit a high-end touch without breaking the bank.
6. Pay Attention to Fabrics and Details
Looking expensive is also about the quality of the fabrics you wear. When in doubt, silk or satin materials that flow and drape always look chic. Cashmere, wool, velvet, linen, and buttery soft leather are also fabrics that will make you look high-end. Printed fabrics will not make you look as expensive as solid-colored fabrics, so use print in small quantities on their own or mixed with solids.
7. Don’t Reveal Much Skin
Letting it hang all out is not classy, but a little bit of skin can look sophisticated and youthful. The rule of thumb here is to choose only one area to show a bit of skin. For example, if you are wearing a skirt with a slit at the side, don’t wear a low-cut top. If you are wearing a halter neckline, don’t wear a short skirt. It’s all about balance when you want to look elegant and expensive.
8. Shop Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is a great way to find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost. Look for consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces like Poshmark and thredUP. You can find designer clothes and accessories for a fraction of the cost, and you’ll be doing your part for the environment by shopping sustainably.
9. Accessorize Wisely
Accessories Can Make or Break an Outfit. Choose them wisely to create an expensive-looking outfit. Opt for refined, classic pieces like a simple luxury watch, a delicate gold necklace, or a pair of pearl earrings. These pieces will never go out of style and can be worn with a variety of outfits. Accessories like a beautiful leather bag or designer shoes should always be in top-notch condition. First impressions count!
10. Tailor your Clothes to Fit Perfectly
Tailoring your clothes is the best way to make them fit perfectly and look more expensive. A well-tailored outfit can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Look for a tailor in your area and take your clothes to be altered if they don’t fit perfectly off the rack. This can include hemming pants, taking in the waist of a dress, or shortening the sleeves of a blazer. The cost of tailoring is usually minimal, but the results can be dramatic.
11. Wear Black
Black is the ultimate chic color and can make any outfit look more expensive. A black blazer, dress, or a pair of black pants can instantly elevate your look. Plus, black is slimming and can camouflage trouble spots. If you worry black will wash you out, add a pop of color like a scarf, necklace, or a black top with some other colors, or avoid black close to your face, altogether. The Navy is also a good substitute for Black. It’s sophisticated, like black but won’t wash you out.
12. Take Care of your Clothes
Taking care of your clothes is essential to look expensive on a budget. Make sure to follow the care instructions on the label and avoid throwing your clothes in the dryer if possible. Hang your clothes up after wearing them to prevent wrinkles, and store them properly to prevent damage. This will help your clothes last longer and maintain their quality. Always iron or steam your clothes before wearing them, and make sure to check how the back of your outfit looks in the mirror before you walk out the door.
13. Keep your Hair and Makeup Simple and Classic
When it comes to hair and makeup, less is often more. Keep your hair and makeup simple and natural-looking to create an expensive-looking outfit. A simple hairstyle like a sleek bun or a low ponytail can be elegant and sophisticated. If your hair is short, keep it trimmed and styled. For makeup, stick to neutral colors and avoid overdoing it with bold trending colors or heavy makeup.
14. Know When to Splurge
While shopping on a budget is important, it’s also essential to know when to splurge. Certain items are worth investing in, such as a well-made coat, a high-quality leather handbag, or a pair of designer shoes. These items will last longer and can be worn with various outfits, making them worth the investment. One note of caution, don’t plaster yourself with designer logos. A designer bag with a designer belt and shoes have the opposite effect of making you look expensive!
15. Be Confident
The most important tip for looking expensive on a budget is to be confident. Confidence can make any outfit look more expensive and put-together. Wear your clothes with pride and own your style. Remember that style is about expressing yourself and feeling good, and not about wearing expensive clothes.
In conclusion, looking expensive on a budget is possible. Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “Fashion fades, but style is eternal.” By keeping this mindset and following the tips above, you can create a chic and sophisticated look without breaking the bank.
I am a bit dubious about the classics – everything dates after a while – the shape of the lapel, shoulder pads, and jacket lengths. The differences may be subtle, but they are noticeable. Even shoes change the toe and heel shape. I used to buy expensive labels, Armani, Max Mara, and the like – they all date after a while. The only investment I have made that hasn’t dated was a Chanel 2.55 handbag – but bags with gold chains look dated on women in their 50s, so I sold it for a handsome profit.
Excellent tips; I will be teaching a class next week on this topic and will also recommend your website. Thank you!
Classic pieces are just that. I have had some parts in my wardrobe for over 25 years that have never gone out of style and can easily be updated with accessories. Clothing care is critical. Wash your garments inside out in cold water, and they will not fade. Hang dry whatever you can – the dryer can be brutal. Or set your drying to low if possible.
Your site is a favorite for me. My Mom always told me the advice you offer here; even when you and I were little girls, buying classes, buying quality, and spending little on trends was what I heard. Enjoyed this post for the sound fashion advice and the trip down memory lane. Thank you.