How to make your outfit look more expensive (2024)

How to make your outfit look more expensive (1)

We are all about making the most of what we already own, and – thankfully – there are countless ways to elevate your wardrobe in order to help you to look more pulled-together, and to ensure your pieces to look more expensive than they are.

Below, we round up 10 super simple – and editor-approved – styling tips that will make your life so much easier when getting ready in the morning. From having your clothes pressed and fitted to ensuring that you invest in classics, rather than anything trend-led, looking chic, sophisticated and polished is not as difficult as you think it might be.

So, if you are looking to enhance your wardrobe and make the most of what you already own, scroll down to discover our tips for making your outfit look more expensive.

Make use of your steamer

This seems like something your mother would say and we all know that time in the morning is precious, but taking the extra five minutes to steam or press your look will add instant polish to even the most worn-out pieces.

Get it tailored

Taking an extra couple of days from purchase to have your local tailor nip and tuck your latest great find, versus ripping the tags off and wearing right away, will elevate the final product way beyond its original price tag. Fit is key.

Wear a belt for polish

Insouciance is something we're always pursuing in the style department, but in the case of looking like you know what you're doing, add a sleek and timeless belt to your look for instant elevation.

Add gold accessories

There is just something about structural, gilded extras – whether a bag or jewellery, or both – that make you look like you stepped out of the pages of a magazine.

Shop the best gold jewellery.

Dress in tonal colours, like all white or all black

Not only is it incredibly elongating, but a monochrome outfit always looks intentional and put together. (Tip: Just make sure your whites are bright and your blacks match.)

Keep handbags shiny and clean

Layer up

A tailored jacket is an editor's secret weapon. It elevates denim, polishes flowy dresses, looks chic thrown over the shoulders and takes slim trousers to the board room.

Dress up your denim

You can't beat a great pair of jeans, and there is no reason why they should be relegated to your weekend wardrobe only. Just make sure to opt for timeless washes and silhouettes, and dress them up with heels or a statement pair of sunglasses.

Buy timeless outerwear

Forgo the trends each season and focus on purchasing coats that are forever: classic camel, navy pea, sheepskin, belted trench, raw denim – every time you reach for a cover-up, you won't regret it.

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Co-ordinate your accessories

When in doubt, keeping your accessories in the same colour palette will ensure your look comes off as intentional, not haphazard.

I've delved into fashion and style for quite some time, studying the nuances of elevating wardrobes and mastering the art of making outfits appear more sophisticated without breaking the bank. Now, about the concepts in that article:

Investment in Classics: This refers to buying timeless pieces instead of trend-focused items. Classics tend to withstand changing fashion cycles and remain stylish across seasons. They form the foundation of an elegant and versatile wardrobe.
Tailoring: The emphasis on getting clothes tailored to achieve a perfect fit is crucial. A well-fitted garment enhances its overall appearance and makes it look more expensive than it actually is.
Use of Accessories: Accessories, particularly gold ones, add a touch of sophistication. Structured, gilded extras, whether in the form of bags or jewelry, contribute to a more polished and refined look.
Color Coordination: The suggestion to wear tonal colors or monochrome outfits elongates the silhouette and gives a deliberate, put-together appearance. Matching colors intentionally creates a cohesive and chic look.
Maintenance and Care: Taking care of your belongings, especially handbags, with proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance contributes to their longevity and upscale appearance.
Layering: The versatile use of a tailored jacket as a fashion statement that elevates various outfits, including denim, flowy dresses, and trousers, showcases sophistication and chic styling.
Denim Styling: The advice to dress up denim for various occasions suggests that with careful selection of timeless washes and suitable pairings (like heels or statement accessories), jeans can transcend casual wear and fit into a more upscale setting.
Timeless Outerwear: Prioritizing classic and enduring outerwear pieces, such as camel coats or belted trenches, over trendy seasonal items ensures a consistently stylish and sophisticated look.
Coordinated Accessories: Coordinating accessories within the same color palette adds intentionality to the outfit, avoiding a disjointed appearance.

These concepts underline the idea of thoughtful curation, careful maintenance, and strategic pairing to elevate one's wardrobe, showcasing a refined and expensive aesthetic without necessarily spending extravagantly.