How To Dress Expensive (So You Always Look Good!)

Want to make your wardrobe look like it came straight from a high-end fashion brand without breaking the bank. You’re in luck. With just a few simple tweaks, you can elevate your style without sacrificing your savings. The myth that expensive-looking clothing has to come with an equally pricey price tag is just that – a myth. In reality, it’s all about mastering a few key styling tricks and having an eye for detail.

Whether you’re a fashion novice or a seasoned pro, these 20+ styling tips will help you create a wardrobe that looks like it cost a fortune without actually spending a fortune.

20+ Stylish Ways That’ll Make Your Wardrobe Look Expensive

Whether you’re a fashion novice or a seasoned pro, these 20+ styling tips will help you create a wardrobe that looks like it cost a fortune without actually spending a fortune.

Keep a Razor & Lint Roller Handy.

The connection between a razor or lint roller and enhancing fast fashion quality may seem counterintuitive at first. However, when your clothes are plagued by pilling, fur, hair, and other debris, using a lint roller in tandem with a razor to smooth out those fuzzy threads can have a profound impact on the overall appearance of your outfits. By removing these unwanted fibers and threads, you can significantly improve the look and feel of your fast fashion pieces.

Don’t Buy or Keep Clothes That Don’t Fit Right.

It’s a common phenomenon for many women to cling to clothes and accessories that no longer fit their bodies. They often do this with the optimistic assumption that they’ll magically shrink into those items one day, but holding onto clothes that are too small can actually hinder your fashion sense rather than help it.

Not only do these items take up valuable space in your closet, giving you an unrealistic expectation of what you can wear when the time comes, but they also limit your wardrobe options and create a distorted view of your personal style. Instead of hoping for a miracle fit, consider donating or altering those ill-fitting pieces to make way for more flattering and wearable clothing that reflects your current figure.

Have appropriate clothing pieces for all weather conditions.

Rather than investing in novelty pieces designed to be worn only on rare occasions, focus on building a core wardrobe that can adapt to various climate conditions and seasonal changes. This approach not only saves you money but also simplifies your decision-making process when getting dressed. The idea is to cultivate a few high-quality staples that can be mixed-and-matched to create multiple outfits for different weather scenarios.

What should I wear for every season?

When it comes to dressing for different weather conditions, there are certain types of clothing that are more suitable than others. This is determined by the heat index or wind chill. In essence, there are five main categories of clothing that can be broadly categorized into temperature ranges.

These include cozy fleece garments for temperatures ranging from 45 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, winter jackets for extremely cold conditions below 25 degrees, light to medium coats for milder temperatures between 25 and 44 degrees, shorts for warm weather above 75 degrees, and finally short sleeves and tank tops for temperatures of 65 degrees or higher.

Spend more on Classics that’ll stand the test of time.

Imagine investing in timeless pieces like dark wash skinny jeans or a bespoke blazer While it’s possible to find these items at fast-fashion retailers, they’re often considered classic staples that can withstand the test of time if you opt for high-quality construction and materials that will last for years to come. By prioritizing longevity over fleeting trends, you’ll not only elevate your overall style but also cultivate a wardrobe that’s both cost-effective and versatile in the long run.

The key is to strike a balance between investing in timeless, well-made pieces and mixing them with more affordable, trendy items to create a look that’s both polished and budget-friendly.

Pay Close Eye to Details.

When scouring through the clearance rack or shopping for budget-friendly options, it’s easy to overlook minor flaws that can significantly impact the overall quality of your garments. Uneven stitching, flimsy buttons, and wonky zippers can quickly compromise the integrity of your clothes, causing them to fall apart prematurely. To ensure you get value for your money, be diligent in inspecting every detail, no matter how small it may seem.

By doing so, you’ll not only extend the lifespan of your garments but also maintain a polished look that’s reminiscent of high-end fashion.

Avoid Fake Bling.

While incorporating affordable jewelry into your wardrobe is an excellent strategy for achieving an upscale look, it’s essential to maintain a balanced approach. Rather than relying heavily on artificial gemstones and diamonds, consider investing in quality pieces featuring real gold or silver. To add an extra layer of protection and prevent tarnishing, a thin coat of clear nail polish can be applied to these metal accents, ensuring they retain their luster for a longer period.

Pick the right amount of stretch.

When searching for a budget-friendly pair of jeans, pay attention to subtle signs such as fading, shrinking, and minute details. Overly stretchy denim can lead to thin, saggy pants, whereas heavier pairs tend to last longer. To maximize the lifespan of your jeans, opt for denim comprising 98% cotton and 2% elastane, and scrutinize labels for the presence of Spandex and Lycra. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy a pair that’s both comfortable and long-lasting.

Steer Away from Fake Suede.

When it comes to replicating high-end materials, some fakes are more challenging to pull off than others. Specifically, fake suede often appears cheap and artificial, making it difficult to convincingly mimic its authentic counterpart without breaking the bank. On the other hand, faux patent leather and softer alternatives tend to exude a sense of luxury, even when purchased on a budget, giving the illusion that you’re investing in the real thing.

Stick with basic color palettes.

While some may perceive black and white ensembles as dull, the truth is that these simple color combinations can exude a sense of sophistication and timelessness. The key to achieving this look lies in sticking to a basic palette featuring neutral hues like blacks, greys, whites, beiges, browns, and tans. These understated shades are not only easy on the wallet but also ensure your wardrobe remains chic season after season.

