This post shows you tips for how to look expensive on a budget!
Do you want to be stylish and magnetic when you walk into a room? Many people think you have to shell out thousands of dollars for a high-quality look.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth!
With a little frugal shopping, intention, and patience, you can find quality pieces that will make a statement and last you for years.
Frugal does not mean cheap. It’s quite the opposite. It means being resourceful and finding the best quality items for the least expensive price! To me, that’s true luxury.
I refuse to pay full price for anything. It actually makes me sick to pay for any item that was not on sale. If I sound dramatic, it’s because I am!
My style is inspired by finding deals on quality pieces that I would never be able to afford or would ever pay full price for.
Curating a new wardrobe takes time so don’t feel like you have to find everything at once but you should shop for less, more often.
A good tip is for every “new” outfit you bring in, you also rotate one out.
This simple change will make you very intentional about the decisions you make and will subconsciously spill into other areas of your life.
Why Learning How to Look Expensive On a Budget Works
There’s just something about looking classy and put together in a fashion-forward way that no one can adopt and in a style that’s easy on your wallet!
Besides freedom of expression, there are a few other reasons why you should learn how to look expensive on a budget:
- Looks Matter. Did you know that it’s been scientifically proven that people who put effort into their appearance are more successful than those who don’t? Fashion is a language. What is your style and appearance saying to the world?
- Save Money. Frugal fashion is a budget-friendly trend that never really goes out of style and is easy on the wallet. There is absolutely nothing better than receiving compliments on an outfit I bought at Goodwill!
- Boost Mood. The idea of looking “expensive” means focusing on quality over quantity. Choosing to spend wisely means you’ll be more satisfied with your clothes. It also means cutting down on hoarding and clutter for a clean and minimalist closet space.
How to Look Expensive On a Budget – 14 Simple Tips to Upgrade Your Look
1. Shop Secondhand for Timeless Pieces
The secret to never going out of style is staying timeless and classic. Learn how to thrift for quality clothes and you’ll always make a statement!
Each piece of clothing on a hanger is like a frozen chapter of time and when someone wears the clothing, it’s brought back to life.
I strongly recommend you visit thrift stores in person near you in more affluent areas or even venture out to nearby towns if you need to.
Insist on browsing online? Poshmark, Ebay, and ThredUp are popular marketplaces to find secondhand pieces as well.
2. Prioritize Versatility with Layering
If you want to achieve an effortless and chic look while being comfortable, the secret is layering!
To start, find several neutral basics that are lightweight and can be easily added or removed to create a new look.
Undershirts, tights, undershirts, shawls, sweaters, dresses, and blazers, are all easy to mix and match.
Scarves are my favorite upgrade to make anything look more classic and chic.
They’re cozy, cute, and it’s easier to invest in a high-quality scarf than a new outfit!
3. Take the Extra Time for Self-Care
Take care of yourself, smell good, and stay moisturized and you will look better than 99.9% of people!
Be choosy about perfume! The higher-end and expensive perfumes are worth it and a little goes a long way.
Investing in physical details like routine trims, shaping your eyebrows, and keeping your nails manicured makes you look more expensive and well-kept.
Take it up a notch and adopt a simple skincare routine at night. Make sure you’re always moisturized with lotion or body oils after showering.
4. Avoid Brand Obsession
Only buying something brand name because you think that makes it more high-end is a complete waste of money.
Don’t fall for the traps of consumerism. Genuine and subtle confidence will garner you much more attention.
Avoid clothing with writing that makes you a walking billboard unless it’s for a cause or something you’re passionate about.
It’s okay to wear and like your favorite brands. Just don’t be obsessive to the point of tackiness, balance is key!
5. Get Your Clothes Tailored
If you’ve never had your clothes tailored by a tailor or seamstress, now is the time.
My first time, it cost me about $35 per piece of clothing. If professional tailoring isn’t in the budget, it’s always the perfect time to learn how to sew!
Many modern clothes sizes sold in stores are strategically made so they can fit more people in a 2-3” range, and that can make wearing some things, just a tad bit off.
Getting your clothes tailored to fit is really in the small details and makes all the difference!
6. Wear Neutral Colors to Mix and Match
I love patterns but neutral colors allow you to get away with wearing pieces more often than not.
It is also the easiest way to mix and match pieces to create new outfits.
Have a healthy mix of neutral colors in your wardrobe like black, camel, navy, gray, and white colors as a base.
Don’t shy away from using other colors as neutrals as well.
Solids just happen to be more practical if you don’t have the wiggle room in your budget.
7. Shop for Quality Clothing Materials That Will Last
Everywhere I turn, ads are from Shien, Temu, or Amazon. Fast fashion has got a chokehold on the younger generations.
But did you know these materials are full of chemicals damaging to your health? Not to mention, everyone is starting to wear the same things.
You do not have to spend a fortune to find quality. Start looking at tags and look out for natural breathable materials like cotton and linen.
I encourage you to visit thrift stores to become familiar with quality but you can also find new quality items at traditional stores too!
8. Sit UP With Confidence
Exercise, therapy, and meditation can have positive impact on your confidence, but especially your posture.
Avoid hunching. I know it’s hard since many of us are on a phone or laptop.
Build your confidence by holding your head high, taking up space, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Inspire others by becoming the best version of you. Watch your confidence soar. People will notice the change and act accordingly.
9. Invest in Nice Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Personally, I don’t feel like any outfit I wear is complete without my rose-gold watch.
Watches are such a classic and simple accessory that you rarely see women wear these days.
It’s the perfect conversation starter with other people.
It’s also a constant reminder that your time is valuable and ticking away no matter what so be mindful about who and what you’re spending it on!
10. Always Have a Clean Pair of Shoes
No matter how cool, clean, and chic an outfit is, if your shoes are dirty and dingy, people are going to judge you!
Shoes are one area I recommend you invest significant money in if you want quality.
For casual outfits, my favorite go-to is a pair of crisp white tennis shoes that tend to match anything.
Whatever your normal go-to favorite pair is, wear them everywhere, but wear them with care!
11. Take Care of Your Clothes With Preventative Maintenance
Taking care of your clothes is key.
Natural fabrics tend to be more wrinkled so you will need an iron or steamer, if you’re like me!
Make sure your clothes aren’t covered in lint or pet hair. Throw out clothes with holes or make sure you’re able to repair them.
Tip: Use cold water to keep your clothes fresh and long-lasting.
None of your clothes need hot water unless you’ve been rolling around in straight mud.
12. Buy a Fabric Shaver
If buying new clothes is not in the budget, go shopping in your closet and pick your older but favorite pieces for a refresh.
If they are old and covered in lint, invest in a fabric shaver!
This small investment is an easy way to give old clothes a makeover and convince people they’re brand new.
Try a basic blade with no rubber on the inside or research a professional one online. You won’t regret it!
13. Wear Subtle Make-Up
A fresh face never goes out of style.
I truly believe everyone has unique features that make them beautiful in their own way! Use make-up to enhance your features, not cover them up.
For example, I have longer eyelashes that frame my face well and I love to enhance those features with mascara.
No matter how horrible I feel, that small action helps to boost my mood when I go out.
14. Invest in a Capsule Wardrobe
An easy way to stay on budget and be intentional with shopping is to pick a color palette and stick with it so that all your clothes can mix and match.
Instead of having some pants that only work with some tops, and needing other pants for others, you can spend your pants budget on just one of each category.
One great pair of dress pants, knee skirts, leggings or whatever your go-to is!
You end up not looking like you wear the same thing every day, which can happen when you don’t realize you wear the same category constantly.
This Post Has Shown You How to Look Expensive On a Budget!
