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I think it’s safe to say that everyone wants to look expensive, especially if it doesn’t involve a huge credit card bill. You know what they say – fake it till you make it, right? But dare I say, learning how to look good without having to pay a ton of money is making it. As a follow-up to my first post on ways to look expensive, I’m bringing you part two – here are 9 more fabulous ways you can look expensive. Starting today!
1. Pick a Couple of Pieces To Invest In
You don’t need to be wearing head-to-toe designer to look expensive, but you do have to be a bit choosy about the fabrics that you put on your body. Let’s say it’s the season of fall. Your top and jeans could be from H&M, but no one would know if you have a gorgeous wool camel coat. Quality fabric and a timeless piece: the makings of any expensive-looking wardrobe. Sometimes you just need that one “winner” piece to take your whole look up a notch.
2. Stick With Neutral Colors
You don’t need to change who you are if you and color are *like this*, but there’s a reason neutrals are associated with classiness. Neutral colors don’t date your wardrobe to a certain season, age, or time. Instead, neutral colors say, “Wow, that girl has got it together.” (Even if you don’t – that will be our little secret though.) Neutral colors don’t have to mean all black either. Navy, gray, brown, and white all work too!
3. Dress for Your Best Features
What do you like about yourself the most? Spend time finding items that play those up! Like your neck? Go with v-necks and off-the-shoulder tops that show off your decolletage. Like your waist? Wear high-waisted bottoms that hit just right, or cinch yourself in with a belt. Not only will you look good, but you’re going to feel more confident and we all know attitude is 50% of what you wear!
4. Be Mindful of Bare Skin
Now, I’m not trying to tell anyone what to do with their bodies, but women who look expensive are usually elegant too, and elegance comes from being decent and choosing when and what to cover up. Celebrities like the Kardashians may look expensive to those in the know with fashion, but if you don’t know labels, then you probably wouldn’t think they look very high-end. If you’d like to highlight a favorite body part, do so in moderation. This will make even more of an impact! Be a sniper instead of a grenade.
5. Try Out a Monochromatic Look
A monochromatic look doesn’t have to be drab, because you can have lots of fun mixing and matching textures. And as a bonus, wearing one color head to toe will look very polished!
6. Dabble in Some Designer Dupes
Incorporate dupes into your wardrobe in moderation, because sometimes a closet full of “fake” items can actually make you look cheaper. I have a pair of Chanel slingback dupes that I love. There’s no logo and they’re not trying to be Chanel, but they have the same style and color and because of that, I think it instantly classes up the look and gives chic Chanel vibes!
7. Skip the Grunge and Athleisure Trends
Baggy, oversized clothes with rips and holes, as well as leggings with dad sneakers, do not give off expensive vibes, even if your shoes are Balenciaga and you paid $950 for them! This should be another reminder that just because something is designer and/or expensive, doesn’t mean it’s going to instantly class you up. Take the Golden Goose sneakers as another example. Though I think they’re cool, they’re still $480 for scuffed-up sneakers, and most people on the streets are just going to think your sneakers are old.
8. Highlight Your Personal Style
If you don’t know what you’re doing and you end up trying too hard, guess what? You’re going to look like you’re trying too hard! When in doubt, try to stay true to who you are. It’s cheesy advice, but it works. Don’t even know what your style is? I created a resource for you that will help you discover your personal style and dress in a way that feels like you!
9. Wear Luxe Fabrics
Wear fabrics that are considered to be expensive across the board, even if you didn’t spend a lot of money on them! For example, velvet and silk/satin give off luxe vibes.
Some people say sequels are never as good, but incorporating these 9 more tips is sure to have you feeling and looking luxurious without having to pay for it!
Want the rest of your life to feel luxurious too? Up Next: How to Live a Luxurious Life On a Budget
Love these different ways and tips!! I love picking out specific pieces to invest in and then completing the look with non-designer items.
Kileen
cute & little
Such a good way to do it!
Love these tips!
I’m glad!
I have always been a fan of your style and I am so glad that I read your blog post today Carolyn! These tips are right on the points and very practical. Style doesn’t need to be expensive all the time and you demonstrated this so well in your winning styling. BTW, I don’t know you are photographer and your images are so beautiful. Keep on shining and inspiring us my true fashionista.
Xx
Ting
https://www.tingmystyle.com
Aw thank you so much, Ting! That is such a nice comment!!
Monochromatic looks always give off fancy vibes to me! I’ve never thought about textures but that’s a great tip!
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Happy to give you a new tip!
You are so full of excellent tips! By the way, the sniper vs grenade analogy did make sense to me haha!
Hahaha well I’m glad it did!
Awesome post! Could you make a post about your healthy habits/workout routines? I seriously need some summer #fitspiration
Thanks for the idea, Katie! Will definitely work on this!
You definitely look expensive in these looks! Total black outfit goes so well on you!
I love an all-black look!
I’m loving the monochrome looks! So much inspiration here. The mini white bag and white sandals are super chic
Thank you! I’m loving my new pearl bag!
Ah! These are such great ideas! I love the monochromatic look – it can be so striking if done right. Love these tips!
Agreed! But I feel there is flexibility in styling and it’s not too hard to do!
There is a saying my friend told me:
3 places never to skimp.
1. Shoes
2. Desk Chair
3. Bed
These items should always be comfortable, you spend a third of your life in each one.
Yes, love that! In fact, I definitely need a more comfortable desk chair now that you say that…
Wow lovely piece. I love love the monochromatic tip. Will definitely try the all black one when it gets cooler.