Follow the 90/10 Rule.

To achieve an upscale-looking wardrobe without breaking the bank, consider building your foundation with neutral-colored pieces – think black, white, gray, and subtle combinations of these hues. This will account for approximately 90% of your overall wardrobe. The remaining 10% can be allocated to statement-making patterns and bold colors that add visual interest and help keep your outfits fresh season after season.

When buying handbags, the Sturdier the better.

Investing in a high-quality handbag is not just about the price tag; it’s also about the visual appeal. A well-made bag with sharp, clean lines and sturdy construction can instantly elevate its perceived value, making it look more expensive than a baggy, slouchy alternative. The key to pulling off a premium-looking bag lies in its attention to detail, from the quality of the materials used to the precision of the stitching.

When done right, a handbag’s design can make all the difference between looking like an affordable find and a luxurious investment.

Wear Patterns Diligently.

Mastering the art of fashion requires an understanding of color theory, balance, and composition. This is particularly true when mixing patterns, as it demands a delicate touch to create a visually appealing outfit. Take, for instance, pairing plaid pants with other patterns. To achieve a harmonious look, select a bold print that you love and pair it with a neutral basic, such as a dark shirt or vice versa.

Match Hardware.

Elevating your wardrobe’s sophistication is as simple as incorporating thoughtful hardware choices into your outfits. This can be achieved through the strategic use of belts, shoe buckles, buttons, zippers, and other decorative elements on clothing or accessories. The key is to ensure that these additions complement each other seamlessly. A great example of this principle in action can be seen when pairing a navy blazer with gold-toned hardware.

To maintain the upscale aesthetic, it’s essential to select shoes with buckles or embellishments that harmonize with the jacket’s buttons, rather than introducing an opposing metal tone like silver. By considering these subtle details, you’ll naturally create outfits that exude refinement and sophistication.

Replace outdated Zippers and Buttons.

Elevating the appearance of affordable clothing can be achieved through subtle yet impactful upgrades. By replacing plain, inexpensive-looking fasteners such as buttons or tiny zippers with higher-quality alternatives, you can instantly transform your outfit into one that appears to be worth much more.

This simple yet effective trick is a great way to add visual interest and sophistication to even the most basic of garments, making them look like they belong in a high-end fashion collection rather than a fast-fashion store.

Play with your body’s silhouette to achieve the right look.

To create the illusion of greater height, ensure that your pants sit comfortably at your waistline – high-waisted jeans are particularly effective in this regard. Additionally, opt for elongated necklaces and necklines that draw the eye upwards, further accentuating your stature. By subtly manipulating the natural silhouette of your body through these styling techniques, you can create a height-boosting effect without breaking the bank.

Question Every Purchase no matter how big or small.

As you browse through your wardrobe or venture into stores, pause for a moment to reflect on each item’s purpose. Ask yourself: ‘Will this piece enhance my personal style and help me achieve the look I’ve always wanted?’ Additionally, consider whether the clothing will exude an air of sophistication and quality. By adopting this mindset, you’ll likely find yourself returning items more frequently, as your standards for what constitutes a great addition to your wardrobe will have increased.

Have ready-to-wear dress shoes.

Elevating the style of your wardrobe doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your shoe collection. Investing in timeless, versatile dress shoes available in neutral shades such as black and beige can provide a solid foundation for dressing up or down. With these staples at your disposal, you’ll always have a reliable option to suit any occasion.

Be extra picky with sale racks.

When it comes to fast fashion, we’ve all been guilty of getting caught up in the excitement of scoring affordable pieces that mimic designer styles. But before you impulse-buy that $15 top, remember: just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a must-have. The next time you’re browsing through racks, take your time and approach them with a discerning eye.

Don’t be afraid to dig through the sale sections as if they were new arrivals—you might be surprised at the hidden gems you can discover. By being selective and taking a more thoughtful approach, you can build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time.

Add Accessories.

In the world of fashion, accessories have the power to elevate or deflate an entire outfit. Whether you’re someone who loves layering rings on multiple fingers, carrying a stylish handbag that adds a pop of color, showcasing a collection of bangles on one wrist, or topping off your look with a trendy hat – it’s crucial to strike the perfect balance and keep things simple.

Don’t forget well-fitted underwear.

When it comes to creating a stylish and polished look, often the most overlooked factor is the quality of our underwear. Despite being hidden from view, a poorly fitted bra or visible panty lines can instantly detract from an otherwise great outfit. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. With so many lingerie shops across America offering seamless underwear options with precise bra fittings, it’s easier than ever to ensure that your undergarments are not only comfortable but also invisible.

By prioritizing seamless fitting undergarments whenever possible, you can effortlessly elevate the aesthetic of your outfit to look more expensive and put-together.

Don’t stay stuck in an era.

As we grow and evolve as individuals, our fashion preferences and necessities will inevitably shift with each passing season. Yet, it’s easy for our wardrobes to become stuck in a particular time warp or era. This phenomenon can lead us down the same familiar path repeatedly – struggling to find the right attire when we need it most. To avoid this stalemate, it’s crucial to stay current and be open to trying new styles.

By building a solid foundation for your wardrobe (as outlined earlier), you’ll have the freedom to experiment with fresh looks, ultimately giving your overall style a high-end feel.