Simple Ways to Make Your Outfit Look Expensive

There are so many ways to elevate your wardrobe and look more pulled-together. And thankfully, it doesn’t come with a big price tag.

You really don’t need to wander into a high-end store and look through the sales rack only to turn away because it’s still too much money. In fact, there are so many ways to make your outfits look more expensive than they really are.

And below, I have some styling tips that will help you have chic and polished looks on a near daily basis.

Spending over $500 on pieces that are supposed to be quality just aren’t necessary if you’re trying to look more sophisticated.

So read over these tips for making your outfit look more expensive and see what changes you can make today or later on this week.

1. Add One Heirloom-Looking Accessory

A simple way to elevate your look is to have pieces that looks heirloom.

So think vintage or vintage-inspired jewelry like signet rings, silk scarves, or timeless bags. It’s a simple way to dress up an outfit and make people unsure if you inherited the piece or just thrifted smart.

2. Tuck It In

Tucking in those long shirts, oversized sweaters, and loose blouses takes your outfit to the next level.

It provides a clean and polished look that screams sophistication. And if you want to emphasize your waist, add a belt to create an even more refined and put-together outfit.

Just make sure that the belt is in a neutral color for that more expensive look.

3. Make Friends With The Tailor

When I lived in Istanbul, a friend of mine would talk about how nearly every women in the city would head to the tailor to get their outfits fixed. And I believed her; they always looked amazing.

It really is a quick way to make your clothing look like it seamlessly works with your body type.

Also, tailoring your clothes for a customized fit will take that cheap skirt from H&M to the next level.

Trimming that extra long hem, taking in your new dress an inch or two, and adding or removing stitches will maximize style while avoiding a high end price tag.

4. Pointed-Toe Shoes or Loafers

If you’re shopping for shoes, then make sure to grab some pointed-toe shoes or loafers.

These types of shoes instantly elongate and polish your silhouette with no effort. But just make sure to stick with leather or faux leather with minimal hardware. Chunky gold logos, oversized buckles, or loud studs are an easy way to dress down your look.

5. Structured Clothing

Structured pieces signal quality. So think tailored blazers, crisp collars, darted dresses, or well fitted pants.

Slouchy and poorly fitting pieces can sometimes look thrown together and won’t make you stand out. So when shopping, make sure to buy clothing that’s structured and looks good on your body type.

6. Switch Cheap Bags for Structured Alternatives

Just like baggy shirts and slouchy sweaters, baggy, unstructured, and slouchy bags and backpacks have the same effect.

So use a structured purse to add a touch of high-end fashion (without breaking the bank) to your outfit.

7. Maintain Like New

Keeping your clothing touched up and looking like new is vital for adding that expensive look to your outfit.

And if you’re noticing some wear, then it’s time to fix and even take your clothing to the dry cleaners for some TLC.

8. Stick to One “Statement” Per Outfit

Having one statement piece for your look, like a good pair of pointed heels, a structured bag, or jewelry, is a very simple and practical way to take your outfit from simple to expensive looking.

Just make sure that it’s only one piece as having two or more can look a bit too loud.

9. Match Your Metals

If you’re going to wear jewelry, then make sure that the metals match.

Consistency in gold or silver tones in jewelry, belt buckles, and bags shows that you’re putting your look together with intention.

10. Go Monochromatic

Wearing a mix of bright colors that just don’t work together is an easy way to dress down an outfit.

But using a monochromatic color palette is simple and looks refined.

And whether you’re using different shades, or all white or black, you can also experiment with different textured fabrics to make a more unique look.

11. Avoid Logos

Logos have started to become associated with new money and honestly, wearing someone else’s name on your clothing isn’t the best move.

So if you wanna go for a more elevated and old-money look, then buy well fitted clothing that looks like quality without the brand name on it.

12. Change Out Your Buttons

One thing that can give some clothing pieces a cheaper look are the buttons; plastic buttons can sometimes look low quality.

But if you want to level up your outfit, then try looking for metal or (fake) pearl buttons for a more expensive look.

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