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!
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22 Easy Ways to Look Expensive on a Budget
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! You can check out www.scummybears.com for interesting prints that strike a perfect balance between trendy and timeless.
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. There are so many shapes to choose from. Just make sure you choose high-quality, but affordable, stylish sunglasses, such as those at www.neveneyewear.com.
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). Minimalist pieces tend to elevate your outfit without overwhelming it, offering a timeless and refined look. If you’re drawn to elegant accessories with a story, learn about Twice Loved and their curated selection of pre-owned fine jewelry.
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
Need some fall outfit inspo? Check out my newest Stylecaster feature here!
Pin for later!
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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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These are great tips! Especially the one about investing in a good handbag at the end, haha! I’ll always splurge on accessories, most of my wardrobe is sale buys or thrifted so I think a pretty scarf or bag can really change up those basic pieces! 🙂
Thanks for the link up!
Hope that you are having a nice week and have a lovely weekend ahead of you 🙂
Away From Blue
I agree with everything you listed! Simple tips that make a big impact and you are so right! Thanks for the link up Lizzie!
xo,
Kellyann
I’m so glad! Thank you for reading!
I agree with every single one of these tips! Love this look and thanks for the link up.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much Kathrine! Anytime!
I agree with all of these!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
What a great round up of tips. I think one of the most important is getting clothes that fit!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you so much Mireille!
These are such great tips! I have always been a budget shopper mostly because I am so fickle with my style and always change things up. Plus I like to have lots of options so I shop on a budget for that reason as well. And I steam everything, every day, before I put it on! It makes a huge difference in appearance when you pay attention to the little details.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I hear you on that lol! I love having options too 🙂 Yes! My little steamer has been aa life saver!
I agree with all of these tips! Replacing buttons is such a good idea! I steam everything I’m going to wear before I put it on! Thank you for the linkup!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Hello beautiful Lizzie- those are super tips! Yes to all of them, for a flare of elegance that can certainly be achieved on a budget while looking expensive. Love it ! Have a great weekend xx
Hello Lucy! lol Thank you so much! I’m so glad that you like the tips!
Great tips! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday link up party.
Thank you so much Nancy!
These are some great tips. I love investing in a few high qualiter or designer pieces and mixing that with lower priced items. I think it makes your outft look more expensive!
-Tracy
Find Your Dazzle
Thank you so much Tracy!
I love these tips! You always look like a million bucks so I definitely need to do what you’re doing haha! Xx.
Thank you so much Carrington! You’re so sweet!
Such great tips and you look gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
Ellibelle’s Corner
Hehe! You are the queen of handbags! You have so many pretty ones and they always look amazing with your outfits! 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend as well!
You are so gorgeous and you look so nice
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
Thank you so much Melody!
These are excellent tips, thanks for sharing. I like the button idea, and have often thought about it, but never done it. Thanks for hosting Lizzie. Jacqui x
Thank you so much Jacqui!
Such a sweet outfit. Love how everything comes together. Love the tips too.
❥ tanvii.com
Aren’t they great? I know what you mean girl!
These are rules that I live by! Then again, I’m always on a budget 😉
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
These are wonderful tips! Solid colors always makes you look more expensive and classic! I especially love your tip about manners. It’s so true!
What a sophisticated look! Great tips!
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
This is such excellent advice. I have found that neutral and solid colors really tend to do the trick oftentimes, and it’s super easy!
I enjoyed reading your “look expensive” tips. I’m big on ironing clothing and I guess that’s why–I dislike the rumpled look!
Awe! Thank you so much Kim, I’m so glad that you enjoy them!
These are all such great points! I definitely think neutral and monochromatic looks look much more luxe.
You look so adorable! tThanks for these tips!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you so much Rach! You are so welcome!
All great tips and some I have been practicing for years. Small details can make such an impact! xoxo, Sarah
I love all of these suggestions, especially the confidence and politeness references – not enough of it or posture either!
I love that you’re wearing some “old” pieces too, Lizzie as it speaks to your determination to be sustainable and ethical.
Have a great new week!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
https://donnadoesdresses.com
Thank you so much Donna!Yes, posture is a good one too!! I think people forget about those. I’ve been wearing lots of “old” pieces lately. Cleaning out my closet definitely gave me more inspiration to shop from my closet! You have a great week as well!
These are all such good tips! You always look amazing.
Thank you so much Lilly!
I love this blog post idea and so many great tips! Definitely agree with you on these, especially the one about having your nails nicely done! I always feel fancier with polished nails!
Thank you so much Hillary! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!
Great advice and love the pink!
Thank you so much Girl!
Love all of these tips, Lizzie! You ALWAYS look so fancy and poised!
Thank you so much Sarah!
Talk about some great tips. While I try to follow a lot of these, I sometimes stray away just for the sake of my own personal style. But I definitely want to work a little harder on maintaining a poised and chic exterior!
Thank you so much Stephanie!
Such a fun post! You always look amazing Lizzie and it was fun to read your secrets! xo Jaimie http://www.jaimietucker.com
Thank you so much Jaimie!
Beautiful outfit and great tips…replacing buttons can definitely transform a garment. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much Emma! It’s such a neat trick!
Great post Lizzie! I think finding pieces that truly fit your body is such an important step!
Thanks so much Anna! I couldn’t agree more!
Such a great post Lizzie! And really great recommendations. I definitely agree with you on these. Especially the nice nails and monochromatic looks!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Thanks so much Laura Leigh! Absolutely <3