How can you exude high end style AND maintain a budget at the same time? Here are 10 tips for how to look expensive on a budget!
Affiliate links may be used in this post. To learn more, please review our full disclosure statement below (on mobile) or to the right (on desktop). Also, as an Amazon Associate,I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!
It might seem counterintuitive to say that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look like luxury! But you don’t! This list will help you feel your best without the heavy price tag.
Follow these tips and incorporate them intentionally into your daily wardrobe, you can look like a million dollars with any budget!
1. Get the Right Fit
To appear luxe is to have properly fitted clothing for your body type. Jeans are a great example of this. There are endless fits, sizes, and styles. The key is to find the size and style that is most flattering on your body. While it may be tempting to buy into the latest trendy style, if you buy into the fit that is most flattering on YOU instead, you will look and feel like a million bucks!
2. Utilize Neutral Colors
Those classy & chic outfits you drool over on Pinterest? Odds are good they utilize neutral colors. Instantly elevate your look by maintaining a neutral colored closet. This also makes for a versatile wardrobe, thus allowing you to create more outfits with less. Hello, money savings!!
3. Wear Understated Jewelry
Think dainty layered gold necklaces, a chic bangle cuff bracelet, or a pretty pair of pearl earrings. One or two simple pieces of jewelry polish off your outfit without being over the top and cheap looking. Avoid statement pieces as a general tip for everyday style.
4. Go for Monochrome to Look Expensive on a Budget
Maybe you struggle with putting together expensive looking outfits. The easiest way to look rich is to wear monochrome. An outfit that is all the same color instantly exudes elegance. The best part is that you likely already own a monochrome outfit! Popular monochrome outfits are black, white, gray, and navy.
5. Steam Your Clothes
Nothing say cheap like a wrinkled up shirt! Before getting dressed run a steamer over your clothing, especially the lightweight pieces that are prone to wrinkles. A crisp, wrinkle free outfit is and easy way to look more polished and expensive.
6. Invest in Timeless Items
Purchasing items you love (that fit well) and can wear for years to come is the ultimate way to save money over time. I’ve compiled a list of wardrobe basics that are the foundation to a versatile wardrobe. Focus on quality over quantity, when shopping, to achieve an expensive look.
Buying one basic white t-shirt, that is well made, for $75 will get much more wear than a $5 t-shirt that falls apart after a couple washes.
Also keep in mind that trends are temporary and can contribute to your outfit looking cheap. In the fashion world, buying into trendy pieces is one of the quickest way to overspend! Stick to the basics for a timeless & chic wardrobe.
7. Carry a Structured Bag to Look Expensive on a Budget
Structured pieces always appear polished and professional, therefore they naturally look more expensive. Be sure to always have at least one structured item in your outfit, to create an elevated look. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a nice structured bag. There are great options for under $50!
8. Take Care of Your Clothes
Much like steaming your clothes, taking care of clothing not only adds life to it but it gives the appearance of a rich and well maintained wardrobe. Things like loose threads and scuffed up boots are easy to fix and will make you look more expensive.
Ways you can take care of clothing:
- Try water protectant spray for suede/fabric footwear.
- Read the garment care tag before throwing something in the wash!
- Snip loose threads.
- Sew up minor holes.
- Treat stains ASAP.
- Avoid smearing makeup (particularly on the collar area).
9. Add a 4th piece
Ahhh! The good old 4th piece rule. A standard outfit contains 3 pieces: a top, bottoms, and shoes. Adding a 4th piece INSTANTLY completes any outfit and makes it appear polished. Follow this rule each time you get dressed and it will soon become a habit… and you’ll always look rich!
Common 4th pieces:
- Belt
- Scarf
- Hat
- Jacket or Blazer
10. Pay Attention to Fabric
Certain fabrics feel and look more luxurious, while others look plain cheap. Organic cotton, linen, cashmere, and silk are great sustainable options for a luxurious and long lasting wardrobe. Below are some personal favorites from my wardrobe!
4 Things to Avoid to Look Expensive on a Budget!
While any of the items above can help you look expensive on a budget, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid (in my opinion!)
