10 Ways To Make Your Everyday Outfit Look More Expensive
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Don’t underestimate the value of dressing to impress! After all, when you look good, you feel good. You’re naturally more confident and comfortable, and that’s truly priceless. That said, fashion and frugality don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s absolutely possible to look like a million bucks, even when you’re pinching pennies. Follow these 10 tips to elevate your style on the cheap.
Embrace Unique and/or Minimal Designs
Your personal style is, well, personal. You know what you like, and there’s no need to compromise your look, even if you’re on a tight budget. That said, going outside of your comfort zone can be a great way to add some pop to your style without spending your whole paycheck.
Embrace the more extreme sides of the spectrum — flashier attire and/or minimalist staples. Try incorporating outside-the-box pieces like shackets. Expensive clothing often pushes boundaries. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s loud or over-the-top, although those looks can work great if you style them right. Just try wearing unique clothes with purpose. Whether that’s layering utilitarian staples or rocking wild animal prints, go big with your look!
Abandon Trends and Embrace Timeless Pieces
It’s no secret that replacing dated wardrobe pieces gets expensive. Instead of trying to catch a fleeting trend, buy time-tested pieces that are always in vogue. Take the iconic little black dress, for example. You can wear it virtually anywhere (and at any point in time) and know you look incredible.
Here are some other timeless staples to incorporate into your wardrobe:
Trench coats (especially tan!)
Black pumps
Equestrian boots
Pencil skirts
White tees
All-white sneakers
Statement scarves
Save Money for Luxury Pieces That Are Worth It
While there are plenty of luxury fashion brands that are 100% worth every cent, many of them are basically just putting their brand name on a piece and charging for brand recognition alone. Sometimes, you don’t even get the brand recognition! Many luxury pieces look identical to budget-friendly options aside from a hidden tag, and nobody’s going to check your tag!
For example, why spend $100 on a black tee when you could get the same look for $10? Embrace the luxury brands when it truly matters, but skip them if an economical version is available. That way, you’ll have more money to spend on women’s contemporary clothing that’s genuinely worth the money.
Go Monochrome
Wearing clothes that are all the same color is a fashion-forward look that doesn’t require big spending. You can’t go wrong with all white or all black. Neutral tones like tans, beiges, creams, and greys are all great options, too. You can even go with bolder colors when you’re feeling fierce!
Nail the Fit
It doesn’t matter how much you spent on your outfit if it doesn’t fit right. In the world of women’s fashion, there are so many different cuts and designs. Some are meant to be form-fitting, while others are meant to slouch. Make sure you’re wearing each piece the way the designer intended. If it doesn’t fit right (especially if it’s one of the pricier items in your wardrobe), consider getting it tailored.
Hit the Thrift Stores for Shabby-Chic Attire
Pricy fashion isn’t always glamorous. Plenty of celebrities and other affluent people shop at thrift stores and other used or discount clothing outlets because that’s where you’re able to find one-of-a-kind pieces. That vintage tee may cost you pocket change, but the look is on point!
Plus, you might even get lucky on your search and end up giving an overlooked expensive item a second home. Enjoy the treasure hunt!
Develop Your Own Style
The first step on any fashion journey is learning how to dress in a way that makes you feel confident. Once you develop your own style, you should be able to find pieces that work anywhere, from big box retailers to tiny boutiques. Don’t pay for fashion — create it yourself! Once you have a specific vision, bringing it to life is so much easier. Shop with intention.
Accessorize
Even cheap accessories can elevate an ordinary outfit to extraordinary levels. For example, some oversized sunglasses with a black dress can be done on a budget, but you’ll look like a movie star. Some gold earrings or a necklace can add a little bit of shine to complete the look.
It’s often difficult (if not impossible) to differentiate between a luxury accessory and an affordable one, so rock those faux leather leggings if they look amazing! Another great tip is to splurge on high-end items that are inherently on the affordable side. For example, trendy hats or socks won’t usually break the bank, even if you’re buying the top brands.
Iron or Steam Your Clothes
The cost of your outfit is moot if it’s a wrinkly mess! A pressed or steamed cheap blouse is going to look infinitely better than a crumpled luxury one. Even if ironing or steaming isn’t practical every day, it’s nice to have the option available for those special occasions when you want every detail to be perfect. This is one of the most effective ways to make cheap clothes look expensive, so don’t overlook it!
Share Luxury Pieces with a Friend
One of the best ways to cut costs is to share costs with your bestie. Of course, it helps if you’re both the same size, but there are plenty of items that are universally sized. For example, you could borrow a luxury handbag while she borrows your pearl necklace. Just make sure you trust each other and know that there won’t be any hard feelings if an item gets damaged or lost!
Try Not to Overthink It
The best looks are effortless. While high-end clothing can be alluring, it’s easy to end up looking like a brand billboard if you’re not careful. The simple truth is that most people aren’t judging the cost of your outfit, so don’t stress about it!
If you like how you look, that’s the most important thing. Confidence is free, and nothing looks better. Remember: True beauty comes from the inside. Start by loving yourself. From there, everything else is just icing on the cake!