Look Expensive on a Budget

I’m sharing my 10 best tips on how to look expensive on a budget.  While I love designer items, I also love the hunt for a bargain and great deal.  I have found an easy way to make my style appear more expensive while wearing things that don’t cost a fortune.

 

 

Let’s take this outfit above for an example.  Everything in this look is under $50.  My lady jacket has a very similar look and vibe to this Veronica Beard one and my trouser pants feels like yoga pants and are under $40.  Paired with a cap toe slingback that gives Chanel vibes, but for less than $45.  You don’t have to spend a ton to look like you did.  Here are my top tips for looking expensive on a budget.

INVEST IN CLASSIC PIECES

Try to avoid buying trendy clothing that will go out of style quickly. Building your closet around trench coats, white button-downs, little black dresses, and loafers guarantees cost per use. These styles suit most body types and transcend passing trends.  I will never spend money on barrel jeans or oversized sweaters or coats.  These are not classic styles and are passing trends.  It’s also the quickest way to burn through money for things that you won’t have for years to come.

WEAR A MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT

Sticking to one color from head to toe looks very polished and put together. Select a neutral like black, navy, gray, or blush pink. The neutral tones will also create a more streamlined silhouette, making you appear slimmer, which is a nice bonus!

 

SEEK OUT QUALITY FABRICS

Fabrics like silk, cashmere, wool, and linen drape beautifully and feel luxurious on the skin. They tend to retain dyes better for richer colors that last. Natural materials also breathe well and regulate temperatures.

SHOP CONSIGNMENT + THRIFT SHOPS

I will admit that I am a huge consignment shopper.  I look for high end designer labels only.  Shopping resale allows access to luxury brands at thrift store prices. Frequently checking reveals new designer arrivals in like-new condition at steep discounts.  My favorite places to shop online for designer clothing is Fashionphile, Vestiaire Collective and The Real Real.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHING

Following fabric care instructions keeps clothes looking their best for longer. Proper storage, steaming, spot cleaning, and mending preserve quality and value.  Dry clean your more valuable items and do not wash clothes every single time. This will give them longevity.  And when washing denim, always turn them inside out to preserve the color.

AVOID WEARING HEAVY LOGOS

Ditch clothing plastered in monograms and branding aiming to advertise the designer name itself. Unbranded pieces create a clean, elegant silhouette.  Women with high-end designer looks tend to gravitate to the more understated pieces in a collection than the logo ones.  The only logos I wear are belts and handbags.  I have two Gucci sweaters (bought on consignment) that I adore that have the GG logo all over, but they still come across elegant and classic.

MIX HIGH + LOW CLOTHING ITEMS

Sprinkle key splurges from designer brands into the majority of less expensive fast-fashion items. Statement shoes or bags do the heavy lifting.  I can often been seen rocking a $30 pair of denim and a St. John Jacket (photo below).  It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

 

LIMIT ACCESSORIES

Trust me, I love my accessories, so I want to wear them.  But choose strategically.  Too many finishes compete for attention; one focal accessory stands out. A staple watch, sleek handbag, and simple pair of earrings balance an outfit.  Choose one key piece to accessorize with, think of your statement accessory, and pair it down accordingly.  Take the photo above.  I added a long gold chain with a double circle pendant.  That’s it. The necklace is the statement.

SHOP SALES STRATEGICALLY

Major sales around holidays and season changes offer coveted designer brands for a fraction of retail cost. Subscribe to mailing lists and check online.  Follow me and be sure to get on my mailing lists for special deals and sales alerts.  I also share daily deals to my Instagram and Facebook stories several times a week.

GET YOUR CLOTHES TAILORED

Invest in getting pieces adjusted for an ideal fit for your body; even inexpensive items transform. Not many not us can just purchase it off the rack and have it fit us perfectly.  Have key items tailored to give a custom fit.  Wearing anything oversized, even when on trend, never looks classic and timeless.  It just makes us look shapeless.  And I am definitely not signing up for that.

I hope that these tips help you with your fashion journey.  These are 10 tips for how to look expensive on a budget that I follow religiously.  Let me know if you have any that I missed in the comments below.  I would love to hear how you’re achieving the expensive on-budget look in your own way.

Check out my post on Splurge vs. Steal finds for Winter to find deals on high-end items that still give you the same look for less.

Until next time friends,