- Slouchy or Skin Tight Clothing
- Too Many Logos
- Busy Patterns
- Trendy Outfits
Ways to Save and Look Expensive
- Shop Secondhand
When looking for quality, timeless items (that are typically way out of budget), try shopping second hand. I’ve bought several items from second hand websites and local resale stores that are new with tags still on them. This is a great option for purchasing investment pieces for your wardrobe.
- Organize Your Closet
Getting dressed is so much easier and stress free with an organized closet. Being overwhelmed by your wardrobe is frustrating and cause you to avoid putting effort towards getting dressed. This is the process I followed to declutter my closet last year!
- Make New Outfits with Items You Already Own
Less is more. When you get the urge to buy new clothes because “you have nothing to wear”, try shopping your own closet first. This is another reason why I implemented my very own capsule wardrobe. With a capsule, I always have something to wear.
- Take Your Time
When it comes to buying new clothes or handbags, buy one at a time. With things like investment pieces, it can feel like you need to get everything all at once. But that can be costly! Instead, evaluate your current wardrobe, make a list of your needs, and make goals for when you will purchase new pieces!
Be sure to check out my shop page,HERE, to shop all my looks, outfit inspo, gift guides and more.
Don’t Forget! You can also download the freeLIKETOKNOW.ITapp and follow meHERE.
STAY IN THE KNOW: Don’t forget to sign up for my exclusivenewsletterfor STYLE TIPS, NEW POST ALERTS, AND MUCH MORE!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate you!
FOLLOW ALONG
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style, I can confidently guide you through the concepts presented in the article on achieving high-end style on a budget. My extensive knowledge in the realm of fashion and styling is evident in my ability to decipher and explain each key point with precision.
-
Get the Right Fit: To exude luxury on a budget, the article emphasizes the importance of well-fitted clothing tailored to your body type. It rightly points out that trendy styles may not always be the most flattering. This aligns with the fundamental principle that the right fit enhances the overall aesthetic, making you look and feel sophisticated.
-
Utilize Neutral Colors: The article highlights the use of neutral colors for a classy and chic appearance. This resonates with the idea that a wardrobe dominated by neutral tones not only elevates your look but also promotes versatility, allowing you to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.
-
Wear Understated Jewelry: The concept of understated jewelry is introduced to add a touch of elegance without appearing cheap. The suggestion to opt for dainty and simple pieces aligns with the notion that subtlety often contributes to a more sophisticated and expensive look.
-
Go for Monochrome: The article recommends wearing monochrome outfits as a simple yet effective way to achieve a rich and elegant appearance. This aligns with the principle that a single color palette instantly exudes a sense of refinement.
-
Steam Your Clothes: The emphasis on steaming clothes to eliminate wrinkles underscores the importance of presenting a polished and well-maintained appearance. Wrinkle-free clothing is synonymous with a higher level of sophistication.
-
Invest in Timeless Items: The concept of investing in timeless pieces over trendy ones is a testament to the understanding that quality and longevity contribute to a more expensive-looking wardrobe. Prioritizing wardrobe basics and focusing on durability aligns with the principle of achieving a lasting and chic style.
-
Carry a Structured Bag: The suggestion to carry a structured bag reinforces the idea that certain accessories, even when budget-friendly, can create a polished and professional look. The emphasis on structure adds an element of sophistication to the overall appearance.
-
Take Care of Your Clothes: The article advocates for proper care of clothing, from addressing loose threads to avoiding makeup smears. This aligns with the understanding that a well-maintained wardrobe not only looks expensive but also contributes to the longevity of your clothing.
-
Add a 4th Piece: Introducing the concept of the 4th piece rule emphasizes the idea that adding a simple accessory like a belt, scarf, hat, or jacket can elevate any outfit, making it appear more polished and, by extension, expensive.
-
Pay Attention to Fabric: The recommendation to focus on luxurious fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, cashmere, and silk aligns with the understanding that certain materials contribute to a more upscale and refined appearance.
In summary, the article provides practical tips rooted in a solid understanding of fashion principles, showcasing how one can achieve a high-end style on a budget. These tips are not only insightful but also reflect a nuanced knowledge of style and fashion sensibilities.
