Looking expensive is not about wealth, it’s about exuding polished confidence while looking put together. Here are some great tips on how to look expensive on a budget that you can literally implement today!
If you are reading this, then you are someone that wants to look polished and put together. We all want to exude “that girl” energy without much effort and without breaking the bank. The truth is that it doesn’t take a ton of effort to look polished. All you need are the key tips and items I have outlined for you below. It becomes second nature after a while and people will be coming to you asking for advice on how to look expensive. I just want to preface this by saying that this is not the only type of look or style out there by any means because style is ultimately what YOU want it to be.
This post is all about how to look expensive on a budget
9 Best Tips On How To Look Expensive On A Budget
Expensive Looking Outfits
1. Wear Tailored Pieces
If you truly want to learn how to look expensive on a budget, then focus on wearing pieces that fit your frame perfectly. Ultimately, tailored clothing that forms to your body (especially ones with nice, durable fabrics) is what sends the unsolicited message that you know exactly what you are doing fashion-wise. The best part is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on tailored brand-named pieces to achieve that expensive look. As long as you are mindful of the fit and nothing is too tight or too baggy, you’re already doing it.
A white button-down or a fitted blazer is an excellent place to start. Generally, these pieces can be worn just about anywhere and are timeless. They can also be found in a capsule wardrobe. If you are looking to create a capsule wardrobe, check out my guide on how to do so here.
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2. Steam & Iron
Whether you are in a $100 outfit or a $20 one, be sure to take care of your fabrics through either steaming or ironing. Ultimately, a less expensive outfit that is taken care of before and after each wear will make you look much more put together. Much more so than a more expensive one filled with wrinkles and kinks. Just another easy reminder that all it takes to look expensive on a budget is properly taking care of the items you already own. I am often too lazy to iron my clothing, so I bought this steamer off of Amazon and it is a LIFE SAVER. It heats up quickly (be careful), I run it over my fabrics, and voila!
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3. Go Simple With Monochrome
Want to know the ultimate secret on how to look expensive? Don’t overdo it and go simple with monochrome outfits. Monochrome outfits consist of using a single color with different textures to create a seamless, flowing style. For example, you could pull off that expensive look by going with a pair of charcoal gray paints and matching it with a dove gray blouse and a pair of darker gray slingbacks. Without a doubt, you can choose any color theme you’d like and still look expensive, but the best outfits in this category tend to feature light tints and dark neutrals of a single color.
Bonus Tip: If you want to try out an all-black monochrome look, be careful of the shade changes. Even if listed the same shade of black, sometimes different black fabrics illuminate a purple cast that can throw off the entire look.
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How To Look Polished On A Budget
4. Add Tasteful Jewelry
If your goal is to look high-end, then you can’t forget to incorporate tasteful accessories. The trick here is to pick jewelry items that accentuate your style without overdoing it. Too much accessorizing can counter this more minimal style of look. As a general rule, avoid costume jewelry and plastic pieces, and opt for classic jewelry pieces like elegant pearls, timeless watches, and simple hoops. Reach for dainty necklaces and bracelets. If your jewelry happens to be gold plated, then you get bonus points because gold jewelry (no matter what the price tag is) is always equated to luxury vibes.
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5. Invest In A Structured Bag
If there is one thing for sure, nothing quite spearheads this type of look like a structured bag. These fierce (and functional) pieces can deliver an expensive vibe while slouchy bags and backpacks tend to go more in the direction of bohemian (also beautiful). Basically, consider investing in a well-structured bag, as it can single-handedly transform any look into something sleek and sophisticated.
If you can swing it, it is always best to invest in bags. Chanel bags specifically hold their value and may actually increase in value over time. If this level of investment is not something you want ever or not just yet, there are plenty of other high street options to choose from.
Bonus Tip: To optimize that expensive look appeal, go with a structured bag that is minimal in terms of color, design, and hardware so passing eyes stay drawn to the opulent-inspired, structured shape.
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6. Wear Pointed Shoes
I learned this trick a while ago, and it has always stuck with me. Wearing pointed shoes can level up your look. Believe it or not, footwear is one of the first things that someone will notice about your outfit, and the hidden glamour message of pointed toes can set the tone for the entire outfit.
In essence, pointed-toe shoes demonstrate that you mean business. Just be sure that they are not scuffed or falling apart because that can counter any upscale efforts you are aiming for – pointed toes or not. As with bags, over the years I have been drawn to invest in shoes (after all of the blisters I’ve endured). Not only has this saved money in the long term, but it has actually saved my feet. There are some super comfortable brand named heels out there.
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How To Look Classy And Put Together
If you really want your expensive look to shine, then make it a point to ensure that your nails, skin, and hair are on point as well. Simply put, your body is essentially the canvas that lays the foundation for how your style will perform. It can be hard to make any outfit look expensive if your nails are chipped and/or your hair has seen better days. So, consider hitting up the nail salon, a hairstylist, and adopting a solid skincare routine that makes you glow naturally. Or just DIY all of the above.
7. Get Your Nails Done
Nowadays there are so many options for nails. You can do a DIY at-home manicure, you can even do gel extensions at home (I have a YouTube video on a DIY gel extension mani that I did linked here!) or you can head to your local nail salon for some TLC. Out of everything on this list, nails are one of the best (and easiest) ways to look polished. Manicured nails level up your look whether you are wearing a power suit or a jogger set.
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8. Polished Hair
Your hair is your crown. I encourage you to get to know your hair type and texture, what it likes and dislikes. Don’t just rely on the opinions of others, get out there and try products out for yourself. I’ve always been super lazy about taking care of my hair. Getting to know my hair type was instrumental in me mastering my haircare routine. I have high-porosity hair which is both a gift and a curse. I love to wear my hair curly, but in the winter months, air drying can be tough here in NYC. For an easy look, I will opt for a braid, a half up half down do, or a sleek bun. Below are some of my favorite products to use for these easy but classic styles.
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9. Skincare
Taking care of your skin does not have to be difficult and it definitely does NOT have to be expensive. I used to spend so much unnecessary money on fancy products only to have them not work. There are some amazing products that work wonders at the drugstore. I also shop at Target for all my skincare needs. Below is my favorite moisturizer that I buy from Target! The bottle is massive and it lasts forever.
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As a final note, keep in mind that this is not to say you shouldn’t love yourself for who you are. That is not what this article (or any article on this blog) is about. This is just a gentle reminder that there is no harm in self-accentuation through the art of self-care. Because in the end, caring for yourself in all forms is the best form of self-love.