How to Look Expensive on a Budget

There’s a chic party this weekend and you want to look your best. Unfortunately, you have nothing to wear and are on a budget.

Almost everyone wants to look rich, successful, and sophisticated, but most designer clothes and high-profile brands come with price tags that could make your jaw drop.

But what if we told you, you don’t need to splurge on the latest designer outfits to look classy and expensive? That’s because class is a state of mind, and by following some simple style tricks and investing in a few well-made staples, you can easily pull off a chic, powerful, and put-together look without breaking your bank account!

So here are some tips and tricks on how to look expensive on a budget.

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Choose Neutral Colors

Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with her iconic black dress. One of the easiest ways to look expensive on a budget is by wearing neutral colors. Neutral colors never go out of style and are easier to integrate into your wardrobe than bold, vibrant colors or patterns. They are incredibly versatile and can elevate your overall outfit effortlessly. Black, white, olive green, brown, grey, and taupe are some popular neutral colors. Luckily, good-quality neutral-toned pieces are usually more affordable than loud prints. And since they’re timeless, you won’t need to constantly update your wardrobe.

Invest In Long-term Pieces

Instead of buying lots of cheap clothes to keep up with the latest fashion trend, invest in fewer but higher-quality pieces of clothing. Although statement pieces, such as a pair of jeans that lasts for years or a top-quality coat, might cost a bit more than your basics or staples, they’ll pay off in the long run. Since you won’t need to update them often, they’re excellent investments.

Go Monochromatic

There’s something subtle yet sassy about monochromatic outfits, which effortlessly flatter all body shapes.  They’ll make you look slimmer and taller without eating up your budget.

An all-black look is almost synonymous with style and sophistication. It’s incredibly elongating and works great as a base for any outfit. All you have to do is spice it up with a bracelet or a watch or any simple accessory you have lying around. But if you like taking risks, you can try other colors like red, navy blue, neon green, or hot pink as well. Remember, when going monochromatic, you don’t need to have the exact hue for tops and bottoms. Mixing different shades of one color is a great way to make your look more interesting. 

Clothes That Fit are Flattering

People often wear oversized clothes to hide parts of their body they’re insecure about.

But whatever your size, wearing clothes that fit your body shape is one of the most effective solutions if you’re thinking about how to look expensive on a budget. Fitted clothes say class, confidence, and wealth.

Avoid clothes that are too loose or too tight. While baggy, oversized, or slouchy clothes may be more comfortable to wear, polished, well-tailored clothes that subtly accentuate your curves can give you a classy, chic look effortlessly.

Getting your old clothes tailored to fit you properly is also another affordable way of breathing new life into your wardrobe.

Add A Classic Coat or Blazer

A strong black coat or a tailored blazer can instantly give you a more polished look and take your outfit from drab to fab. Even a simple tank top paired with a blazer or a timeless trench coat paired with loungewear can make you look classy and sophisticated.

Add Accessories

Accessories add extra spice to an outfit with minimum effort. Whether it’s a piece of simple gold jewelry, a structured bag, or statement shoes, wearing quality accessories can lift your look. So, opt for bags with flat surfaces that hold their shape, shoes with pointed toes since they offer a leaner and more elongated look, and simple jewelry like a gold necklace, pair of hoop earrings, or a chic bangle.

Take Care of Your Clothes

Minimizing your purchases is the best way to stay on budget. And the best way to achieve this is by properly caring for your clothes so they last longer.

This means washing your clothes according to the manufacturer’s directions, steaming them before wearing, dry-cleaning clothes with delicate fabrics, and hanging or folding them neatly in your wardrobe.

Moreover, wearing wrinkle-free clothes is definitely the easiest and cheapest way to look crisp, sharp, and expensive.

Be a Minimalist

When it comes to elegant aesthetics, “less is more” is a good rule to follow. Avoid over-the-top embellishments like gaudy necklaces paired with a loud dress, and go for a sophisticated look with fewer competing colors. And when in doubt. You can always go with a monochromatic outfit for a cool classic look that will have people looking at you for the right reasons.

Focus on Fabrics

Your garment’s fabric can make or break your whole look. Whether it’s weekend wear, a first-date ensemble, or a business-casual look, good-quality fabric is the foundation of a classy and timeless outfit.

It’s best to steer clear of rayon, polyester, and nylon since they generally don’t fit properly on your body. Invest in natural fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, and linen which not only look luxurious but are durable, long-lasting, and better for your budget.

Keep Your Makeup Simple

Go for simple, natural makeup that highlights your features to create a glowing, radiant look. Tasteful makeup based on a gentle foundation and neutral colors can make you look more polished and expensive than over-the-top cat eye-liners or false lashes.

Mix and Match

Creating new outfits with what you already have is one of the smart ways to look expensive on any budget. Whether it’s pairing your silk top with a cotton pleated skirt or wearing the same color scheme in different textures, when you master the art of mixing textures and patterns, you can elevate any look easily.

Keep Your Nails Presentable

Clean and file your nails regularly and make sure they’re all the same length. You can also get manicures at inexpensive parlors or use top-quality nail paint at home.

Style Your Hair

How you groom yourself goes a long way in enhancing or downgrading your overall look. Regularly trim your hair and keep it free from damaged split ends. Moreover, classic hairstyles like a short bob, a bun, a low ponytail, or a French braid can make you look chic and sophisticated in minutes.

Take Care of Yourself

One of the most important ways to look expensive on a budget is to take care of your health and wellbeing. Get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Prioritizing your health is essential to looking good no matter what you’re wearing.

Conclusion

That was our list of tips on how to look expensive on a budget. From wearing neutral-toned clothes, wearing the right accessories, to keeping your style minimalistic, you’ve learned that there are inexpensive ways to spice up your wardrobe.

When it comes down to it though, confidence is the most essential accessory you can wear to look chic and classy effortlessly. Confidence gives you that special spark which no cloth or designer can. Best of all, it’s free.

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