These days, there are so many easy ways to look expensive on a budget! I’ve included 22 of my favorite tips that are low-cost or no-cost so you can look polished and high end, no matter what your budget is!
Outfit Details
Review Australia White Lace Top c/o | Review Australia Plaid Coat c/o | Pink Skirt (old – similar here) | LC Lauren Conrad Handbag (old – similar here) | J.Crew Headband (old – similar here) | Vintage Chanel Earrings
22 Easy Ways to Look Expensive on a Budget
Wear Clothing That Fits
Wearing clothing that fits properly can look much more expensive because it looks like it was almost made for you 🙂 Sometimes that means going to the tailor, especially if you’re petite like me!
Wear Neutral Colors
Neutral colors always look more expensive than brights (even though I love my colors!). Go for neutrals like white, cream, khaki, tan, grey and black.
Wear Solid Colors
When in doubt, stick to solids over prints (although prints can look expensive if done correctly). Aside from neutrals, pastels and jewel tones are also very luxe looking!
Wear a Monochrome Outfit
One of my favorite style hacks is the monochrome outfit! Wearing one color from head to toe looks so luxe! I recommend sticking to neutrals, pastels and jewel tones for optimal affect but I do feel that bright colors could also work very well with this if the pieces are tailored.
Wear Tailored and Structured Items
Tailored, structured garments just scream expensive! Look for items like structured blazers, coats, a-line and pencil skirts, trousers, etc.
Wear Simple Shapes
Simple, classic shapes are always best when trying to look more expensive. If you look at high-end designer collections, you’ll see that may things are very simple (and sometimes plain) in design!
Tuck Things In
One of the easiest things you can do to look more expensive is to tuck you top into your skirt, jeans, trousers, etc! Something about it just looks so put-together!
Go Minimal on Prints and Embellishments
I’m definitely a print and embellishment gal haha! But when i want to look a little more classy, I retract a bit. If you’re wearing a print or embellishment, make sure it issn’t too loud and that it doesn’t take away from your outfit as a whole. For this reason, I also love utilizing different textures and fabrics like lace in solids colors. It mimics the look of a print, but isn’t one and it looks very high end!
Replace the Buttons on Outerwear
This is the easiest hack, even on the cheapest coat! Many times, outerwear comes with cheap buttons but the simple act of switching them out for something a bit more expensive looking can elevate your look so much!
Wear the Right Undergarments
So important and very underrated! Wearing the right undergarments can really change the look of an outfit. I utilize strapless bras and nude undergarments the most to ensure nothing is peeking through.
Steam or Iron Clothing
I feel like this one is always forgotten. Steaming or ironing your clothing can make you look much more polished and classy! I even have a portable steamer that I take with me when I travel!
Wear Classic Sunglasses
Even though I love a fun pair of sunglasses, classic shapes will always reign supreme when it comes to looking polished. I recommend going for shapes like cat-eyes, oversized, aviator and the like since they never really go out of style.
Add a Structured Handbag
Structured handbags look much more expensive than slouchy designs, even if they’re cheaper! I personally feel like a good handbag can pull the entire outfit together.
Wear Simple Jewelry
As much as I love a good statement piece, simple and delicate jewelry is a must for looking more expensive. I recommend simple studs, pearls, a dainty necklace, etc. (and they absolutely do not have to be real).
Keep Nails Simple and Clean
Well-manicured nails are a must for looking more expensive. Colors like nude tones, soft pinks and neutrals elevate your look without going over the top. If you prefer a more natural look, just keep them clean, filed and healthy!
Take Care of Your Hair
Having polished hair is an easy way to look more expensive! All you have to do is just make sure it’s clean and brushed 😉
Start a Skincare Routine
Glowing skin definitely helps not only with confidence but with looking more elevated in your look. Establishing a skincare routine has so many benefits with this only being one of them!
Wear a Signature Scent
Wearing a signature scent is a great way to elevate your look as a whole. I like to think of it as the perfect finishing touch!
Wear Simple, Neutral Makeup
Simple, neutral makeup seems to be a constant when looking more polished. It still emphasizes your features but in a more subtle ways as it doesn’t take away from your outfit but rather adds to it.
Be Polite and Aware of Your Etiquette
Be courteous, polite and aware of your etiquette is always seen as high caliber. Just the simple act of saying please and thank you, looking people in the eye and smiling can elevate your look entirely!
Be Confident
As noted in my previous post, confidence is so important in many aspects of your life and this is definitely one of them. Being confident in yourself makes other people feel confident in you.
*Bonus* Invest in High Quality Items
If you do choose to spend some money on your look, I recommend investing in high quality items like a good handbag, a nice coat and a good pair of shoes. These are things that will not only elevate your look entirely but if they are classic enough, they will stand the test of time and last forever.
For more in depth advice and examples on how to look expensive on a budget, please check out the video below!
Do you know of any other ways to look expensive on a budget?
Let me know below!
xo
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Last week’s most clicked look was…
Her outfit has me dreaming of faraway places! Such a fun summer combo!
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